Concept
The Institute@... is a dynamic training concept committed to translating sustainable development policies into practice for a better future. We build the capacity of individuals and, ultimately society, to effectively implement sustainable development policies by providing practical, expert quality “how to” training and continuing education to participants gathered for relevant international meetings. Our programs are flexible, timely, and empowering.
History
At the World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD), the Smithsonian Institution (SI) developed and implemented the highly successful Summit Institute for Sustainable Development (SISD).1 SISD instructors from developed and developing countries provided 67 courses to approximately 1,200 participants from government, civil society, and the private sector.
Soon after the WSSD, the SI received numerous requests to host training programs at other international meetings and to establish a mechanism for providing long-term informational and networking support to course participants. In response, SI and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) formed a partnership to jointly organize The Institute@... at UN and other key international meetings relevant to sustainable development. The first program following up on the success of SISD was held at the April 2003 Commission on Sustainable Development meeting (The Institute@CSD-11) and was organized in conjunction with the CSD’s Learning Center.2 At the December 2003 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva, The Institute@WSIS conducted 9 courses for 121 participants.
Design and Delivery
The Institute@... instructors have in-depth knowledge of sustainable development issues and are dedicated to raising the capacity of their colleagues worldwide. Courses are designed with a “how to” approach and an intent to increase specific skills needed to implement sustainable development objectives. Depending on the meeting, courses might include instruction on “How to use geographic information systems as a decision-making tool;” “How to build effective partnerships;” or “Developing Microfinance Programs.”
Class sizes are small, typically last 1-3 days, and are conducted through a process of classroom-based lectures (including case studies), demonstrations, exercises, and open dialogue.
"After 10 years of going to UN meetings and talking about the need for capacity building, I finally have seen it in action." -- Institute@CSD-11 participant
"This course was probably the most useful session of the entire week - clear, concise and implementation oriented. Thanks!" -- Institute@WSIS participant
The Institute@... training programs are designed to complement the workshops, symposia, side-events, and other activities typically held at UN and other international conferences. The Institute@... works with the meeting organizers to ensure that the training courses support and add value to the overall objectives and specific thematic areas addressed at each meeting.
For more information, contact Leonard Hirsch, Smithsonian Institution: (Phone: 202-633-4788; E-mail: lhirsch@si.edu)
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1 The Smithsonian, USEPA, the UN Foundation, and the Nanto Peretti Foundation funded the Johannesburg Institute.
2 See http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/csd11/learning_center/csd11_learning_center.htm |
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