DMU is leading a major conference at theUnited Nations headquarters in New York today (Monday 7 January). A key part of the #DMUglobal mass trip to the city, today will see students from DMU and other universities from around the world filling one of the building’s legendary debating chambers.
Here they will explore ways in which building strong institutions can promote peace, justice and inclusive societies, and highlight innovative ideas for advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 and the 2030 Development Agenda.
You can follow this event on the DMU website or via UN Web TV. The event will run from 3-7.30pm (UK time). You can also watch the conference on the Vijay Patel Building’s big screen.
DMU has been chosen by the United Nations Academic Impact group as a ‘Global Hub’ for SDG16 to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. We were given this honour for the range of work we do through #DMUlocal and Square Mile India to support communities across the globe and support refugees. This month’s mass trip to New York also sees us step up our #LoveInternational campaign in the US.
What’s happening at the event?
Presented under the banner of Universities #JoinTogether, senior representatives from DMU and special guests will introduce and oversee the conference’s three sessions. The format encompasses panel discussions, invited speakers, case study presentations, Q&As and other contributions from those attending.
In particular, each of the sessions will focus on showcasing ideas for projects that support the SDGs. Session 1 features case studies of work relating to SDG16 being carried out by universities in the US and Europe, and which can be extended or replicated across the global network of participating institutions. In a keynote speech, Rory Palmer MEP will set out the need to focus on SDG16 in a fractious world.
Session 2 considers new ideas for a better world, in which three universities (including DMU) pitch to win a start-up fund for an SDG-related project. The winner will be voted for by audience members.
The final session looks at finding creative solutions for cities and includes a contribution from the Mayor of Leicester, Sir Peter Soulsby, who’ll talk about the opportunity university students have to help create model cities for the SDGs.
The conference will be opened by DMU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dominic Shellard and closed with a message from the Chancellor, Baroness Lawrence.
Follow all the news
This important event will help develop strategies to address global challenges. If you miss the live footage, you’ll be able to catch up with the coverage of our students’ experiences in New York via this page or on any of our social media channels at the links below.
Posted on Monday 7 January 2019