MEG Global Environmental Politics Speaker Series
The first semester for the MEG18 cohort came to a close in March with the Global Environmental Politics module, during which the students had the opportunity to meet experts and professionals involved in current environmental NGOs, research groups, and international organizations. The speaker series, which took part over several days, provided the ´Meggies´ with a chance to ask questions, engage in discussion, and apply some of our newly gained theoretical knowledge to analyzing current environmental discourses. Each speaker had an opportunity to present about their work and their organizations´ work, before launching into general discussion and Q&As. Throughout the event, we got the chance to engage with the following speakers:
- Martin Frick, Director of the World Food Program
- Dr. Najma Mohamed, Policy Director of the Green Economy Coalition
- Moustapha Kamal Gueye, Global Coordinator of the Green Jobs Programme, ILO
- Sun Cho, Country Engagement Coordinator at Green Growth Knowledge Partnership
- Ricardo Isea Silva, Development Economist at UN Partnership for Action on Green Economy
- Daniel Ramos, Counsellor in the Trade and Environment Division of the WTO Secretariat
- Dara Lee, Manager of Education at World Business Council on Sustainable Development
- Vicente Yu, G-77 Adviser on Climate Change and Development as well as COP Climate Negotiator
- Marco Keiner, Director of the Environment Division at UNECE
- Jost Dittkrist, Programme Officer at BRS Convention
- Dr. Iyad Abu Moghli, Director of UNEP Faith for Earth
The speakers discussed topics including creating more sustainable food systems, reducing plastic waste, transitioning the current energy system away from fossil fuels, engaging with broader existing institutions, pathways towards a green economy, and many more. Throughout the series, Meggies not only gained new insights into how various organizations influence, or fail to influence, current environmental problems, but also how to engage with experts who have different definitions of sustainability. After three full days of hearing from the 11 guest speakers, the ´Meggies´ discussed and reflected on the experience of engaging with so many different experts and compiled some notes pertaining to what we learned throughout the series. Though including all the knowledge shared throughout the series would be difficult, there were several interesting key takeaways to highlight.
Equity through the eyes of several experts was a significant focus to address the roots of environmental degradation and high rates of emissions. In lieu of the problems of inequity, many speakers agreed on the importance of creating opportunities for disenfranchised and marginalized groups as being a significant path towards sustainability. In addition, influencing the actions of the largest corporations of today is a significant leverage point to changing the course of the world to becoming more sustainable. As showcased by Dr. Moghli from UNEP´s Faith for Earth organization, broadening outreach of environmental initiatives and education is a crucial step towards bringing more voices and people into environmental stewardship, in part to spread the wealth of knowledge that currently exists towards sustainable futures and current shortcomings. Finally, as shared by Vicente Yu, respectful conversation and debate can be significant to shaping more sustainable futures of tomorrow. With many, often competing perspectives on the environment and sustainability, it is crucial to listen and seek to understand diverse approaches to sustainability. This later point is something the students themselves experienced and practiced throughout the event, providing valuable training for their future careers.
In addition The series also showcased several of the key challenges facing current leaders. The difficulties in enforcing transparency and accountability were recurring themes pertaining to political and corporate adherence to new legislation, climate targets, or agreements. Issues surrounding funding were also highlighted as posing problems to achieving sustainable energy transitions, greener food systems, and equitable distribution of resources.
With spring in full swing, flowers and leaves coming out to bask in more sunlight (and the occasional Meggie following suit), the MEG18 cohort returns to a brighter, sunnier Freiburg to start their summer semester after several weeks off of rest, adventure, learning, and more. Echoing in the students' minds are the powerful words shared by Dr. Najma Mohamed in a special moment of the speaker series discussion. Reflecting on her hopes and fears for the future, she explained that whether she fully believes her ideals for the future will be met or not, she should continue persevering, just as our MEG generation (or any other environmental leaders of the world) should continue to keep building a more sustainable future! While we cannot predict what the future will look like, we can commit ourselves to making it the best possible future for all.
