Attending the “Why It Matters” Conference
During the first week of October, Utah Valley University (UVU) had the incredible honor of hosting the first international academic conference on the sustainable development goals in association with the Civil Society Unit and the Academic Impact Initiative of the United Nations Department of Global Communications. The theme of the conference was “Why It Matters,” in reference to the United Nation’ seventeen sustainable development goals. Planning for the conference began in early 2020, with preparations beginning in earnest in the fall of 2021. As a member of the Global Student Leadership Council I had the opportunity to take an active part in preparing for the conference. In addition to participating in promotional events across campus and tabling to spread awareness for the event, I also had the opportunity to travel to Lehigh University in Bethlehem Pennsylvania to promote the conference. Like UVU, Lehigh University partners with the United Nations to promote the seventeen sustainable development goals. While there, we had the opportunity to meet with students, answer questions related to the conference, and collaborate on a number of United Nations related activities.
Promoting the “Why It Matters” Conference at Lehigh University
William Clark promotes the “Why It Matters” Conference at Lehigh University
Students, professors, researchers, and United Nations officials from around the world came to participate in the conference, during which all seventeen sustainable development goals were highlighted. The importance of each goal as well as potential approaches to their accomplishment were discussed in a number of thematic sessions throughout the conference. During these sessions, experts and advocates in each particular field had the opportunity to present their thoughts, ideas, and actions in regard to specific goals. As part of my responsibilities as a member of the Global Student Leadership Council and the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs at UVU, I had the opportunity to to introduce the panelists for the thematic session on Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which works 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.” The panelists for the session included Maggie O’Donnell from the Responsible Business Initiative, Dr. Kim Sadique, Associate Professor and Head of Community and Criminal Justice Division at De Montfort University, and Ryan Koch, Director of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Public and International Affairs Office in New York City. Mr. Felipe Queipo, Communications Officer at the United Nation, moderated the discussion. During the session, each panelist took the opportunity to highlight a different aspect of the goal, allowing participants to gain a greater understanding of the dimensions of the goal and how each aspect interacts with the other.
In addition to the thematic sessions, the conference also included a special session of refugees. With the ongoing war in Ukraine as well as other conflicts around the world, this is a crisis that must be addressed. The issue of refugees is particularly important to the UIMF as many conflicts throughout the world occur in the world’s mountainous regions, meaning that mountain communities are particularly impacted. By addressing the refugee crisis while also working to achieve the sustainable development goals, we can ensure that mountain communities have the resources they need to survive while also protecting their way of life.
Introducing the panelists at thematic session on SDG #16
Other presentations on a variety of topics occurred throughout the conference. A number of UIMF members had the opportunity to present their work, highlighting the needs of mountain communities while also promoting the student engaged learning model (SEL). The SEL model allows students to work collaboratively, with a faculty member serving as mentor. It encourages cooperation and gives students from various backgrounds an opportunity to share their unique perspectives and experiences.
My hope is that this conference can inspire real change, motivating individuals across the globe to work to achieve the sustainable development goals by 2030. By doing this, we can ensure that all communities, cultures, and people prosper.
Will Clark, member of the Global Student Leadership Council at Utah Valley University and the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF)
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STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
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