UNITAR
26 November 2024, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom – In partnership with the University of Surrey, UNITAR has launched CIFAL Surrey, the newest addition to the CIFAL Global Network. Hosted by the University of Surrey's Institute for Sustainability, CIFAL Surrey will focus on key areas such as Urban Governance and Planning, Economic Development, Social Inclusion, and Environmental Sustainability. The official launch event took place in Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom.
CIFAL Surrey is set to become a hub for innovation and collaboration, addressing both local and global challenges through a range of impactful initiatives. Its primary objectives include establishing and linking multi-institutional research programmes, and fostering partnerships across its global network to promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing. By leveraging these networks, CIFAL Surrey will facilitate meaningful connections between diverse stakeholders, driving solutions that tackle pressing issues. Additionally, the center will produce and disseminate high-quality, actionable research that informs policy and promotes sustainable development practices worldwide.
Focused on knowledge sharing, skills building and decision-making, CIFAL Surrey will connect local expertise with global insight, fostering collaboration across government, the private sector, civil society, and the United Nations system to drive sustainable progress said CIFAL Surrey Director Professor Amelia Hadfield. “I’m delighted to be working with our own Institute for Sustainability, other CIFAL centers around the world, and UNITAR itself to deliver these critical goals."
In the inaugural ceremony participated distinguished guests including Mr. Alex Mejia, Director of the CIFAL Global Network and the Division of People and Social Inclusion from UNITAR, Professor Max Lu, Vice Chancellor of the University of Surrey, and several senior political and business representatives.
In his keynote address, Mr. Alex Mejia highlighted the importance of CIFAL Surrey in supporting the CIFAL Network’s mission to enhance human capacities and foster partnerships that drive sustainable development. He also discussed the role of CIFAL Surrey in building the knowledge and skills required to address global challenges.
The launch culminated in a roundtable discussion titled “The Challenges and Opportunities of Sustainable Development,” chaired by Professor Amelia Hadfield, Director of the new CIFAL centre. This session featured insights from key stakeholders, including UNITAR representatives and academic leaders, who discussed the next steps for CIFAL Surrey and its role within the global sustainability agenda.
In his remarks Professor Max Lu, Vice Chancellor of the University of Surrey, said “Here at Surrey, we recognize that tackling the grand global challenges of our time demands scientific excellence and effective collaboration. Today, we recognize the deep importance of sustainable development, and the opportunities for scholarship and research, policy and practice.”
The partnership between UNITAR and the University of Surrey underscores a shared commitment to promoting sustainable development through education, research, and collaboration. CIFAL Surrey will be a vital platform for engaging local, national, and international stakeholders in efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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