UNEP 9th Science Summit 2023 GLOBE Presentation Details

UNGA78 Science Summit 2023

The 78th UNGA Science Summit was held on 12-29 September 2023. The 9th Science Summit focused on science's role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The summit aimed to foster global science collaborations to advance the SDGs and to prepare for the UN Summit of the Future at UNGA79 in September 2024.

The GLOBE Program was featured in two sessions during the summit.

 

 

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

On 20 September, The GLOBE Program hosted a session titled “The NASA GLOBE International STEM Network (GISN): Advancing Earth Science Education and Contributing to the UN SDGs through Open Science.”

Co-moderated by Professor Mike Jabot (SUNY Fredonia) and Larisa Schelkin (Global STEM Education Center), the session featured insights from:

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

Grace Crain-Wright and Tony Murphy from the GLOBE Implementation Office also contributed to the discussion.

GISN members work to advance Earth science education and progress towards the UN SDGs through open science principles. Committed to open science, GISN promotes transparency and collaboration by sharing data and methodologies. Leveraging technology, GISN bridges gaps between scientists, policymakers, and the public, fostering evidence-based decision-making and monitoring SDG progress.

The session emphasized Earth science education's role in achieving the SDGs, highlighting GISN's efforts to enhance scientific literacy, develop innovative educational resources, and support inquiry-based learning. GISN’s international collaboration and capacity-building workshops aim to empower future generations for sustainable development.

The session underscored GISN’s role in advancing Earth science education and open science, amplifying the impact of its initiatives and reinforcing the importance of global collaboration for sustainable development.

 

 

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

On 21 September, The GLOBE Program hosted a session titled “The GLOBE Program–An International Science and Education Program that Cultivates the Next Generation of STEM Professionals and Science.”

Co-moderated by Professor Mike Jabot (SUNY Fredonia) and Larisa Schelkin (Global STEM Education Center), the session featured insights from:

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

Lyn Wigbels and Tony Murphy from the GLOBE Implementation Office also contributed to the discussion.

The session highlighted GLOBE’s strategic alignment with the UN SDGs and its impact on global environmental education. Panelists shared regional successes and case studies, demonstrating GLOBE’s role in supporting SDGs and fostering STEM education. This event showcased GLOBE’s commitment to sustainable development through education and global collaboration.