March 5
by Phyllis Gausman
Although the world-wide Sustainable Development Summit concluded in Johannesburg on September 4, 2002, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan pointed out that "it's just the beginning." But the beginning of what?
For much of the world's population the term "sustainable development" may still be a mystery. To clarify what it means, Dr. Paula O'Loughlin, assistant professor of political science at the University of Minnesota, Morris, will present a general overview of the term and its possible initiatives at the first 2003 National Issues Forum to be held on March 5 at the Morris Senior Center. The issues forums are presented as part of the Heritage Preservers-Learning Unlimited series.
The topic of sustainable development is vast and complex. The efforts of the Summit were intended to put the world on a path that reduces poverty while protecting the environment, a path that will work for all peoples, rich and poor, today and tomorrow. Future issues forums to be presented on March 19 and April 2 will deal with specific problems and outcomes of the Summit as they target communities across the globe.
Dr. O'Loughlin, who will be the presenter at the first forum, earned her Ph.D at the University of Minnesota in 1998. She has taught at the University of Minnesota, Macalester and Carleton Colleges, as well as at UMM, becoming an assistant professor in political science in 1998. Dr. O'Loughlin has extensive experience in professional and public service activities and has published many articles in her field of expertise. Following her presentation, the forum will follow its usual format: small group discussion and a wrap-up of opinions and comments.
While not everyone was pleased or satisfied with the declarations from the Summit, Jonathan Lash, World Resources Institute president, said, "The Summit will be remembered for the first stirrings of a shift from the stiff formal waltz of traditional diplomacy to the jazzier dance of improvisional solution-oriented partnerships".
Colin Powell, U.S. Secretary of State, called the Summit "a successful effort. It shows that the world is committed to sustainable development; however the real challenge is not just what is said in the statement but the actions that will take place in the months and years ahead."
Facing that challenge involves first understanding the meaning of sustainable development and how it is time to deliver its promise. The presentation by Dr. O'Loughlin and the following discussion by our audience will set a background of factual knowledge and informed opinion for the next two forums.
The Forums are made possible with funding from the Minnesota Humanities Commission in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Minnesota State Legislature, the University of Minnesota, Morris and other local sponsors.
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Last Modified Tuesday, February 01, 2005
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