From 24 to 28 August 2020, UN Summer Academy was held for experiencing rich interaction for participants on issues relevant to the work of the UN and its partners in the context of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. Especially, it was conducted virtually due to COVID 19 travel restrictions. In the context of facing a global health crisis with severe current and long-term economic and social impacts, this virtual academy focused on the theme chosen for the UN General Assembly commemoration meeting, “The Future We Want, the UN We Need: Reaffirming our Collective Commitment to Multilateralism”. Also, as the UN marks its 75th anniversary in 2020, the academy made opportunities to discuss the priorities of people as a human family and how we can build a better future for all. This immersive online learning experience featured live webinars with thought leaders; small-group breakout activities for reflection and knowledge-exchange; and a group project in which the participants could apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the Summer Academy.
4 colleagues from UNFCCC RCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Regional Collaboration Centre) St. George’s participated in this event.
(Lindonne Glasgow, Deputy Chair and Assistant Professor in Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine of St. George’s University, Grenada, W.I.)
“The UN Summer Academy 2020 was one of the most instructive sessions highlighting global progress and gaps in achieving the SDGs. A most outstanding feature in the session was the live stories, experiences and examples of the bold and creative steps taken by organized groups to mobilize and implement revolutionizing actions, even outside of governments’ interventions. The UN Summer Academy brought the realize that small island states, like Grenada, also have an opportunity to rally the population to act against climate change, poverty, food insecurity, and migration issues. My experience in the program has led to a greater valuing of the SDGs for human existence and well-being and it is a privilege to have a voice in UN75. I feel the need for a more affirmative and visible capture of the principles of the 2030 Agenda in academic and field exercises to help build and capacity to undertake the sustainable development. It was wonderful engaging with participants from across the globe and to understand the world through another set of lenses.“
(Hayden J. Redhead, Project Coordinator, Caribbean Cooperative MRV Hub, Windward Islands Research & Education Foundation (WINDREF), St. George's University, Grenada, W.I.)
“I was particularly pleased to see such a range of cultures represented including a strong showing from the Caribbean region. Not withstanding our diversity, there was a clear mutual vision of a better world and that it would take a united effort to get there. Even more pleasing was the overwhelming recognition and commitment to raise up the voices of traditionally marginalized and underrepresented groups with a resounding focus on women and girls, indigenous peoples, persons living with disabilities and persons displaced by migration. I am optimistic that with the overwhelming commitment and passion shown by the participants of the UN Summer Academy 2020, there is hope to achieve ‘the future we want’.”
(Jinah Park, Associate Climate Specialist, UNFCCC Regional Collaboration Centre St. George’s, Grenada, W.I.)
“I was impressed by unparalleled networking opportunities between the participants who are from various UN institutions, government offices, or working on specific fields of sustainable development. During the whole period, I had virtual working group sessions on each day with other participants to discuss on the present problem, especially regarding Health issue, finding innovative ways by transformative ideas and finalizing video statement regarding my group’s opinion as part of UN75 dialogue. Further, I had a time to learn about general sustainable development background as well as building actions for better post COVID 19 situations from distinguished panels in the academy. Through this participation in this academy, for the future I would try to work in RCC St. George’s with interactive communication with others and apply integrative approaches to the work by developing and transforming ideas.”
The related article of this academy can be accessed here>>