Sustainability science new approach to solving complex issues – MIGHT
KUALA LUMPUR: Sustainability science is the new holistic approach to solving complex issues affecting wellbeing in the country, according to MIGHT, the Malaysian IndustryGovernment Group for High Technology.
Tan Sri Prof Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, co- chair of MIGHT and science advisor to the Prime Minister, said a broader approach is crucial to tackle inter-connected problems related to human wellbeing such as water, energy, climate change and education.
“For example, energy, water and food security are recognised as a highly inter- related trio of fundamental issues confronting policy-makers, who must weigh and balance choices,” he said.
He was briefing the media on the three- day Symposium on Broadening the Application of the Sustainability Science Approach which ended here today.
The meeting, hosted by MIGHT under the auspices of Unesco and attended by experts from all over the world, was to come up with a proposal on ‘ Sustainability Science Policy Guidelines’ to be presented at the final symposium in Paris next year.
Zakri said sustainability science was essential for achieving the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs.
He said the approach could be applied in the country’s research and development, and in education to create the next generation expertise in the related fields with multiple skills.
The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability senior visiting professor, Kazuhiko Takeuchi, said sustainability science was more needed now with humanity facing unprecedented challenges requiring researchers and policy makers to work together to develop integrated and transformative solutions.
Unesco Senior Specialist for Sustainability Science Salvatore Arico said Malaysians must share knowledge and views to generate transdisciplinary research and education and tackle problems and challenges. — Bernama