Hong Kong’s first blog for SDG education news and announcements
Tomorrow, 25th November, is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Under the restrictions imposed by many governments as part of their covid response strategies, millions of families have been forced to stay locked down together for much longer than normal and under much more stress than usual. Sadly, this has led to a “Shadow Pandemic” of violence, usually by men against women and girls. Violence by men against women and girls is inexplicable, pointless behaviour. Days like this at least begin to raise awareness and will hopefully stimulate the actions needed to address this behavioural disease. . . .
As part of my own CPD, I recently completed a course on the Circular Economy with the United Nations Systems Staff College. Participants were selected from 122 countries and from a variety of government, corporate, IGO, NGO and academic backgrounds. The peer group was highly enriching and the expert input to the learning equally valuable. Key takeaways: Sustainability needs properly thought out, designed and governed circularity Both business and government have their part to play Ultimately, as individuals we must drive institutional behaviour and create a virtuous circle of truly transformative systemic change through our consumption choices and our political demands. . . .
A great listicle from the World Economic Forum with 10 ways to foster and develop grassroots innovation. From engaging local government and communities, through attacking discrimination in all forms, to introducing appropriate technology and including youth, this is a really good all-encompassing list with good brief explanations. Take a look! . . .
Tomorrow, 16 November is the UN International Day for Tolerance. This day of observation was started in 1996 after the 1995 Year for Tolerance. Tolerance is surely a cornerstone of the United Nations which was born out of the ashes of World War 2 and a general desire by all nations and all peoples not to repeat that mistake or that of the First War. Tolerance is a very useful approach as it does not put the demands of liking or agreeing with another party. Only that we tolerate and respect their view (within reason). Tolerance goes to the heart of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and not only should it be recognized politically and legally, but it should be practiced at all levels by all people. . . .
A 150-year-old note from Charles Darwin is inspiring a change in the way forests are planted (The Conversation) . . .
The rationale of celebrating a World Science Day for Peace and Development has its roots in the importance of the role of science and scientists for sustainable societies and in the need to inform and involve citizens in science. In this sense, a World Science Day for Peace and Development offers an opportunity to show the general public the relevance of science in their lives and to engage them in discussions. Such a venture also brings a unique perspective to the global search for peace and development. The purpose of the Day is to: Strengthen public awareness of the role of science for peaceful and sustainable societies; Promote national and international solidarity for shared science between countries; Renew national and international commitment for the use of science for the benefit of societies; Draw attention to the challenges faced by science in raising support for the scientific endeavour. The year 2021 marks 20th edition of World Science Day for Peace an . . .
A very interesting read in The Guardian highlighting the complexity of any transition, especially the carbon transition we know we need to undertake. A report in Nature Energy shows how transitioning offers both opportunities and dangers. High income countries have already seen something similar as they transitioned from industrial to post-industrial economies from the 1970s onwards. Many places still feel the negative impacts of that today, while others have boomed. Moving away from carbon-based economic activity will have similar repercussions which governments need to manage carefully and where the UN has a key role. . . .
Cop26 may involve dozens of world leaders, cost billions of pounds, generate reams of technical jargon and be billed as the last chance to prevent calamitous global heating, but at its simplest the climate conference in Glasgow is a debate about dialling up or dialling down risk……(The Guardian) . . .
