Ocean Science and Knowledge for Sustainable Development
Towards a Global UNITWIN Network of UNESCO Chairs and Category 2 Centres under the Auspices of UNESCO in
Ocean and Climate Sciences, Technology and Governance.
IOC-UNESCO Parallel Thematic Sessions (Hybrid)
UNESCO Headquarters, 7 Place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris France
3 November 2022 (16:30-18:00) and 4 November 2022 (11:-12:30)
By Justin Ahanhanzo
IOC-UNESCO Focal point for UNESCO Chairs and Category 2 Centres under the auspices of UNESCO.
- Background and rationale
The International Conference to mark the 30th Anniversary of the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme entitled: “transforming knowledge for just and sustainable futures” provides a unique opportunity to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) to bring together for the first time the UNESCO Chairs and the Category 2 Centres under the Auspices of UNESCO in the related fields with the aim to establish the first UNESCO UNITWIN Chairs Network in Ocean and Climate Sciences, Technology and Governance.
Surprisingly, with a total number of 850 university Chairs and UNITWIN research networks from over 110 countries, there are only 18 UNESCO Chairs related to the ocean sciences, technology governance and coastal hazards from over 15 countries
(Group I/Europe and North America: 8; Group II/Eastern Europe: 2; Group
III/GRULAC: 3; Group IV/ASPAC: 4; Group V/Africa: 1). Some of which has
expired the duration of life period.
One could expect a higher number of UNESCO Chairs in ocean related sciences and knowledge, since global ocean, covering 70
percent of the Earth’s surface, is the planet’s largest biosphere, and
is home to up to 80 percent of all life in the world. It generates 50
percent of the oxygen that living resources including humankind need, absorbs
25 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions and captures 90 percent of
the additional heat generated from those emissions. It is not just ‘the
lungs of the planet’, but also its largest carbon sink – a vital buffer
against the impacts of climate change. The ocean nurtures unimaginable
biodiversity and produces food, jobs, mineral, and energy resources
needed for life on the planet to survive and thrive. There is a great
deal that humankind still does not know much about the ocean, but there
are many reasons why humankind needs to manage it sustainably – as set
out in the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
Today’s science is clear – the ocean is facing unprecedented threats
as a result of human activities. Its health and ability to sustain life
will only get worse as the world population grows and human activities
increase. Thus, if Governments, nations, societies, and citizens at
large want to address some of the most crucial issues of the time such
as climate change, food insecurity, diseases, and pandemics, diminishing
biodiversity, economic inequality, environmental justice, and equity;
and even conflicts and strife linked to the scramble for natural
resources, bold actions are required now to protect the state of the
ocean.
Based
on the above, it is a paradox that humankind invests more resources for
the exploration of far-reaching space planets than for the neighbor
space of our common global living ocean.
Subsequently, it is evident like a crystal water that the 30th Anniversary of the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme entitled: “transforming knowledge for just and sustainable futures” provides a unique opportunity
to the IOC-UNESCO to gather together with the relevant Chairs and
Category 2 Centres under the auspices of UNESCO with the view to take
stock of accomplishments looking back to see ahead, shaping the future
of ocean science and knowledge for sustainable development as a key
contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Objectives
The IOC-UNESCO parallel thematic sessions will help to enhance international
cooperation and networking among relevant UNESCO Chairs, Category 2
Centres under the auspices of UNESCO, partner universities and higher
education institutions to foster increased development of ocean science and knowledge for sustainable development, generate ideas to address complex multi-faceted interdependent developmental marine and coastal challenges.
The
sessions also provide an opportunity for the Chair holders,
stakeholders, and participants to meet and network with UNESCO and
IOC-UNESCO sectors programmes specialists with the view develop
innovative ideas towards co-design of further joint projects and
activities.
A
key objective is indeed to enhance institutional capacities through
knowledge sharing and collaborative platforms globally, across
hemispheres.
The ultimate objective of the IOC-UNESCO parallel thematic sessions is to pave the way for establishing the first Global UNITWIN Network of UNESCO Chairs and Category 2 Centres under the Auspices of UNESCO
in Ocean and Climate Sciences, Technology and Governance which should
be rooted in the core values of UNESCO Constitution promoting international scientific, moral, intellectual, and academic solidarity for a peaceful world. In
fact, this intellectual solidarity should not be seen as a mark of
generosity or favor based on racial or discriminatory theories of
historical superiority among human civilizations. This intellectual
solidarity is simply the very essence of and consubstantial to the
humanity.
