Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Governance for Sustainable Development


Starting in 2012, the consortium will offer the new, modern and innovative programm Governance for Sustainable Development on a Master and Doctoral level. The curriculum focuses on the rules of good governance related to a sustainable development strategy in Europe and on the global partnership for sustainable development. In line with Bologna Process recommendations, both the Master and the Doctoral program will offer an interdisciplinary study approach, covering aspects of law and public administration, social sciences (economics, sociology, social policy, sustainable energy policy, sustainable agriculture policy and sustainable transport policy), environmental studies, geographical issues (taking into consideration climate change aspects) and medical aspects (public health policy).  

 The concept of Good Governance for sustainable development is increasingly being connected with the public health practice for the betterment of population health. Furthermore, the concept of “good governance” is based on multidisciplinary competencies as well as on ethical principals to assure the responsible and effective translation of knowledge into public health research, policy, education and practice.
Good Governance aims towards universality in its support of democracy, basic human rights and participatory forms of governance. This support is based on a conviction that diversity can only be truly manifested through the mechanisms of democratic institutions, which enable people to freely express their views and participate in political processes. Good governance entails a vast set of democratic processes and institutions at every level of society, from the local council to regional, national and international institutions, that allow the voices of the people to be heard, conflicting interests to be peacefully resolved, and a forging of consensus towards greater social progress. 

Key topics of the joint curriculum will include:
The educational programmes also includes the integration of innovative ICT-based content, services, methods of teaching (e-learning) as well as opportunities for lifelong learning by stimulating an entrepreneurial spirit among participants. This will be achieved by promoting best practices and good governance ideas at the local and regional level in developing countries as well as in transition economies. 

The programmes are suited for students with a bachelor degree and doctoral candidates from Europe and from developing and transition economies that are interested in positions in public administrations at the national, regional or local level.