WORLD ACADEMY PROGRAMS
PROGRAMS
THE NEW PARADIGM
Is an effective solution possible to meet all of the challenges facing humanity today in the fields of economy, ecology, human security, global governance and peace? This project will examine the root causes of these multiple challenges in order to formulate an integrated perspective, comprehensive strategy and detailed policy framework attuned to the realities, needs and emerging opportunities of the 21st century.
WORLD UNIVERSITY
Higher education is at the dawn of a revolutionary transformation that will radically alter the global landscape in the coming decades, akin to the transition in industry brought about by the advent of the steam engine and in computing by the birth of the personal computer. This project will bring together innovative universities, MOOCs and technology providers with committed governments, IGOs, NGOs, and other interested stakeholders to brainstorm new ideas and creative solutions for the future of global higher education.
TRANS-DISCIPLINARY DIALOGUE ON INDIVIDUALITY
Individuality is the crown of human evolution and the catalyst for all social progress. This project will explore the essential nature of individuality, its role in social development, and its myriad expressions in the original thinker, creative artist, political leader, entrepreneur, inventor and social innovator, as well as the best means of fostering individuality through education.
ABOLITION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS
Nuclear disarmament is a sine qua non for effectively addressing other issues of global important – terrorism, financial stability, unemployment, poverty, climate change, democratization of the UN and other aspects of global governance. This project will explore efforts to promote concrete steps toward immediate and total global nuclear disarmament.
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN THE 21st CENTURY
The world today possesses unprecedented opportunities and capabilities to promote global human welfare and well-being. But it is in urgent need of leadership to tap the opportunities and address the multidimensional challenges confronting humanity today. These challenges are a reflection of the urgent need to project a unifying global vision, build international support and multi-stakeholder commitment, enhance institutional effectiveness, and mobilize global society for effective action.
NEW ECONOMIC THEORY
A multidisciplinary group from the World Academy of Art & Science and the Club of Rome are leading a quest for a new human-centered theory of economics that reflects recent changes resulting from the emergence of a service-based economy, globalization, rising social aspirations and changing values, and is integrated with political, social, ecological, technological, and cultural factors from which it is inseparable. This project will reevaluate fundamental concepts and premises of modern theory with the goal of evolving a truly human-centered economic theory and practice.
GLOBAL EMPLOYMENT CHALLENGE
Access to employment is the most essential requirement for providing economic security to the world’s burgeoning population. This interdisciplinary dialogue explores theoretical and practical aspects of the global employment challenge, including its demographic, economic, legal, political, psychological dimensions as well as linkages with the international financial crisis, social stability, and terrorism.
LIMITS TO RATIONALITY
Rationality is an essential instrument in humanity’s quest for knowledge, yet the practical pursuit of knowledge often ignores or violates fundamental principles of rational inquiry or overlooks the inherent limitations in the use of rationality as an instrument of knowledge. This project will explore the philosophy and practice of rationality as it is applied in various fields of knowledge to identify common deviations and limitations and propose ways to compensate for the limits to rationality.
NEW PARADIGM FOR GLOBAL RULE OF LAW
The evolution of international law and human rights represent crucial threads in the progressive development of global rule of law. This project will explore the relationship between the social, political and legal dimensions of global rule of law in an effort to frame the boundaries of a wider approach to the evolution of global governance.
SECURITY & SUSTAINABILITY GUIDE
The SSG, a project of the World Academy of Art & Science, is based on the premise that people and nations cannot be secure without sustainability, nor sustainable if insecure. It responds to the fact that challenges facing humanity such as public health preparedness are greatly understated, and the many organizations responding to these challenges are underappreciated.