Apply for the UN Summer Academy.
DEADLINE: May 13, 2022
About the UN Summer Academy
A highly engaging five-day online program promoting rich interaction on issues relevant to the work of the UN and its partners in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement through panel discussions, small group breakout activities and peer stock exchange.
There are 62 free slots sponsored by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Introduction
The virtual UN Summer Academy aims to bring together sustainability actors from multiple different sectors and regions on a common platform to explore key challenges for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular in areas such as health and well-being, social protection, economic transformation and climate action. The theme of the UN Summer Academy of 2022 is Sustainable Transformation Pathways. The 5-day program will explore different thematic areas using conceptual tools such as systems thinking, design thinking and future thinking.
As in previous editions, the Academy combines academic rigor with cutting edge thinking, providing participants with unparalleled learning and networking opportunities. The highly interactive program is designed to facilitate and promote dialogue with thought and action leaders currently working on the implementation and localization of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement. Participants will explore the transformative approaches needed to implement the 2030 Agenda, and they will share concrete examples and practices from different country contexts and stakeholder perspectives.
At the same time, this virtual edition takes advantage of the additional possibilities offered by the online format. Through experiential learning methodologies, participants will engage with a wide range of expert input, as well as peer-to-peer learning, knowledge sharing and collaborative co-creation.
Thanks to the generous support of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, this course is offered at a discounted price of $500.
Upon successful completion of the UN Summer Academy, participants will:
demonstrate a good understanding of the key concepts underlying the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change; Demonstrate a better understanding of key challenges and opportunities for sustainable development; Have benefited from unparalleled networking opportunities and demonstrate a greater awareness of the role of different development partners; and exposure to good practices and conceptual approaches in sustainable development.
Course methodology
Recognizing that transformative learning cannot take place through classical chalk and talk lectures, the UN Summer Academy is designed using experiential online learning methods that combine panel discussions with high-level speakers with interactive opportunities for knowledge sharing and sharing, and hands-on practice sessions. .
The virtual Summer Academy is synchronous, which means that participants are expected to be online at the same time during certain hours. (The plenary sessions with all participants will take place between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. CEST. To allow for the widest range of international participation, UNSSC offers small-group breakout activities in two blocks: once in the morning , CEST, and CEST again in the evening.)
The Summer Academy will feature a variety of moderated online learning formats, including live webinars with thought leaders; breakout activities in small groups for reflection and knowledge exchange; and applied labs in which participants apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the Academy. Moreover, the UN Summer Academy attaches great importance to fun and building relationships. This remains a top priority in the virtual edition, including through networking sessions where participants showcase their work, games and other social activities.Course Content
The UN Summer Academy introduces conceptual approaches to support the understanding of sustainable development, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the Paris Agreement on Climate Change under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The 2022 program will examine sustainable development from a multi-sectoral perspective, focusing on critical themes such as health and well-being, social protection, economic transformation and climate action. Participants will look at how transformative thinking frameworks of systems thinking, futures thinking and design thinking can address these problems in a complex and volatile context. In addition to these core themes and conceptual approaches, the program will also include trending themes in sustainable development, such as innovation for sustainable development and groundbreaking technologies. Experts will highlight the latest developments in these areas and their potential contribution to sustainable development efforts. Target audience
Young professionals from the UN, representatives of national and local governments, representatives of civil society, academics, representatives of the private sector, as well as a select number of PhD and Master’s students.
Applicants are selected on the basis of their professional/academic profile and motivation statement.
Time Requirements: As described in the “Course Methodology” section above, this is a synchronous course. Participants are expected to be online for four to five hours on all five days. Exact times will be shared with successful applicants shortly before the course begins, but UNSSC offers two time windows: participants can choose a window from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM CEST or 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM CEST).
Technical Requirements: To participate in this online training, participants must have access to the course via a desktop PC or laptop with an internet connection, as well as a working webcam, microphone and speakers. Internet speed and volume should be enough for four to five hours of video conferencing per day. Due to the interactive and applied design of the Academy, it is not possible to participate with a mobile device. Further details on technical requirements will be shared with successful applicants shortly before the course begins. Cost of participation
The $500 USD course fee covers the following:
Five days of online training, including a technical orientation* on how to use all the online platforms and tools used for the course. Exclusive access to a UNSSC online social learning environment with training and supporting background material, and the opportunity to stay in touch with colleagues. All course materials, resources and contacts.
Participants are expected to reimburse all costs associated with their participation in the Summer Academy.
*Note: Technical support to resolve issues related to local customers’ software or hardware settings, Internet access, and generally any issues requiring access to local customers and infrastructure are beyond the scope of UNSSC services.
Certificates from the United Nations System Staff College are awarded to participants who participate in the Summer Academy.
Scholarships
In order to provide highly qualified candidates with the opportunity to participate in the online UN Summer Academy, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is funding 62 full scholarships, covering the fees for the five-day online learning event.
The scholarship application process is highly competitive and we encourage you to fund your application through other means if possible.
To be eligible for a scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
Have professional or academic experience in sustainable development; To be able to act as a multiplier, to apply and pass on acquired knowledge; and be available to participate actively. The virtual Summer Academy is synchronous, meaning participants are expected to be online at the same time every day, June 27, during certain hours (either 10am to 4pm CEST or 2pm to 8pm hours CEST) 2022 to 01 July 2022.
Candidates from NRW and its partner countries and regions are strongly encouraged to apply.
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You can also check > 2022 Global Youth Economic Opportunities Summit
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