Stars and STEM Stories
GLOBE Asia-Pacific Annual Meeting a Great Success
The GLOBE Asia-Pacific Regional Coordination Office, in
collaboration with GLOBE Maldives and the Environmental Protection
Agency, organized the Annual Regional Meeting from 15-17 April 2024.
This event was generously sponsored by the GLOBE Implementation Office
and gathered a group of participants, including 12 GLOBE Country
Coordinators, the Director of Community Engagement and Program
Strategy from the GLOBE Implementation Office, the Coordinator of the
Asia-Pacific Regional Coordination Office, GLOBE Web Managers from
Axient, GLOBE Working Group Members, and Assistant Country
Coordinators from the region. The central theme for this year's
meeting was "Navigating Sustainability: Empowering Communities
through Environmental Action."
During the opening session of the 2024 GLOBE Asia-Pacific
Regional Meeting, Ibrahim Naeem, Director General of EPA Maldives,
highlighted the core mission of The GLOBE Program. He emphasized its
pivotal role in fostering global collaboration among students,
educators, researchers, and citizens to propel the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) forward. Naeem particularly
emphasized the Program's commitment to engaging youth in environmental
science through GLOBE Activities.
Following Naeem's address, Mohamed Zahy, representing the U.S.
Embassy, shared his remarks and expressed support for The GLOBE
Program in the country. Dr. Tony Murphy (pictured left) provided
updates on the program and upcoming GLOBE activities, extending a warm
welcome to all GLOBE Countries. Dr. Desh Bandhu concluded the session
with his closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all participants for
their attendance at the regional meeting and extending appreciation to
GLOBE Maldives for their exceptional hospitality as the local
host.
The Country Coordinator meeting commenced with
updates from The GLOBE Program, delivered by Dr. Murphy. Dr. Bandhu,
Coordinator of the Regional Coordination Office (RCO), then briefed
the participants on the activities and webinars organized since the
previous regional meeting, illustrating their positive impact on the
regional community. Each participating Country Coordinator and
Assistant Country Coordinator subsequently presented the GLOBE
activities undertaken in their respective countries.
A discussion ensued with members of the GLOBE Working Group in the region, focusing on strategies for disseminating information effectively within the region, tailoring it to the community's needs, and enhancing engagement. David Overoye from Axient elaborated on the new developments of the GLOBE website and tools for Country Coordinating Sites (CCS), including the new Data Entry system on The GLOBE Program's app, GLOBE Observer, Data Visualizations, and the utilization of the GLOBE website for educators. Participants also actively participated in hands-on training sessions on GLOBE Observer.
The meeting held in the Asia-Pacific Region was of paramount
importance as it served as a nexus for collaboration, knowledge
exchange, and capacity building among stakeholders from various
countries. Participants, including educators, researchers, and
policymakers, convened to share insights, best practices, and
innovative approaches in environmental science and education. Through
presentations, workshops, and discussions, the meeting aimed to
bolster the capacity of individuals and communities to address common
environmental challenges effectively. Furthermore, it provided a
platform for regional coordination, aligning efforts towards achieving
shared objectives such as advancing the United Nations SDGs and
promoting environmental stewardship. By fostering partnerships and
facilitating dialogue, the meeting played a pivotal role in promoting
environmental sustainability and fostering a collective response to
regional environmental issues.
The Asia-Pacific meeting held great significance for The GLOBE Program for several reasons. It provided an opportunity for the program to strengthen its presence and impact in a crucial region known for its environmental challenges and opportunities. By convening stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific, including educators, researchers, and government representatives, the meeting facilitated knowledge exchange, collaboration, and capacity building, aligning with the core mission of The GLOBE Program. Additionally, the meeting enabled The GLOBE Program to showcase its achievements, share best practices, and gather feedback for improvement, thus enhancing its effectiveness and relevance in the region. Moreover, the event served as a platform to reinforce its commitment to advancing global environmental education and contributing to the United Nations SDGs, particularly by engaging youth in environmental science and fostering community action. Overall, the Asia-Pacific regional meeting played a vital role in advancing the goals and impact of The GLOBE Program in the region and beyond.
Images courtesy Dr. Desh Bandhu, Coordinator, GLOBE Asia-Pacific Regional Coordination Office.