Global Development Day 2023: Recap
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making Global Development Day 2023 an outstanding success! Your dedication and enthusiasm created an inspiring atmosphere, bringing together students from various faculties at the University of Copenhagen.
- On November 30th 2023 at Forskningskolletivet, the Global Development Network together with the help of 18 Student Ambassadors representing 8 different disciplines created the second edition of the Global Development Day, under the title "You(th) as Change Agents". This was a full day program with activities focusing on topics such as Sustainability, Degrowth, Mental Health, SDGs, and many more.
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Over 100 students from every faculty at UCPH joined throughout the day with their diverse perspectives, contributing to the depth of our discussions. This event served as an unique opportunity for students from different backgrounds to network and collaborate around the topics of Global Development and Youth.
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Lastly, We extend our gratitude to the 12 organizations and initiatives that played a vital role in shaping our conversations. Notable participants included the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent for Psychosocial Support, Tana Copenhagen, Oxfam, DanChurchAid, Gehl, and many more. Their presence significantly enhanced our collective exploration of global development.
Here is a recap of each activity that happened during Global Development Day:
In this insightful session, Shona Whitton, Joshua Lee, and Cátia Matos from the the IFRC Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support, shared profound insights into mental health and well-being during challenging times. Participants had the unique opportunity to learn from the experiences of these esteemed experts and engage in a thoughtful dialogue moderated by the Student Ambassador Finja Daegling from the MSc in Global Health.
This interactive discussion brought mental health and psychosocial well-being to the forefront, allowing participants to delve into the nuances of these crucial topics. Attendees not only gained valuable insights from the experiences of the expert panel but also had the opportunity to pose thoughtful questions, fostering a deeper understanding of how we can collectively contribute to mental health awareness and support.
Thank you to our esteemed speakers and the Student Ambassador Finja Daegling for making this session an impactful and enriching experience. Let's carry the lessons learned forward as we continue to be advocates for mental health and well-being in our communities!
The Global Development Lounge was a dynamic hub that brought together professionals and organizations from the Global Development field. Attendees had the valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue on career paths, explore potential opportunities, and receive sound advice from experts in the field.
Invited Speakers:
- Thomas Augustinus: Program Manager at Access2innovation
- Erik Bryld: Managing Director and Partner at Tana Copenhagen
- Jonas Devantier: MENA Coordinator and Program Advisor at Oxfam Denmark
- Mark Latona: Fundraising and Partnership Advisor at IFRC PS Centre
- Katinka Bach: Advisor on Strategic International Partnerships at DanChurchAid
- Ingrid Mikkelsen: Public Mobilisation Lead at Oxfam Denmark
In this interactive session, students had the chance to meet professionals representing diverse organizations such as the Red Cross, Tana Consulting, UN, and more. The discussion encompassed insights into various career paths, potential opportunities within the Global Development sector, and invaluable advice for those aspiring to make a positive impact on a global scale.
The Global Development Lounge provided a unique space for students to connect directly with professionals, fostering a dialogue that will undoubtedly inspire and guide future leaders in the field of Global Development. Many thanks to our esteemed speakers for sharing their expertise and contributing to this enriching session!
This session delved into the fascinating and complex topic of human migration, questioning how it might alter and challenge current landlocked-based territories and borders. The discussion focused on envisioning the future of human migration concerning development, cities, and islands. Attendees were invited to explore diverse perspectives where the 'futures' of migration intersect with the present.
Invited Speakers:
- Tim Bunnell: Professor of Geography and Director of the Asia Research Institute (ARI), National University of Singapore
- Ilan Kelman: Professor of Disasters and Health, University College London, England, and Professor II at the University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
- Adam Grydehøj: Professor, Research Center for Indian Ocean Island Countries, South China University of Technology; Co-director of Zhejiang University's Island and Coastal Zone Institute; Affiliated Associate Professor at the University of the Faroe Islands
- Ana Mosneaga: Senior Strategic Liaison Assistant with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Sub-Regional Office for the Nordic Countries
- Dosol Nissi Lee: MA Student, Centre for Advanced Migration Studies, University of Copenhagen
The session unfolded with thought-provoking and pioneering talks, exploring the intersections of development, islands, cities, and migration. Speakers shared insights into the potential challenges and opportunities that the future may hold, providing a comprehensive understanding of this intricate aspect of global development.
The engaging dialogue and diverse perspectives presented by our esteemed speakers contributed to a rich and insightful session. Attendees were given a glimpse into the complexities of human migration and its potential impact on the future geopolitical landscape. Special thanks to our speakers for their valuable contributions to this exploration of 'Future Cities, Future Islands'!
At this dynamic and interactive event, participants dove into a fast-paced hackathon, where they, along with their peers, brainstormed, ideated, and prototyped innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.
Challenge Outcome: Two teams passionately participated in this hackathon, presenting their solutions to address sustainability challenges within the University of Copenhagen and the broader Copenhagen community. The judging panel, including a representative from Gehl, meticulously evaluated the projects and awarded 1st place to the team behind the project "UCPH Food Rescue." This groundbreaking initiative proposed an innovative solution to tackle food waste in our University's canteens.
A heartfelt thank you to all the teams that participated, showcasing their creativity, dedication, and commitment to making a positive impact. Special appreciation goes to the Student Ambassador, Spyridoula Loukopoulou, for her outstanding efforts in organizing and facilitating this impactful activity.
This hackathon not only demonstrated the immense potential of youth-led initiatives but also underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges. Congratulations to all participants for their inspiring solutions and their dedication to driving positive change!
Led by Professor Ezio Di Nucci, a distinguished philosophy professor at KU with expertise in bioethics, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions. The Development Spectrum activity provided a platform for individuals to articulate their perspectives on various developmental issues.
This interactive session allowed attendees to explore a spectrum of opinions, by placing themselves along the room according to their positions based on the statements shared on the screen. Ezio Di Nucci's guidance and expertise added a valuable dimension to the conversation, encouraging participants to critically examine and articulate their stances on crucial development-related topics.
A sincere thank you to Ezio Di Nucci for moderating this impactful session and to the Student Ambassador Swathi from the MSc in Global Health who actively contributed to the Development Spectrum, enriching the discourse on global development. Your thoughtful engagement exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and open dialogue that defines Global Development Day 2023!
The central theme revolves around the concept of "Degrowth" as a theoretical framework within ecological economics and utopian thinking. Agnete Vienberg Hansen from the Degrowth Thematic Solution in the Green Solution Centre at the University of Copenhagen and Lucía Fajardo Ligero from the MSc in Global Development, navigated the intersection of degrowth, decolonization, and decarbonization as potential paths toward a just transition.
The session commenced with a comprehensive theoretical exposition, providing participants with insights into the foundations of degrowth and its potential impact on societal transformation. Following the presentation, an informal and engaging conversation unfolded, inviting participants to share their thoughts on the topic. The discussion explored the concept of a "utopian" world within the context of degrowth.
This activity encouraged a deeper reflection on alternative approaches to societal development, emphasizing the importance of ecological sustainability and justice. Thank you to Agnete Vienberg Hansen, Lucía Fajardo Ligero, and all participants for contributing to this enlightening exploration of "Why Degrowth?"
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Throughout the day, students were incentivized to reflect on their conceptions of Youth by adding their reflections to a lovely Christmas tree that was set up at the entrance of Forskningskolletivet.
A huge thank you to our Student Ambassador Raquel Jurado from the MSc in Global Development for coming up and organizing the idea by engaging students at Global Development Day right from the start!