What is this 'new humanism' that you want to bring into UNESCO's approach?
Many countries, like India, are showing dynamism in their economic progress. But they are struggling to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, empowering women, reducing child mortality, combating diseases, ensuring environmental sustainability etc. 'New Humanism' seeks to put these in focus. It stresses an inclusive humanism, which takes within it the environment, nature, and strives to build new values. It is 'new' because it is different from the 18th century concept of individual-based good.
What does the vision of 'science and technology for humanity' mean?
Firstly, it means that the fruits of science and technology should become available for all of humanity and not get restricted to some countries or some strata of society, as they are presently. Secondly, it means that science needs to be used effectively to resolve common problems facing humanity, like diseases, climate change, water management and others. At UNESCO, we have been trying to facilitate this process through action on the ground and by providing information to all.
Is it true that big, wasteful bureaucracies stifle the UN and affiliates?
Absolutely untrue. Since 2001, there has been a systematic rationalisation of functions, expenditure and jobs in all the UN organisations. Many of the earlier problems are getting resolved. There has also been an effort to 'deliver as one', that is bring about synergies among various UN agencies. In my visit here, for example, i met all the UN agencies together at a meeting, to evolve a common approach of work in India.
How do you view the Indian government's efforts towards 'education for all'?
The Indian government is aware of the gigantic problems it faces the unacceptably high illiteracy and dropout rates, low enrolment in higher education and others. It has a positive commitment to address these problems through increased spending and through legislative measures like the right to education. Quality of education is another major issue training of teachers. In my discussion with the minister, i found a deep awareness and political will to address these problems. UNESCO will assist in all these areas through inputs for framing policy and also by concrete action on the ground. We are setting up the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Peace Education and Sustainable Development, a category 1 UNESCO institute here.
Source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/interviews/Fruits-of-science-and-technology-must-be-available-to-everyone/articleshow/5495357.cms
Many countries, like India, are showing dynamism in their economic progress. But they are struggling to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, empowering women, reducing child mortality, combating diseases, ensuring environmental sustainability etc. 'New Humanism' seeks to put these in focus. It stresses an inclusive humanism, which takes within it the environment, nature, and strives to build new values. It is 'new' because it is different from the 18th century concept of individual-based good.
What does the vision of 'science and technology for humanity' mean?
Firstly, it means that the fruits of science and technology should become available for all of humanity and not get restricted to some countries or some strata of society, as they are presently. Secondly, it means that science needs to be used effectively to resolve common problems facing humanity, like diseases, climate change, water management and others. At UNESCO, we have been trying to facilitate this process through action on the ground and by providing information to all.
Is it true that big, wasteful bureaucracies stifle the UN and affiliates?
Absolutely untrue. Since 2001, there has been a systematic rationalisation of functions, expenditure and jobs in all the UN organisations. Many of the earlier problems are getting resolved. There has also been an effort to 'deliver as one', that is bring about synergies among various UN agencies. In my visit here, for example, i met all the UN agencies together at a meeting, to evolve a common approach of work in India.
How do you view the Indian government's efforts towards 'education for all'?
The Indian government is aware of the gigantic problems it faces the unacceptably high illiteracy and dropout rates, low enrolment in higher education and others. It has a positive commitment to address these problems through increased spending and through legislative measures like the right to education. Quality of education is another major issue training of teachers. In my discussion with the minister, i found a deep awareness and political will to address these problems. UNESCO will assist in all these areas through inputs for framing policy and also by concrete action on the ground. We are setting up the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Peace Education and Sustainable Development, a category 1 UNESCO institute here.
Source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/interviews/Fruits-of-science-and-technology-must-be-available-to-everyone/articleshow/5495357.cms
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