University confronts challenge of sustainable development
Charles Hopkins, the UNESCO Chair on Education, returns to campus for the Oct. 14 public symposium on education for sustainable development. -Photo: U of R Photography Dep't

Leaders from all sectors of society and champions of post-secondary education are gathering at a public symposium in Regina on October 14 to confront the challenge of sustainable development.

The symposium, entitled "Responding: Our Role in Education for Sustainable Development," will be broadcast live via webcast on October 14 from 9 a.m. -11:45 a.m. (CST) and is hosted by the University of Regina.

A group of six panelists, including Charles Hopkins, the UNESCO Chair on Education, will share insights on how institutional practices can help re-orient research and learning for sustainability.

The impacts of unsustainable development are being felt worldwide, creating complex, interlinked development and lifestyle challenges with persistent poverty, inequality and environmental damage. In April 2009, the UNESCO General Assembly adopted the Bonn Declaration - a call for action to create sustainable development in all aspects of society through education and lifelong learning.

Post-secondary institutions can provide much-needed leadership experience in education for sustainable development (ESD) as well as scientific innovation and the ability to connect with many sectors in society.

"Sustainable development is a crucial challenge that affects all departments and institutes at the University of Regina, and is something we have committed to address in our new strategic plan," says Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina. "I am pleased to chair this important discussion that will bring the University community together with other partners from off campus who share similar concerns about sustainability. We all have a great deal to contribute both at the symposium itself and in the future."

Innovation Place, a leader in introducing creative new sustainable technologies into the design of their buildings, has teamed up with the U of R on a new ESD initiative to further develop wind energy in Saskatchewan through the University's new wind research program.

Researchers in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science will conduct applied research in wind assessment and turbine technology, using data collected from a 3.5kW Cleanfield Vertical Wind Axis Turbine. The ultimate goal is to create a vibrant wind engineering graduate program, and establish the U of R as a regional testing and certification centre for small wind turbines.

At the University level, this program will bring together the work of a variety of faculties and academic areas from Engineering and Applied Science to Education and Public Policy.

"We have to stop ‘siloing' sustainable development as an issue only for environmentalists or aid organizations, and see the integrated nature of this challenge as affecting all areas of society," says Garth Pickard, a professor in the Faculty of Education and one of the ESD symposium organizers. "The Bonn Declaration has given us the foundation for an action plan and set a new direction for education."

For more information on this public forum or the University's initiatives in education for sustainable development, please visit www.uregina.ca/oee .