Important conference on research for global development

What research is needed to be able to create a sustainable future, and how can we attain good global cooperation? For three days, May 27-29, Uppsala will be the geographical center of a broad discussion about future global challenges under the theme "Meeting Global Challenges in Research Cooperation."

Uppsala Center for Sustainable Development, jointly funded by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Uppsala University, is organizing the conference together with SIDA's research office, Utforsk. Uppsala University Vice-Chancellor Anders Hallberg will inaugurate the event at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 27, in the plenary hall "Dragarbrunn," Atrium Conference and Banquet Center, Dragarbrunnsgatan 46, Uppsala. SIDA (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency), the foreign ministry, research financiers, and universities will be participating in panel discussions.

The conference will have an interdisciplinary approach, discussing in parallel sessions highly topical subjects for all internationally oriented researchers and others interested in global issues of the future:

New energy systems­-energy sources, technologies, and consumption patterns
Can we pursue both efficient and long-term sustainable agriculture?
Land degradation and water shortages­-a chronic ongoing disaster and cause of rural poverty
Various alternative strategies for addressing climate change in countries with limited economic resources
How can we attain better health for mothers and children?
Water and sanitation problems and possible solutions
Housing and infrastructure for the poor in urban environments
Trade­-from local to global perspectives
Causes and possible solutions to conflicts about natural resources
Must certain human rights go before others?

Moreover, three major panel discussions will be held, with representatives of the Swedish government, political parties, research financiers, researchers, and other stakeholders. These discussions will deal with the organization, orientation, and funding of research. A special discussion will address the opportunities for the younger generation to find jobs with international orientation in research or with authorities and organizations. Proposals for the future directions of SIDA research and a governmental bill on research are to be put forward later in 2008, which makes it especially interesting to get up-to-date information and an opportunity to discuss research funding, research collaboration, and strategies for global research cooperation, etc. It is hoped that the conference will provide politicians with important insights as they formulate new strategies, since it will bring together some 450 participants, many of which are Swedish researchers working with problems touching on countries outside the so-called industrialized world.

Read the program and updated information on the conference Web site.

For more information, please contact Ingrid Karlsson, phone: +46 (0)18-471 68 53; cell phone: +46 (0)70-425 05 03; e-mail: Ingrid.Karlsson@kus.uu.se