To offer a harsh metaphor, putting individual women in high-powered positions is to gender equality what trickle-down economics is to poverty: real change needs to address the system as a whole, to change the foundations and assumptions on which our institutions are built.
Ihlara McIndoe: Save the Humanities
Creativity is what keeps the world we live in today going. It’s what leads to constructive critique. It’s what leads to solutions. It’s what leads to bettering the living standards of people world wide. It is extremely important to have creative young minds leading society, and integral to enabling this is the access to a wide variety of education areas. Creativity comes from a variety of sources and influences. It comes from medicine, it comes from science, it comes from law, and performing arts, and humanities and sports. We do not live in a tunnel visioned world, where technological evolution is the one stop answer to solving global issues. It is the interconnectedness of a wide variety of educational areas that is essential for the flourishing of society.
The humanities today are more important than ever.
Piet Ubels: Calling all city geeks - join me at Habitat III in Quito!
Attending the Habitat III negotiations is such an amazing opportunity on so many levels. This is a once in 20-year chance to be at the table that decides the New Urban Agenda for the world. It's your chance to see - and maybe even influence - whether our generation's uncertain future is set in the right direction.
Emily Rushton: Taking it to the Top
I was expecting to only be observing at the United Nations Environmental Assembly 2, or token consultation. I was very wrong.
What it came down to was what effort I wanted to put in.
Robin Singh: A Brief Reflection
Visiting Nairobi and attending the UNEA-2 (United Nations Environmental Assembly) conference has been quite an experience for me. It is evident from the visit the amount of potential Africa holds as a global growth engine and opportunity for Kenya to be a leader in this drive.
Eleanor Parkes: Budget Degradation Shows Enviro-Kiwis Needed Back Home
New Zealand youth travel to the United Nations Environment Assembly to help the global effort to protect the environment. Meanwhile, major budget cuts back home show that the environment is not a priority for the New Zealand Government.
Stella Ivory: On feeling like the 'kid' in the candy store
"It was like being in a kid in an all-you-can eat candy shop...But, in this candy store situation, I equally also felt like a kid. Or, at least, under qualified and somehow unworthy."
Emily Rushton: Climate Change Unites Farmers and Youth
NAIROBI: Representatives from New Zealand and Pakistan have united in the need for UN programs to support changes to farm practices in response to rapidly changing climate conditions and the risk of drought.