5th International Conference on Future Education

    The 5th International Conference on Future Education: Global Leadership Challenges in Higher Education for Effective Multilateralism & Sustainable Human Security was organized by the World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS) and the World University Consortium in association with SNSPA and IAUP and took place online on 6-8 of December 2021.

    Building on insights from the UN-WAAS project on Global Leadership for the 21st Century, this conference addressed the challenges and opportunities in higher education today to identify catalytic strategies to support strengthening of multilateralism, implementation of 17 SDGs, and Sustainable Human Security for All.

    On the 7th of December Prof Koundouri gave a speech in the session Human Security and a Culture of Peace.

    Title of the Panel: Human Security and a Culture of Peace

    The COVID-19 pandemic is illustrative of the serious challenges impacting on virtually every dimension of global society today. The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals itemize these challenges and identify 169 targets for action by the nations of the world. But they do not sufficiently account for their extreme interconnectedness and interdependencies or the necessity for integrated thinking and coordinated action. Nor do they sufficiently communicate to the general public their personal relevance and importance to every person on earth. This session explores the UN concept of Human Security which is designed to provide a comprehensive, integrated framework for understanding and effective action at the local, national and global level.

    Moderator: Donato KINIGER-PASSIGLI, Vice President, World Academy of Art & Science

    Speakers:

    • Munera YOUSUFZADA, Former Deputy Minister of Defence and Deputy Governor of Kabul; Artist and Poet
    • Chantal-Line CARPENTIER, Chief, UN Conference on Trade & Development, New York; FWAAS
    • Phoebe KOUNDOURI, President-elect, European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists; FWAAS

    Watch her speech here.

    Watch the session here

    On 7/12/21 Prof. Koundouri also participated and gave a speech in the session 9A.  Education for Sustainability: Adapting to the Future.

    Title of the Panel: Education for Sustainability: Adapting to the Future

    In April 2020, colleges and universities around the world closed down due to the pandemic, disrupting the studies of 220 million college students in 170 countries. Environmentalists are clear that the disruption caused by COVID-19 may have been sudden and dramatic, but its magnitude and long-term impact will be insignificant compared to that expected from climate change. We may never be able to go back to relying completely on face-to-face classroom learning. Therefore, we need a system of education that is future-proof so it is not held hostage to future disruptions and imparts to future citizens the knowledge needed to create a sustainable future. This session discusses ways to train teachers, guide researchers and educate students in the increasing complexity and uncertainty of global society and generate a more resilient and sustainable culture.

    Moderators:

    • Amanda ELLIS, Executive Director, Asia Pacific, Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation, ASU; FWAAS
    • Paul SHRIVASTAVA, Director, Sustainability Institute; Chief Sustainability Officer, Pennsylvania State University

    Speaker: Hazel HENDERSON, Founder of Ethical Markets Media, USA; FWAAS

    Panelists:

    • Phoebe KOUNDOURI, President-elect, European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists; FWAAS
    • Chantal-Line CARPENTIER, Chief, UN Conference on Trade & Development, New York; FWAAS
    • Kehkashan BASU, Founder & President, Green Hope Foundation

    Watch the session here

    Conference paper, speakers' bio, and more here.