'RCE Wales', to be launched on 1 February 2010, will formally recognise Wales' expertise in education for sustainability.
The venture is the result of a successful application prepared by Swansea University and the University of Wales, Newport and has benefited from sustained support from the Welsh Assembly Government and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales. Input via public consultations and from a Steering Group drawn from ESDGC professionals from across Wales have also proved invaluable to RCE Wales' success.
The formal recognition of 'RCE Wales' from the United Nations University means that Wales takes its place alongside other recognised RCEs currently making up a global network of RCEs for ESDGC.
RCE Wales is set to become a significant player in building an educational legacy that will outlive the UN Decade for Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) under which programme it was launched.
The establishment of RCE Wales will help ESDGC players across Wales to research, develop and promote high quality ESDGC and to increase its uptake and impact.
The initiative will help to ensure a more sustainable future for the people and environment of Wales and beyond, and ensure a legacy that will help to achieve a vibrant and secure Wales that lives within its means using only its share of the earth's resources.
The global network to which RCE Wales now belongs will enable stakeholders to extend their reach and to bring into Wales more easily, relevant expertise from around the world.
RCE Wales will serve as a focal point, facilitating coordination and increasing the impact of efforts of the individuals and organisations throughout Wales who are working voluntarily and professionally for sustainability aims, including further and higher-education institutions; schools; non-governmental organisations; private businesses and local authorities.
RCE Wales benefits from the support of the Welsh Assembly Government in tackling the complex issues involved and understanding the essential role of ESDGC in achieving the changes necessary to create a sustainable Wales.
RCE Wales is also keen to assist anyone looking for ESDGC-related information to locate appropriate sources and expertise.
Professor Iwan Davies, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (External Affairs and Internationalisation) and ESDGC Champion, Swansea University, Wales, said: "I am delighted to share with you today's excitement as Wales joins an internationally-recognised global community of educators for sustainable development and global citizenship, following formal recognition of RCE Wales.
"I am proud that Swansea University played an instrumental role in achieving 'Regional Centre of Expertise for ESDGC' status for Wales, and that the University's active involvement and support will continue as we host the permanent Secretariat for RCE Wales.
"I appreciate the important and growing role that ESDGC plays, for example, in our own internationalisation agenda. And more than this, I look forward to the additional opportunities for professionals and private citizens in Wales that RCE Wales brings, as we all seek to understand what 'sustainable development' means and how we in Wales can best contribute to it. Swansea University is pleased to be part of such an essential educational endeavour."
We want to hear from you!
RCE Wales is permanently open to newcomers who are actively interested in researching, developing or promoting ESDGC. RCE Wales is stakeholder-led, and its success will depend on the active participation of stakeholders. You can get in touch via the contact details given below, to seek information, to give information, to contribute your expertise to the RCE Wales newsletter and to be added to the RCE Wales circulation for policy and practical information relevant to ESDGC practitioners in Wales. Put your expertise to work more widely, and help us to make sure that Wales becomes known around the world for the quality and impact of its ESDGC!
RCE Wales contact details:
RCE Wales Secretariat
Margam Building
Swansea University
Singleton Park
Swansea
SA2 8PP
Tel: 01792 602029 / 01792 602654 / 01792 602655 / Email: rcewales@swansea.ac.uk
