The Role of Universities in Sustainable Development

The Role of Universities in Sustainable Development

ERDEM, Ali Rıza
GEZER, Kudret

Sustainable development is a concept which entails that economic development needs to be maintained without any harm to the environement. In addition sustainable development is a sort of development which helps today’s generation to meet their needs without risking those of the future generations. In the light of such a view, using the natural resources effectively, reducing the waste amount to a minimum level, and recyling the resources, needs of the future generations will be provided and environment be continously preserved. Sustainable development means programming the present and future life and development in such a way to meet the needs of generations today and tomorrow without exploiting the natural resources but by establishing a balance between the nature and the humanbeings. Sustainable development is also a concept which has its social, environmental, economic and institutional perspectives. The fundemantals of such a concept were first established according to the report prepared by the World Environment and Development Comission in 1987. Behind the environmental problems that arise similarly in many countries lie imbalance between the economy and the environment. Humanbeings increase the standards of life with the help of ever growing science, technology and industry, whereas they do big harm to the nature. The indicators pertinent to sustainable development are the ones used to measure the rate of progress achieved and also to show the extent to which objectives are attained. These are also useful means to facilitate decision-making process to secure sustainable develoopment in environmental, economic and social terms. Universities that play an important role to educate professional people, to carry out academic research, and to assume community service have important responsibilities and duties for sustainable development internationally and nationwide. This article critically reviews the role of universities as one of the strategic components of sustainable development.

Conference or Workshop Item
PeerReviewed

2009-06

361