I write this paper in appreciation of the emerging recognition of local action, which I believe is the cornerstone of any development effort, and also recognizing that the water sector is a single key input to human development.
UNESCO-IHE graduates, inspired by the innovative academic community in Delft, are able to excel in their careers and always be recognised as competent and self-motivated individuals with a record of achievements.
Some graduates leave their own countries for a better working environment where they can use their up-to-date knowledge and make a difference. This is the case for many public water sector professionals in Sudan. Therefore, targeting the right candidates for such training is a crucial step towards increasing local action.
During my studies at IHE the international community was establishing new water management principles in order to achieve sustainable development goals. A branch for teaching water resources management was put in place, and I was fortunate to join the first graduating group in 1993. Given its dynamic curriculum structure in response to international water issues, can UNESCO-IHE help transfer knowledge changes into existing and newly established academic departments in developing countries?
Locally, all countries ratified the need for the paradigm shift, but many could not translate this intention into sector practices. Major reasons relate to the mismatched water education programmes, and to prevailing attitudes of the local water education community. To date no corresponding change in local water education has occurred to adopt the latest multidisciplinary knowledge.
The professional pride of the technically oriented academic sectors for all levels of professional development training has led to increasing isolation from advances in development issues. Research and training institutions are hence unable to play a role to promote research capabilities and to deliver the academic education needed to contribute to national development plans. The growing trend in the international donor community to support Ministries of Water establishing their own graduate training centers will increase the gap between basic water education and development needs.
..read further in the PDF file..