"Following what was, for many, the disappointing political outcome of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), it is very exciting for this international body of scientists to reach agreement on the need to roll up our sleeves and generate an action plan for science for sustainability," says Professor Jane Lubchenco, ICSU's new president. "Our top priority is to take an integrated approach to addressing the economic, environmental and social pillars of sustainable development."

In order to achieve this, Professor Lubchenco says ICSU must focus future research efforts on the local level and then take on the challenge of linking local research to regional and global issues.

As the lead organizer of the science and technology community for WSSD in Johannesburg, ICSU has already made a strong commitment to the UN regarding science for sustainable development. Because of its broad membership, the Council is well positioned to create multidisciplinary teams that can plan for a new, exciting international effort.

In addition, ICSU has taken a strong stand in support of strengthening links between modern science and traditional knowledge. This commitment will encourage dialogue between the scientific community and local peoples, thereby facilitating the development, application and adaptation of new information and technologies to address local issues in areas such as agriculture, biodiversity and traditional medicine.

ICSU will further underline its commitment to this new initiative--and to ongoing projects associated with environmental change, science education and capacity building, and freedom in the conduct of science--by establishing regional off
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Contact: Marilyn Smith
marilyn@icsu.org
33-1-4525-0329
International Council for Science
10-Oct-2002