In order to fulfill the goals of implementing the Doha Programme of Action of the UN and forging a global innovative online education, the UN Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries (UNTB), the World Eco-Design Conference (WEDC), and the Ningbo Innovation Center, Zhejiang University (ZJUNB) have reached an agreement on the proposal of launching the General Collaboration in International Design Education (GCIDE). The South North University, Bangladesh, the University of Liberal Arts of Bangladesh, the Parakou University, Benin, the Pokhara University, Nepal and other higher education institutes have expressed their strong willingness to participate in the international design education. The GCIDE will converge global resources and achieve resource sharing and mutual benefits, providing more extensive educational support and opportunities for students of the worldwide, particularly the LDCs. The GCIDE will support to increase the access to the eco-design technology for the LDCs, which to achieve industry- education integration, and promote the sustainable developments in education, economy and society.

 

Dr. Taffere Tesfachew indicated that, the International Design Education (IDE) Program has become one of the best practices of international collaboration in education across governments and high education institutes of the world. In the future, we shall continue working closely for our cooperation, take full advantages of all parties, and “leave no one behind”.

 

The School of Eco-Design Industry jointly established by the WEDC (UN Consultative NGO), the Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering and the Wanqu Open University of Design, is an innovation and entrepreneurship base of the GCIDE. The School provides international students from the LDCs rooms for innovation and entrepreneurship, open-sourced technology and facilities, and fully supports the industrial developments of education and innovation for the LDCs. At present, the international students of the School have been led to make multiple accomplishments in relation to industrial achievements of eco-design under supervision, including delivery of industrial services for 8 rural areas, development of more than 30 types of products, international branding and innovative design for 4 agricultural products etc.

 

In the future, the WEDC (UN Consultative NGO) will move forward on the implementation of the construction of the GCIDE, attract more higher education institutes, enterprises and education organizations and other resources of worldwide to join, and work together to advance the tasks of international education towards students, e-learning, poverty elimination etc., continue to boost the LDCs thrive by contributing our wisdom, advises and forces.