CSD Context

During the past century the world has experienced development incomparable in history. At the same time during the past decade, hidden costs behind this development have become visible. If these costs are not brought under control now, they could not only destroy the development achieved thus far, but also jeopardize the existence of humanity…In the face of shrinking natural resources and an increasingly volatile climate, the western world has already taken up the ‘sustainability issue’ very seriously. As a result, sustainability is increasingly being incorporated into national plans and strategies followed by efforts put them into practice. Legal frameworks are being created by developed nations to ensure that all parts of the society participate in this.

The United Nations have declared 2005-2015 as the ‘Decade of Education for Sustainable Development’ with the UNESCO coordinating it. The United Nations has embedded sustainability into their millennium development goals (e.g. “Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs; reverse loss of environmental resource”).

Globalization is indeed a fact of today's world. This has for a long time meant that richer countries have been able to exploit the natural and human resources of poorer countries with no apparent consequences. Yet it has become clear to many that problems that exist in a faraway place can also directly affect so-called "Developed" nations. From environmental destruction to global security, problems can no longer be considered merely "local" but have far-reaching consequences. Given this backdrop, we believe and reflect with action to the fact that, It is necessary that what is considered by the North as the South, should be empowered to conceptualize and frame their own theories of development.

The Call for CSD

The recent global financial crisis that sent shockwaves across the globe highlighted yet again that no nation is operating in a vacuum.  The challenges to which we must respond as individuals and collectives are no longer defined by national boundaries but are presenting themselves as global issues – be they economic, social or environmental.  One only has to think of climate change to understand that global issues require a global response.

It is within this context that ULAB, through the Institute for Sustainable Development, is seeking to foster an academic environment in which student develop an understanding the unavoidable necessity to engage with these global issues.  Only then will student become empowered to respond to the challenges they will face, both as citizens of Bangladesh and as Global citizens with the conscience and knowledge to promote their vision of a better future.

For the ISD the vision of a better future is that of a sustainable one; a future where economic, social and environmental development is implemented with sustainability as a key goal.  In 1987 the Brundtland Commission coined what has become the most oft-quoted definition of sustainable development as development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

ULAB went a step beyond by elaborating their own unique definition:

"Sustainable Development should be the self-perpetuating process that ensures livelihood, environmental and human development. Achieving sustainable development requires focusing on the underlying economic, demographic, political and environmental factors that currently limit adaptive capacity and increase vulnerability".

CSD Culmination

Education is now at the forefront of the struggle for Sustainability. In Bangladesh, much work has already been done at the local level by NGOs and by valiant individuals. However, institutions of learning have the responsibility to educate the next generation of leaders in how to incorporate Sustainable Development into their everyday lives.

This time demands the creation of a new consciousness. The academic training and research of the Institute will be carried on by a dedicated workforce with expertise in Climate Change, Livelihoods and Food Security, Disaster Risk Reduction, Community Mobilization, Inclusive Education, Development Theory and Practice, Human rights and Gender issues. ISD is not only providing the students comprehensive courses and material, but also exposures with action research, field works and participative events.  

It is our hope that ISD will become a nodal point of partnership between academic, business, activists and citizens, both nationally and internationally, enabling research and training that will help usher in positive and sustainable change.

CSD Priorities

Priority 1.  Promote knowledge creation
We will mainstream a concern with capacity building in all of our work, in our teaching, research and knowledge services. We will do this by explicitly addressing capacity both in the way that we work and by treating it as an emerging research theme. We believe that the key to successfully translating development policy into practice, and vice versa, lies in acknowledging and tackling capacity needs up front, rather than as an afterthought.
 

Priority 2.  Build a model of knowledge empowerment
Questioning knowledge empowerment and participative approach allows CSD to create a local regional model of knowledge.
 

Priority 3. Promote Practices - Be a pioneer by implementing a Green University

One of the main priorities for the 5 years coming is to strengthen the practice inside ULAB of sustainability whether it will be a student campaign on energy saving, training of the staff on recycling or extra recycling bins, we will constantly aspire to new ways of delivering a sustainable future. The main achievement for ULAB will be the conceptualization and building of green campus.

We believe in education for all, not just in the classroom, but also in how we live our lives. We will encourage the students to bring those sustainable behaviors back to their families, friends, and work places. To measure the impacts of those initiatives we will implement a before and after surveys to evaluate the changes.

Environment is an important and measurable component in the marketplace. To apply the measures to project evaluation, "best practices" of environmental assessment and economic analysis of environmental impact should be factored into the calculations of whether a project is sustainable.

Improved data for decision-making. Among the key challenges facing while talking about development it is the need to increase statistical information and analysis on environmental conditions and sustainability indicators at the country-specific and regional levels.
 

Priority 4. Develop global partnerships
Our capacity-building strategies are underpinned by strategic partnerships. Strong and diversified partnerships (INGO, NGO, Private actors etc.) will helps shaping our agenda to gain maximum relevance, ensure a meaningful plurality of perspectives, link us to key audiences, and facilitate learning across organizations.
 

Priority 5. Be recognized as a knowledge platform in Bangladesh and in South Asia
Network, Exchange and Influence -We seek influence in order to frame, inform and shape debates about development ideas, policy and practice. Through our communications work, with our partners from the South and the North, we will use collaborative research, teaching and knowledge services to influence those who can help us to realize our vision. Our work is only as useful as the influence it exerts.