In the wake of the Japanese earthquake disaster, a number of Pacific Rim countries have shifted their focus to the sustainability sector to provide solutions for some of the most densely populated areas of the planet. To help, some of the world's most forward-thinkers have been devising possible solutions.

On Monday 3 June South Eastern Regional College (SERC) hosted the 'Third International Symposium on Expertise in Sustainable Society', in partnership with Toyama National College of Technology.

The two day conference, held at the Lagan Valley Island Conference Centre, from 3 to 4 June 2013 attracted over one hundred industry professionals and other external organisations and featured a range of keynote addresses.

First, delegates were welcomed by Professor David Farrell, Chairman of Japan Project Steering Committee at South Eastern Regional College.

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The conference brought together internationally recognised academics and researchers focusing on a range of topics including energy strategy for Japan, electric power generation, nuclear energy, coastal engineering, reduction in energy usage within the construction sector and waste management.

Delegates were treated to a range of excellent keynote presentations and took part in stimulating workshops, paper and poster sessions in an informal small group environment, providing the opportunity to share ideas and best practice with colleagues from across the globe.

Visiting lecturers from Nagaoka University, Japan, Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore, Toyama University and Toyama National College of Technology will participate in the Symposium along with guest speakers from Liverpool John Moore's University, Queen’s University Belfast and SERC.

Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry who provided the closing address on the first day of the conference said: "I commend the international relationship between SERC and the Toyama National College of Technology in Japan which has been forged in part with support from my Department’s Connected Programme. The international dimension of this event will further develop strategically important links and partnerships between Northern Ireland and Japanese colleges, universities, research organisations and cluster companies. The role of education providers, particularly in the further and higher education sectors, in creating and sustaining effective networks of knowledge and expertise is one of the most important drivers of this process."

(CD/IT)