Summary
UNITAR
Established in 2023, the International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders in Singapore (CIFAL Singapore) was the first such centre in Singapore to be affiliated with the United Nations’ principal training arm and will be sited at NTU Singapore. The Centre aims to strengthen the ability of individuals, institutions, and societies in the Asia Pacific countries to perform functions, solve problems, and set and achieve objectives sustainably, thus encouraging sustainable development in the Asia Pacific region.
Scope: Asia-Pacific
Thematic areas:
- Sustainability education
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
Topics:
- Climate Change and climate impact
- Sustainable materials
- Recycling and upcycling
- Sustainability communication
- Sustainable finance
- Corporate and environmental sustainability.
CIFAL Singapore Director
Dr. Adam Switzer
Dr. Adam Switzer
Director, Undergraduate Research Experience on Campus (URECA) and Assistant Dean (Development), at Nanyang Technological University.
Dr. Switzer holds multiple significant positions, including Professor of Coastal Science at the Asian School of the Environment, Assistant Dean (Development) at the College of Science, Director of Undergraduate Research Experience on Campus (URECA), Director of CIFAL Singapore, and Principal Investigator at the Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS). As a versatile coastal geoscientist, his research is focused on applying interdisciplinary geoscience to address contemporary coastal challenges at various scales, ranging from local to international.
In his research pursuits, Dr. Switzer explores into critical areas such as catastrophic marine inundation events (like tsunamis or large storms), sea level changes, and the evolution of coral reefs and tropical coastal systems. He acquired his BSc and PhD in Geosciences from the University of Wollongong, Australia, and furthered his research through an Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong fellowship at The University of Hong Kong. Adam is widely recognized as an expert in coastal science, particularly in the study of coastal hazards and Quaternary geology, where he applies diverse geophysical and geological techniques to study and reconstruct environmental changes in coastal systems across various Asian countries. His ultimate aim is to contribute to the development of safer and more sustainable communities in Asia through his research program at the Earth Observatory of Singapore, engaging in collaborations with individuals from ten Asian nations.
Contact information
UNITAR
- Tel: +65 67911744
- Address: Nanyang Technological University
50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798 - Website: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/sustainability/cifal