Establishing
such a global network at a time of dramatic extreme events due to
climate change including ocean acidification and loss of marine and
coastal biodiversity is timely for several reasons of which the
following:
– The Global UNITWIN Network of UNESCO Chairs and Category 2 Centres under the Auspices of UNESCO in Ocean and Climate Sciences, Technology and Governance is timely in the wave of global mobilisation
to reverse the trends of degradation of ocean and coastal environment
and resources towards sustainable development for the desirable future.
– It is also timely as the United Nations based on the initiative and groundwork of UNESCO, its IOC-UNESCO, and Member States, have declared on 5 December 2017, that a Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development would be held from 2021 to 2030.
– It is timely as the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) was formally launched on the 1st January 2021 following its adoption by the General Assembly of the United Nations. In
fact, the Ocean Decade provides a common framework to ensure that ocean
science can fully support countries to achieve the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development. The Ocean Decade provides a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity for nations to work together to generate the global ocean science as a common public good
with the view to create a new foundation across the science-policy
interface to strengthen the management of world oceans and coasts to
ultimately support sustainable development for the benefit of humanity
in harmony with mother nature.
– It is indeed timely in the continuation of the UN Ocean Conferences (5-9 June 2017, United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA) and (Lisbon, Portugal, 27 Jun – 1 July 2022).
Finally,
the sessions will explore which evolving roles, relevant UNESCO Chairs,
UNITWIN networks, associated institutions, researchers, and scientists
can and should play in responding to the multi-dimensional crises, as
well as the associated power asymmetries and social, economic, and
environmental degradation. To achieve the above objectives, the Sessions
will examine the following existential questions:
- Pre-conference questionnaire: Existential questions for UNESCO Chairs and Category 2 Centres under the auspices of UNESCO.
1.
From the perspective of Member States, UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN
Network holders and Category 2 Centres under the auspices of UNESCO: (i)
What does the label of UNESCO Chair brings to the higher education
institutions and related Member State? (ii) What is the added value for
the host institutions and Member State?
2.
How do Member States, UNESCO Chairs, UNITWIN Network holders and
Category 2 Centres under the auspices of UNESCO explain: (i) the
contributions of the Chairs and C2C to UNESCO and IOC-UNESCO programmes,
strategic priorities taking into account the UNESCO C/4, C/5 and the
IOC Midterm Strategy and quadrennial programme and budget? (ii) What is
the added value for UNESCO and the IOC-UNESCO?
3.
Provide examples of projects results with evidence of quantifiable
impacts showing that the knowledge generated mattered, strengthened
capacities, enriched international and inter-cultural cooperation, and
promoted intellectual solidarity, invigorated greater interdisciplinary
cooperation, and catalyzed new research collaborations.
4.
What are the knowledge gaps and how to identify and harness
opportunities for transforming ocean science and knowledge for the full
implementation of the SDG#13 and SDG#14.
5.
(i) What are the local, national, regional, and international
constraints/barriers/obstacles which hampered the smooth development and
growth of the UNESCO Chairs, UNITWIN Networks and Category 2 Centres
under the auspices of UNESCO? (ii) What are the possible envisioned
solutions?
6.
How the UNESCO Chairs, UNITWIN Networks and Category 2 Centres under
the auspices of UNESCO see by 2030, their position and roles (if any) in
responding to the simultaneous crises of a multi-dimensional nature of
the 21st Century including: (i) environmental damage, (ii)
the growing effects of climate change; (iii) ocean and coastal
degradation; (iv) power asymmetries including economic, environmental
and social inequalities; (v) conflicts due to sectoral usages of coastal
and marine environment and resources; (vi) partnerships with local and
endogenous communities; (vii) theoretical models for environmental
justice and equity?
7. What are the potential mechanisms/platforms needed to ensure the smooth operations and to
help invigorate greater interdisciplinary cooperation and catalyze new
research collaborations among UNESCO Chairs, UNITWIN Networks and
Category 2 Centres under the auspices of UNESCO in Ocean and Climate Sciences, Technology and Governance as
a platform for generating foresight in UNESCO and IOC-UNESCO priority
thematic areas and to envision the further evolution of the
UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme and the C2Cs within and across UNESCO’s
priority programmes and provide opportunities for networking? (Dedicated thematic homepages? Network Coordinating office? Network Coordinators? What means for exchanges on challenges, success stories, best practices? Regular
virtual or in-person seminars? Network Newsletters, joint projects, and
activities? Sharing partner’s scientific research infrastructures?
