Friday, May 7, 2010

Helsinki Centre's future?

The course group work has laid an important platform for the Helsinki centre.But I believe that the effort should not end as the course ends.There are significant tasks which could take the initiation process to an official and a better stage.
As it has been stated,Finlands early active participation in the water sector(as in the Helsinki rules) and its good profile of managing shared water resources with neighbouring countries are the major driving forces behind.So what can be done next...

1.The related Finnish ministries (Ministry of :- Agriculture and forestry,environment,Foreign affairs) should go through the course results(report: vision,mission,structure of the centre).Then there should be organised a meeting betweeen officials from the three ministries to discuss their views on the proposal for the Centre.

2.One task could be promoting  the idea and the plan for the Centre at least within the Aalto university.
Here other institutions which were not involved in the first phase(e.g Universities Partnership for Transboundary Waters,Tampere university) can comment on the results.In addition we have been lately informed that there are US institutions working on transboundary disputes;it would also be wise to find out more information and their current activities.

3.Moreover,one can provide minor public opportunities for further discussions and development of the ideas compiled by the group.This can help to assess the public stand towards the idea of establishing the center in Finland.

4.The other critical task would be to look for a first time financial support to test the centre's plan with a small pilot case.The proposed project coordinator,secretary and legal expert can at this first case be chosen by Aalto university professionals.

There may also be other simple tasks which can lend voice to the centre's establishment. Generally the effort can be taken further and further...until  Finlands knowledge and technical experience on the water sector  contribute to Global peace in transboundary water areas through the HCTW.

2 comments:

  1. Very nice proposals, Solomon!

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  2. Go ahead and promote your ideas!
    Remember also ASI: http://aaltosocialimpact.blogspot.com/

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