UNEP 9th Science Summit 2023 GLOBE Presentation Details

UN General Assembly 9th Science Summit 2023 GLOBE Presentations

The 9th Science Summit at UNGA78 was held from 12-29 September 2023. The role and contribution of science to attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was the central theme of the Summit. The objective was to develop and launch science collaborations to demonstrate global science mechanisms and activities to support the attainment of the UN SDGs, Agenda 2030 and Local2030. Another objective was to prepare input for the United Nations Summit of the Future, which will take place during UNGA79 beginning on 12 September 2024.

The GLOBE Program was presented at two sessions during the UNGA78 Science Summit.

Session 1: The NASA GLOBE International STEM Network (GISN): Advancing Earth Science Education and Contributing to the UN SDGs through Open Science

The first session, entitled “The NASA GLOBE International STEM Network (GISN): Advancing Earth Science Education and Contributing to the UN SDGs through Open Science,” was held on 20 September 2023.

Professor Mike Jabot, US GLOBE Partner, SUNY Fredonia  and Larisa Schelkin, NASA GLOBE US Partner, GISN, Global STEM Education Center, Inc  were co-moderators. The speakers were:

  • North America: Katherine Boggs, GISN Canada, Geology Professor at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  • South America: Claudia Cecilia Caro Vera, GISN Peru, PhD in Biosciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal
  • East Africa: Lala Sahondra Rafarasoa,  GISN Madagascar, University of Antanananarivo
  • Asia and Pacific: Joan Bilasano Callope, GISN Philippines, Assistant Country Coordinator, The GLOBE Program-Philippines
  • Europe and Eurasia: Pegi Pavletic , GISN Croatia
  • Near East and North Africa Region: Hameed Sulaiman, GISN Oman
  • Tony Murphy, International Director, GLOBE Implementation Office
  • Grace Crain-Wright, GLOBE Science Coordinator, GLOBE Implementation Office

In 2023, GISN members actively collaborated to promote Earth science education worldwide and drove progress towards the UN SDGs through the principles of open science. The session highlighted the significant contributions of the GISN to science education, sustainable development, and the dissemination of knowledge for global prosperity. The UNGA Science Summit provided an exceptional platform to acknowledge and showcase the GISN's achievements, strategies, and future prospects. By fostering international collaboration and leveraging the expertise of its members, the GISN effectively engaged with educators, students, and policymakers to address pressing global challenges.

The primary objective of this session was to underscore the importance of Earth science education in achieving the UN SDGs. The GISN aimed to enhance scientific literacy and empower future generations with the knowledge and skills to become active contributors to sustainable development. Through its network of professionals, the GISN developed and disseminated innovative educational resources, facilitated capacity-building workshops, and supported the implementation of inquiry-based learning methodologies. By cultivating a sense of global citizenship, the GISN fostered environmental stewardship and inspired transformative action.

The GISN is committed to advancing open science principles. Through the sharing of data, methodologies, and best practices, GISN members promoted transparency, collaboration, and reproducibility in scientific research. By leveraging technological advancements, such as open-source tools and platforms, the GISN contributed to the democratization of scientific knowledge, bridging gaps between scientists, policymakers, and the public. This fostered evidence-based decision-making, enhanced policy formulation, and facilitated the monitoring of progress towards the SDGs.

The session advocated for the recognition of the GISN's vital role in advancing Earth science education and contributing to the achievement of the UN SDGs through open science. By prioritizing global collaboration, knowledge exchange, and open access to scientific information, the GISN stood as a catalyst for positive change. The United Nations General Assembly Science Summit provided a unique opportunity to amplify the impact of the GISN's initiatives and reinforce the importance of scientific education and open science in driving sustainable development worldwide.

Session 2: “The GLOBE Program–An International Science and Education Program that Cultivates the Next Generation of STEM Professionals and Science”

The second session, entitled “The GLOBE Program–An International Science and Education Program that Cultivates the Next Generation of STEM Professionals and Science,” was held on 21 September 2023.

Professor Mike Jabot, US GLOBE Partner, SUNY Fredonia and Larisa Schelkin, GLOBE US Partner, GISN, Global STEM Education Center, Inc  were co-moderators. The speakers were:

  • Latin America: Andrea Ventoso, GLOBE Country Coordinator, Ministry of Environment of Uruguay
  • Africa: Charles Mwangi, GLOBE Country Coordinator, The GLOBE Program
  • North America: Elena Sparrow, Research Professor/Education Outreach Director, University of Alaska Fairbanks International Arctic Research Center
  • Asia and Pacific: Yogendra Chitrakar, GLOBE Country Coordinator, Executive Director, ECCA
  • Europe and Eurasia: Ramona Mercieca, GLOBE Malta Deputy Coordinator, Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation
  • Middle East Region: Siham Salman, Program coordinator, Association for forest, Development and Conservation
  • Lyn Wigbels, International Coordinator, GLOBE Implementation Office
  • Tony Murphy, International Director, GLOBE Implementation Office

The GLOBE Program showcased its strategic role in supporting the UN SDGs. Participants gained insights into how GLOBE aligns with these goals and explored various strategies that aid in their implementation. The session highlighted the practical impacts of GLOBE's educational initiatives on global environmental education and SDG attainment.

The program leverages its extensive network to empower students and the public as active participants in environmental science. This session underscored GLOBE's ongoing commitment to integrating SDGs into its educational resources, emphasizing its foundational role in nurturing future STEM professionals.

A panel of representatives from each of GLOBE's six regions shared their experiences and successes in implementing GLOBE in their local contexts. These narratives were supplemented with specific case studies demonstrating the program's contributions toward national SDG efforts.

Each panelist presented detailed accounts of GLOBE's protocols and activities tailored to their regions, focusing on educational strategies and resources that align with the SDGs. This session not only emphasized GLOBE’s effectiveness in advancing environmental education but also fostered deeper understanding among the global GLOBE community about the diverse ways members are propelling sustainability and educational goals forward.

This engaging session highlighted the vital role of GLOBE in driving sustainable development through education, showcasing the power of global cooperation and informed environmental stewardship.