Joint funding raising? Joint scientific publication? Science mobility
including visiting professorship and studentship among the Chairs, the
C2C including students and staff?
8. What mechanisms to ensure the leadership of UNESCO Chairs, UNITWIN Networks and Category 2 Centres under the auspices of UNESCO in Ocean and Climate Sciences, Technology and Governance at national, regional, and international levels?
9. What
are the costs implications to ensure the smooth operations and
leadership of the UNESCO Chairs, UNITWIN Networks and Category 2 Centres
under the auspices of UNESCO in Ocean and Climate Sciences, Technology and Governance to
envisage its future potential for strengthening inter-university
cooperation, international partnerships, research, teaching and
community engagement and intellectual solidarity and to serve as a
global think tank and an observatory of emerging issues and trends
related to global ocean and coasts?
10.
What are the potential sources for funding the activities of the UNESCO
Chairs, UNITWIN Networks and Category 2 Centres under the auspices of
UNESCO in Ocean and Climate Sciences, Technology and Governance?
IV. Reinforcement of national, regional, and international partnerships
– National Commissions
– UNESCO Fields networks including Regional and National Offices.
– National Permanent Delegations @ UNESCO
– Funding partners.
Working documents
C/4 and C/5 as well as international agenda including the UN Decade.
UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs revised Strategy
Information documents
Available reports
Agenda of the IOC-UNESCO Parallel Thematic Sessions (Hybrid)
Ocean Science and Knowledge for Sustainable Development
Towards a Global UNITWIN Network of UNESCO Chairs and Category 2 Centres under the Auspices of UNESCO in
Ocean and Climate Sciences, Technology and Governance.
UNESCO Headquarters, 7, Place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris France
3 November 2022 (16:30-18:00) and 4 November 2022 (11:-12:30)
Day 1: 3 November 2022 (16:30-18:00)
16:30-16:32: Welcome by the IOC-UNESCO focal point for the UNESCO Chairs and C2C, Justin Ahanhanzo.
16:32-16:40: Self-introduction of participants and designation of 2 rapporteurs.
16:40-16:45: Setting the scene by the IOC-UNESCO focal point for the UNESCO
Chairs and C2C , Justin Ahanhanzo.
16:45-16:55: Overview of IOC-UNESCO Programmes and the UN Decade of
Ocean
Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) with a call to the
UNESCO Chairs and C2Cs for a reinforced involvement in, commitments to
and cooperation with UNESCO Sectors programmes and the IOC-UNESCO
towards co-design and joint implementation of programmes and activities by the Executive Secretary of IOC and Assistant Director General of UNESCO, Dr. Vladimir Ryabinin.
16:55-17:30: Round table exchanges on national experiences by Chairs holders and
Directors of the C2Cs.
17:30-18:00: Initialreflections on the way towards establishingtheGlobal UNITWIN
Network of UNESCO Chairs and Category 2 Centres under the Auspices of UNESCO in Ocean and Climate Sciences, Technology and Governance by global brainstorming by all
18:00-20:00: ANNIVERSARY COCKTAIL & NETWORKING.
Agenda of the IOC-UNESCO Parallel Thematic Sessions (Hybrid)
Ocean Science and Knowledge for Sustainable Development
Towards a Global UNITWIN Network of UNESCO Chairs and Category 2 Centres under the Auspices of UNESCO in
Ocean and Climate Sciences, Technology and Governance.
UNESCO Headquarters, 7, Place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris France
3 November 2022 (16:30-18:00) and 4 November 2022 (11:-12:30)
Day 2: 4 November 2022 (11:-12:30)
11:00-12:00: Modalities for and launch of the Global UNITWIN Network of
UNESCO Chairs and Category 2 Centres under the Auspices of UNESCO in Ocean and Climate Sciences, Technology and Governance.
12:00-13:00: Report and Declaration on the Global UNITWIN Network of
UNESCO Chairs and Category 2 Centres under the Auspices of UNESCO in Ocean and Climate Sciences, Technology and Governance.
13:00-14:30: Lunch break & Networking
14:30-16:30: Concluding Plenary Session for the 30 years
Celebration and Way Forward (Room II)
Potential participants: All relevant Chairs and C2C are Invited!
(List in progress as notifications by the Chairs and C2Cs are received)
Profile of participants: recent photo + short bio (8 line