Tomorrow Today

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ESD in science: revolutionary human

resource development in science and engineering

Tokyo Institute of Technology International Office

NESCO defines sustainable development as “seeking

to meet the needs of the present without compromis-

ing those of future generations” and emphasizes the

importance of “learning our way out of current social and envi-

ronmental problems and learning to live sustainably.” Science

and technology can serve as a vehicle to promote sustainable

development in various contexts. Science for sustainable devel-

opment is required across a wide range of fields, including new

emerging diseases, renewable and alternative energy, prevention

of natural disasters, and water and environmental resources, as

well as climate change. At the same time, challenges for science

in education are manifold, with a trend of declining univer-

sity enrolment figures for science and technology, insufficient

curricular focus on Millennium Development Goals and the

exploitation of new technologies, such as cyber-terrorism and

misuse of biotechnology. In this context, an attractive programme

to develop the human capacity to use science for sustainable

development faces growing demand.

Outline of the Tokyo Tech-UNESCO International

Course for Advanced Research

Education for sustainable development requires a

long-term goal, with commitment to develop individ-

ual and institutional capacity to plan, implement and

improve development activities. The Tokyo Institute

of Technology (Tokyo Tech), in collaboration with

UNESCO and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports

Science and Technology in Japan, has over 40 years of

experience of working closely with potential young

researchers from 60 different countries in the fields

of chemistry and chemical engineering, as well as the

environment. The Tokyo Tech-UNESCO International

Course For Advanced Research was established in 1965,

with the objective of educating high-level scientists,

researchers and university faculty members in devel-

oping countries through specialized scientific research

training programmes conducted in English. Young

Panel discussion at Tokyo Tech – UNESCO Fellows Symposium, Tokyo, 2009

Image: Tokyo Institute of Technology