In a landmark announcement, United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently officially launched the UNESCO Chair on “Climate Science and Policy” at TERI University. It aims at promoting knowledge dissemination, technology development, transfer, and information sharing on climate science and on related policy issues.
The UNESCO Chair was officially launched by the Director General of UNESCO, Ms. Irina Bokova Other distinguished guests present at the event were H.R.H. Prince Jaime de Bourbon Parme, Special Envoy on Natural Resources at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prof. V. Ramanathan, Director, Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences.
In appreciation of TERI University, Director General of UNESCO, Ms Irina Bokova, said, “TERI University works at the cutting edge of global science and policy. The University tag line - ‘an institution of constructive inquiry’ - is very inspiring and encouraging as a driving force for people. The University is playing a key role in addressing issues pertaining to sustainability, which require a multidisciplinary approach
.” She also stated that UNESCO has been closely associated with TERI on the SEARCH Project and Green Olympiad, and that the UNESCO Chair is another great step forward in taking the association further.
Through this prestigious honour, TERI University seeks to strengthen the design and delivery of its new programme in climate science and policy and also boost research in different domains of climate science and policy. It will also strive in facilitating collaboration between internationally recognised researchers and teaching staff of the university and other institutions, particularly within India as well as in Asia, Europe and North America.
TERI University has already tied up with various global universities for being partners in the UNESCO Chair. This includes Scripps Institute of Oceanography and Yale Climate and Energy Institute, USA.
Dr. Leena Srivastava, Vice Chancellor, TERI University, said, “TERI University is proud and privileged to be bestowed with such a prestigious honour.” On behalf of TERI University, she expressed her gratitude to UNESCO and saluted Dr. Bokova’s leadership. Citing this collaboration as an exciting opportunity, she mentioned that TERI University is looking forward to work with UNESCO on the larger discourse of sustainable development in India and globally. Highlighting the importance of sustainability in India, she stated that there is great scope for sustainable solutions despite the diverse challenges faced by the country.
The launch of this chair will be an extraordinary opportunity for TERI University to bring the most competent academicians from selected institutions as visiting professors, to share their expertise with its students and faculty. It plans to reach out to the student community within the country and globally, and offer them the benefit of this intellectual strength though studies at TERI University.
Professor V Ramanathan, Director, Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, Scripps Institute of Oceanographywhile accepting the UNESCO Chair at TERI University, said, “I am truly delighted and honoured to be here. TERI University is doing remarkable work on a wide spectrum of issues on sustainability and climate change. The UNESCO chair bestowed on TERI University is recognition of the prominence it has achieved. I do look forward to working with the students of TERI University.”
The launch of the UNESCO Chair will enhance existing resources in research and teaching with the aim of establishing a department at TERI University dedicated to climate change/climate science and policy studies, setting up inter-institutional links/relations through visiting professors and scholarships; design of post-graduate programmes and short-term courses.
To set the ball rolling, TERI University is also planning to hold short-term training programs for university students, civil servants, businessmen, managers etc., at different levels in the area of climate change relevant to them. Apart from faculty, who will focus on climate change studies and all its aspects, students enrolling for the doctoral programme will also add to the capacity building.
Dr. Rajiv Seth, Registrar,TERI University, expressed his delight at the honour saying, “At this stage of the growth of TERI University, the UNESCO Chair would provide a platform for being able to consolidate and upscale our research and educational programme in the area of climate science and policy”.
The ceremony was followed by a panel discussion on “Protection of Nature and Sustainability of Human Civilization”. Around 200 students of the TERI University and other prestigious universities from New Delhi attended the event.
H.R.H. Prince Jaime de Bourbon Parme, Special Envoy on Natural Resources at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke about the increasing population which puts pressure on all existing resources. He emphasised the need to create institutions now in order to be prepared to tackle problems in the future as well as the importance of academics, NGOs, governments and businesses working together.
Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, Ministry of Earth of Sciences, discussed the need to address the issue of climate change at three separate levels: Global (Earth system), social system and human system.
Photo Caption :
From left to right: Director General of UNESCO, Ms. Irina Bokova, H.R.H. Prince Jaime de Bourbon Parme; Prof. V. Ramanathan, Director, Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Dr. Leena Srivastava, Vice Chancellor, TERI University, Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences.
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