Sustainable Development Needs Connected and Integrated Sciences

Abstract

I thank the Government of China and the Chinese Academy of Engineering for this initiative. I can hardly think of a better country to explore the power of engineering, science and technology. Throughout a millennial history, China has given revolutionary innovations to humanity, changing the course of development of all societies. On 27 March, I had the honor to welcome His Excellency President XI to UNESCO. Speaking before Member States, President XI said, “Chinese civilization, though born on the soil of China, has come to its present form through constant exchanges and mutual learning with other civilizations.” President XI highlighted such exchanges as a force for peace—“to spread the seeds of peace so that they will take root in the hearts and minds of the world’s people.” These words echo those of the UNESCO Constitution: Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed. This idea has never been so relevant. We meet at a time of rising pressure on the planet, a time when all societies are transforming. We all recognize the deepening interdependence of the world. The question is whether we can make this interdependence a source of strength. This question stands at the heart of efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 and shape a new global development agenda to follow. All societies are seeking new sources of dynamism, to eradicate poverty, to build sustainable and lasting peace development. This is why engineering, science and technology are important and this International Conference is so timely. UNESCO was born in 1945 at the Institute of Civil Engineers in London. The world has changed, but the need for engineering, science and technology has only deepened. And so have the aspirations of all societies to benefit from progress. I believe we need today a new vision of human development, where all participate in creating and sharing knowledge and innovation. For this, we need new approaches to engineering and the sciences. We need more integrated sciences—transdisciplinary, drawing on scientific, traditional and indigenous knowledge. We need greater investment in the sciences, in countries across the world. We need more connected sciences-linked to policymaking, responding to actual needs. In 2010, UNESCO published the first global study of engineering, which highlighted its importance. From agriculture to medicine, chemistry to the environment, engineering has the power to respond to the challenges of climate change, to craft solutions that reach the unreached. The Report was equally clear on challenges. Sub-Saharan Africa needs 2.5 million new engineers and technicians to reach the Millennium Development Goal of improved access to clean water and sanitation. Least Developed countries still contribute marginally to global engineering and sciences, and derive marginal benefits from its development. The Report showed a profession under pressure-facing difficulties in attracting and retaining young men and especially women. This is the paradox we face-innovation has never been so essential, yet engineering faces steep challenges. UNESCO launched the Engineering Initiative to address this paradox. This seeks to raise the profile of engineering, notably with renewable and alternative technologies. It focuses on engineering education, especially for women to reverse the enrollment decline. We are working across the world, with Governments, professional societies, the private sector and civil society. UNESCO centers play a leading role— including the International Knowledge Center for Engineering Sciences and Engineering 2015, 1(1): 4–5 DOI 10.15302/J-ENG-2015002