Global Environmental Change 13 (2003) 313–318 UNUMonitorisaquarterlyreviewoftheUnitedNationsUniversity’s(UNU)currentresearchactivities, publications and forthcoming projects in the area of environment and sustainable development. This issue features an article by Prof. Colin I. Mayfield (Associate Director, UNU/INWEH), Dr. Velma I. Grover (Programme Officer), and Dr. Ralph J. Daley (Director, UNU/INWEH). The paper focuses on a new initiative, called Water Virtual Learning Centre, which is to be implemented on a system-wide basis within the United Nations. It introduces the concepts of the programme and its various components; some highlightsforregion-wideimplementationarealsoincluded.ThisinitiativeisapartnershipbetweentheUN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and UNU/INWEH. For further information, please contact Prof. Mayfield (email: mayfield@sciborg.uwaterloo.ca; Tel: +1-519-888-4567 ext. 4640). r 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd. 0959-3780/$-see front matter r 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd. doi:10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2003.09.002 The United Nations water virtual learning centre: a flexible distance learning programme for integrated water resource management Colin I. Mayfield*, Velma I. Grover, Ralph J. Daley United Nations University, International Network on Water, Environment and Health (UNU/INWEH), 50 Main St. East, Hamilton, Ont., Canada L8N 1E9 1. Introduction The main goal of the Water Virtual Learning Centre (WVLC) project is to enhance national capacities that will assist in the development and implementation of sustainable water strategies in developing countries, at local, regional, sub-regional and basin levels. Intended forwaterprofessionals,WVLCwillpromotesustainable water management through a core curriculum on Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), which offers opportunities for continuing education and upgrading the skills of people engaged in the water sector. The curriculum will offer broad-based coverage of the principles and practice of IWRM, focusing on core knowledge in the natural sciences, engineering, health, governance, social sciences, public administration, economics, resource conservation, and strategic planning, as well as aspects of programme and project management. As the target audience is expected to belong to different regions of the world, the courses will be available in many formats, including a distance learning series of courses on CDROMs, an Internet- based program, and printed format. The students will carry out assignments and examinations will be held at the end. After successful completion of the courses and theexaminations,aUnitedNationsUniversityDiploma in IWRM will be granted. Thefollowingstepsweretakenforthedevelopmentof this programme. ARTICLE IN PRESS *Corresponding author. Tel.: +1-519-888-4567. E-mail address: mayfield@sciborg.uwaterloo.ca (C.I. Mayfield). 0959-3780/$-see front matter r 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2003.09.003