Institute for Sustainable Development

Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD)
ISD will become the think-tank embodying Sustainability

The growth-oriented paradigm which has been maintained by the humankind for the past 300 years since the Industrial Revolutionmay be no longer valid considering fast depletion of conventional energy resources, rapid climate changes, and associated disasters in the ecosystem. We are facingchallenges such as whether human beings can continuously pursue sustainable development and happiness in harmony with the nature.

‘Sustainable Development’, a conceptwhich should be more focused and discussed in the 21st century, requires tangible solutions such as saving energy and CO₂ reduction. Furthermore,it requiresholistic solutions such as global action strategies, mental reforms for social redesign andin-depth discourses to overcome global challenges. These kinds of efforts will be successful only through harmonized reformation among all sectors including government, universities, private corporations, and international community.

It would be a responsibility for Seoul National University which is leading the way in Korea and worldwide, to participate in recognition of global challenges that the humankind is facing and to continuously suggest solutions to such challenges. The fact that Seoul National University declared fulfillment of the responsibility for sustainable society in 2008 and established Institute for Sustainable Development(ISD) clearly shows the university’s commitment toput such objectives into practice.

Since the establishment, our institute has developed the Green Leadership Course with the Ministry of Environment which grants ‘Green Leadership Certificate’ along with diploma to SNU students. Also, we have initiated the project to realize Green Campus in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Based on these experiences, our institute will commit to the followings.

Firstly, we will developand propose theoretical and practical models for GHGs reduction for the university community in Korea and expand the models to the society.
Secondly, we will play a main role as an interdisciplinary research institute for research, education and practice on sustainable development, and as a hub to vitalize network of universities in Asian region.
I am expecting cooperation and guidance from SNU members, society, government and the international community to fulfill the role as the center of theory,practice, and researchto achieve sustainable society.

Thank you.

Kim, Ho

Director
Institute for Sustainable Development