The world has changed dramatically in the last two decades, with key shifts that require serious global attention. Firstly, we are closer than ever to eradicating extreme poverty. Secondly, human societies are causing more damage than ever before to the planet and the environment, rapidly impacting climate change. Thirdly, inequality among and between countries is increasing and finally, governance is becoming more complex, affecting global peace and security.
In response to these global challenges, The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, to provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.
De Montfort University has made a strong commitment to the global call to champion the SDGs and is the only higher education institution in Britain to be a United Nations Academic Impact global hub for one of the Sustainable Development Goals – SDG 16 to promote peace, justice and strong institutions.
At the forefront of leading this work for the United Nations is Ms. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, Director of the Sustainable Development Unit in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General at the United Nations, New York.
As we continue our series, contributing to SDG 16 through enhancing the debate around building strong institutions through effective leadership, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Katie Normington will host a 45-minute interview with Ms Gyles-McDonnough from the United Nations Headquarters in New York, exploring how Ms McDonnough’s experiences enabled her to pursue a career in sustainability that has led her to the highest levels of global decision making, her leadership style and the pressures of championing an agenda that requires international political and social co-operation in order to meet the impacts needed to achieve a greener future for people and the planet.
As Britain’s only higher education institution to be named as a global hub for the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals initiative we feel it is imperative to host meaningful conversations that will benefit the community as we further engage with the city through wider public debates.
Bookings will close 1 hour prior to the start of the event, and registrants will receive a link to join the online event 24hrs before the event, via their provided email address.
Please contact the DMU Events Office on eventsoffice@dmu.ac.uk if you have any questions.
Ms. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough (Jamaica) is the Director, Sustainable Development Unit, Executive Office of the Secretary-General at the United Nations, New York.
As the lead Sustainable Development Adviser to the Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary- General in the Executive Office, the Director leads its Sustainable Development Team. She is responsible for the formulation and implementation of the work programme for the delivery of the Secretary-General’s sustainable development vision and reform of the U.N. development system.
Throughout her career, Ms. Gyles-McDonnough has practiced privately as a lawyer; served as advisor to the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States and has deep development experience within UNDP, including as Chief of UNDP's sub-regional facility for the Caribbean, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the OECS, and Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.
Ms. Gyles-McDonnough holds a law degree from Columbia University School of Law, with honours in international and foreign law, a Masters in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and also a Diploma in Executive Education from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She received her undergraduate degree at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania.