Various speaker presentations, panel presentations, performances and events are part of Global Awareness Week 2014 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Kicking off the International Speaker Series on Monday was Lucy Wanjiru of the United Nations Development Program, Bureau of Development Policy Gender Team.
Wanjiru, a programme specialist on gender and environment at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York, talked about “Gender, Environment and Climate Change. She is working on strengthening partnerships with governments and others to ensure environment and climate change strategies address the needs of poor women and men equitably.
She has worked in developing countries in various capacities. She was a socio-economic consultant in the Ministry of Water and Irrigation Reforms in Kenya. Wanjiru has worked for more than 10 years at the grassroots level as a community mobilizer and trainer in Integrated Water Resources Management with
organizations such as the African Medical and Research Foundation and the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).
A highlight of the activities this week will be today’s 7th Annual Cougar World Games and the Great Disability Challenge from 4-7 p.m. at the SIUE Student Fitness Center.
A special event designed to promote diversity, understanding and acceptance between groups, Cougar World Games focuses on different cultures, backgrounds and ethnicities. These groups participate in various recreational activities offered across the globe, according to Natalie Rosales, recreation coordinator at the Student Fitness Center at SIUE.
The Great Disability Challenge is also featured within the Cougar World Games. The Great Disability Challenge includes sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, cane travel and a hearing simulation. The Great Disability Challenge is offered by the office of Disability Support Services at SIUE.
“Global Awareness Week presents SIUE students with a unique opportunity to engage various organizations with a strong international component, including the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State, the International Trade Administration, Monsanto Corporation, the Peace Corps, as well as our own SIUE faculty who have received Fulbright awards,” said Dr. Ron Schaefer, director of the Center for International Programs at SIUE.
For more information about Global Awareness Week, contact Schaefer at rschaef@siue.edu.
Photo Information:
Lucy Wanjiru, of the United Nations Development Program