Social & Human Sciences (SHS)

The Social and Human Sciences sector of UNESCO has three principal strategic objectives:

Improved human security through better management of the environment and social change

Improved understanding and application of principles and ethical norms to guide scientific and technological development and social transformation

Enhanced scientific, technical and human capacities to participate in the emerging knowledge societies

Within the Pacific, this translated in 2006 and 2007 to a focus on a number of key activities, including:

Mapping of ethics teaching programs Global Ethics Observatory (GEOb) in Pacific, Australian and New Zealand tertiary and research institutions

Defining bioethics in a Pacific context and identifying key bioethical issues in the region

Working with women and youth to develop community-based social policy alternatives (MOST) to addressing poverty and the issues of living in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Progressing national level endorsement of the Convention on Anti-doping in Sport in Pacific countries and promoting healthy lifestyles and human rights through sporting activities

For further information about SHS programs in the Pacific contact:

Dr Susan Vize
Programme Specialist (SHS)
P.O. Box 615 Apia SAMOA
Tel: (+685) 24 276
Fax: (+685) 22 253
Email: susan@unesco.org.ws