"A global citizen is someone who is aware of and understands the wider world – and their place in it. They take an active role in their community and work with others to make our planet more peaceful, sustainable and fairer." - Oxfam
Resilient global citizens are needed at this point in history to:
- Live harmoniously in multicultural communities
- Support sustainable and inclusive economies
- Take action for collective well-being
- Link their local actions to global issues.
Think Global, Link Local
Douglas students attended the Think Global, Link Local Conference this year held by UNAC Vancouver and KPU. This conference enabled these students to network with local community-led, civil society and public service organizations and institutions from the Greater Vancouver Area. They also got to listen to a keynote speech from Ambassador Bob Rae. We asked them to share some thoughts:
What was the biggest lesson you learned from the Think Global Link Local conference?
"I want to provide the two most important lessons that I learned today instead of just one. The first one is precisely the name of the conference, THINK GLOBAL. Our actions reflect not just in our community, our city or our country; it reflects in all over the world. When doing something, however small, it impacts different persons, cultures and ages. The example that the speaker brought up about the coronavirus situation was excellent. We are not safe if just the Canadians are being vaccinated; we need to “think globaly”. We cannot care about only our community. It is a problem that affects all the other nations. It will only be safe for us when it is safe for everyone worldwide; when everyone is vaccinated as we are internationally linked to each other. The second one is regarding being an active listener. Hearing is just a physical condition if we do not pay attention to the message being transmitted. Therefore, we need to allow others to speak, focusing on the message and understanding what is being said."
"Ambassador Bob Rae said some really great things during his speech and his Q&A the things the resonated with me the most were to be willing to listen as well as be willing to be wrong and if you can listen everyone has a voice. As well as that We need global solutions for local issues, you can't solve issues unless you become selfless."
"During the Think Global Link Global conference, what I learned was how important it is to always be aware of diverse issues that are currently around us whether it be through sustainable development goals as seen by our global humanitarian efforts or through our personal everyday lives of including vulnerable populations in our communities. The UN ambassador was able to share his personal insights and thoughts that revolved around current events and his career journey."
Did you have an opportunity to learn about your community and network with organizations on the ground? Please explain.
"I learned that food banks in lower mainland struggled greatly because of COVID-19. It was very hard for the organization to get the food donations and they struggled with providing food. According to the speaker, things are going back to normal slowly however, they are still having hard time meeting the quota."
"I had the opportunity to participate in the first session with Mosaic. I could learn about how this organization works to help immigrants and refugees settle in Canada. It is a fantastic social service, and as I am an international student, who wants to be settled in Canada professionally, I feel how important this kind of support can be for immigrants and their families. They explained what they are looking for in people who would like to work in Mosaic (set of skills) and how previous experience is not mandatory to be working with them."
"Yes, I learned a lot about my community as I heard some wonderful insights from United Nations Ambassador Bob Rae, got to hear a lot from students and grads from other post-secondary schools, and got to know how some organization leaders get involved in our community. Moreover, I was able to network with Cuso International, Canadian Mental Health Association and the City of Vancouver. I learned about their current projects, initiatives, campaigns, advocacies and workplaces since the Covid-19 pandemic. I was able to hear about volunteer opportunities that involved helping migrants or victims of conflict in Colombia, being a mental health peer supporter and knowing more about Vancouver’s current social policy program development."
The SDGs are a globally agreed upon call to ensure lasting peace and prosperity for the whole planet. The 17 goals represent different areas that need our attention today to ensure better outcomes in the future. Click on each of the goals to learn a little more about what each one targets and how we know the work we are doing is making a difference.
These goals are broad, but important and we invite you to think about a few things as you are learning more:
- How do these issues affect Canada? BC? My Community?
- It is important that we frame how the goals impact us locally
- Are there connections between different goals that may need equal attention to see positive changes?
- What is one thing I can do today that will be a positive step in achieving these goals?
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Visit the UN SDG website to learn more and follow @studentlifedc to get involved!
Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Canada
This network is part of a global movement to engage universities, colleges, knowledge institutions and research centres to developing and leading on solutions for sustainable development. As part of this, they also have an SDSN Youth program that you can get involved in.
Sustainable Development Technology Canada
Read more about different clean technology being developed in Canada.
Sustainability and the Environment
A set of goals and plans, set by the Government of Canada, for a more sustainable future.
Learn more about the actions Canada is taking for the goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.