THE Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Guyana (UG) collaborated with the Ministry of Education yesterday to declare open its first international conference, being held from August 12 to 14 under the theme: “Sustainable Development: Science Education, Research, Innovation and Enterprise.”

This conference comprises in-depth discussions and presentations on emerging paradigms in science education policies; targeted research for sustainable development; multi-disciplinary approaches for sustainable solutions; energy and water and Innovation and enterprise.
Distinguished international experts who would be leading plenary sessions on the various themes of sustainable development through science include Professor Arnoldo Ventura, Dr. Betty McDonald, Dr. Ulric Trotz, Professor Rory Fraser and Professor Lee Wilson.
Delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony, held at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds posited that science education is essential and worthy of great attention.
Noting that he was speaking from his personal experiences rather than from a Government policy or position, the prime minister said he shares the view that every citizen should have a certain minimum grasp of science in order to understand, to some degree, the world in which we live.
He added that science is important not only for the body of knowledge, but also for the intangible concepts and ideas, ways of thinking and world view.
The prime minister commended the organisers of the conference, and highlighted the multi-disciplinary approach to science, which includes social relations. He said he believes this is probably the most important element, since plans would not materialise without the establishment of good relationships.
The prime minister said science and technology in Guyana are much more than  areas of developing awareness and understanding of what in the world at large might be applicable to what is being done in the country, and seeking to apply same.
The prime minister said that on the topic of sustainable development, persons should spend some time considering where we are now in Guyana, as this would allow for the feeling of boundaries on any planning or projections.
He also stated that persons need to ask the questions: “What can be realistically expected of Guyana and its people as we are today?” and “What is the best we can do with the relatively small quantity of monies to put ourselves on a sustainable path of development?”
Also delivering remarks at the opening ceremony was Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, who highlighted the role of science and technology in the development of Guyana.
According to him, science and technology are needed in order for the country to be re-engineered; and he asserted that the conference is a very important initiative of the university, and will hopefully be an annual event.
Professor Opadeyi said the University of Guyana needs to start engaging the community to inform on what it is doing, and bring others from around the world to share research and knowledge.
He informed that 47 papers were submitted for the conference, which the University of Guyana is aspiring to make a truly international conference; and he endeavoured to make the conference a bigger event next year, moving the submissions from 47 papers to almost 100.
The Vice Chancellor asserted that UG is determined not to allow financial challenges to stop hosting of the conference in the future.
He thanked all those involved, and said the conference would serve as a platform for hosting a biennial research conference in the natural sciences, and to commemorate the University of Guyana’s 50th anniversary.
The conference seeks to help Guyana emulate the successes of emerging economies that have fast-tracked their development on the backs of scientific and technological advances and enterprises.