Launch of Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Thiruvananthapuram acknowledged by United Nations University
The Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) was launched in Thiruvananthapuram, on Friday, September 9, 2016. With the setting up of the new Regional Centre of Expertise, Thiruvananthapuram acknowledged by United Nations University would be part of a global network of 146 regions across various continents with a shared knowledge base and potential collaborations.
Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) will be the co-ordinating organization and official Head Quarters. Partners include Society of Energy Engineers and Managers (SEEM)., State Horticulture Mission, Kerala, Triveni Ayurveda, Mitraniketan, Santhigram, Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management (IIITM-K), University of Kerala, MG College, Trivandrum and Bharatheeya Vidya Peedom Central School Parassala.
The launch of the RCE in Thiruvananthapuram was done by Dr. Thomas Isaac, Hon’ble Minister, Finance Minister, Kerala, at a function to be organized at the Institute of Management in Government (IMG), Thiruvananthapuram. Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Hon’ble Member of Parliament delivered the keynote address, Shri. O. Rajagopal. Hon’ble Member of Legislative Assembly, Kerala released the RCE Thiruvananthapuram Centre logo. Shri. K. Muraleedharan, Hon’ble Member of Legislative Assembly, Kerala, presided.
Offering Keynote speech, Hon. Member of Parliament and former UN Under-Secretary General for Communication and Public Information, Dr. Shashi Tharoor expressed his happiness for bringing the RCE to an eligible city like Thiruvananthapuram.
During his presidential address, Hon. MLA, Shri. K. Muraleedharan appreciated the launch of unique centre, but also put a note of caution about usual politicization and natural destruction of benevolent initiatives.
Chairman, State Innovation Council, Shri. L.Radhakrishnan IAS (Rtd.) offered felicitations. He gave an account of the usual issues that barrier smooth functioning of government departments. He has expressed hope that with the strong platform of RCE, many innovative things can be done for benefiting people, without much percolation of its worthiness.
Dr. G. Gangadharan Director, RCE, Thiruvananthapuram (President, CISSA), Dr C Suresh Kumar, Secretary, RCE Thiruvananthapuram (General Secretary, CISSA), Shri. Sachin S, Programme Coordinator, RCE spoke.
The major agendas on focus of RCE include Climate Change, Health, Better Schools, Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP), Sustainable Livelihoods, Youth, Higher Education, Traditional Knowledge, Biodiversity, Disaster Risk Reduction, Inclusive Development and Learning, Capacity Development, Research and Development, Communications and Engagement with International Sustainability Processes.
By creating partnerships among groups and individuals as diverse as educators, researchers, policymakers, scientists, youth, and throughout the public, private and non-governmental sectors, RCE Thiruvananthapuram would be able to provide a framework for multi stakeholder collaborations in creating visible change in communities.
