RCE Greater Atlanta - 2024

AGSC Symposium: Languages of Sustainability and the Global South
CSV
Basic Information
Title of project : 
AGSC Symposium: Languages of Sustainability and the Global South
Submitting RCE: 
RCE Greater Atlanta
Contributing organization(s) : 
Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University
Focal point(s) and affiliation(s)
Name: 
Stuart Minson
Organizational Affiliation: 
Atlanta Global Studies Center, Georgia Institute of Technology
E-mail: 
stuart.minson@gatech.edu
Format of project: 
Powerpoint, Audiovisual
Language of project: 
English
Date of submission:
Friday, July 26, 2024
Web link: 
https://atlantaglobalstudies.gatech.edu/atlanta-global-studies-symposium
Does this project link to any education and/or sustainable development policy or policies?: 
No
Geographical & Education Information
Region: 
Americas
Country: 
United States
Location(s): 
Greater Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Ecosystem(s):
Urban/Peri-urban
Target Audience:
Community, Higher
Socioeconomic and environmental characteristics of the area : 
Atlanta is currently a city riddled with wealth and income inequality, particularly affecting communities of color, where 80% of African-American children reside in high-poverty areas compared to only 6% of their white peers. Historical divisions in housing, schools, and zoning perpetuate these disparities. The city's rapid development can also affect the environment, causing potential issues with reduced greenery, increased pollution, flooding, and soil erosion. Despite being an economic hub, Atlanta is marked by racial segregation, concentrated poverty, gentrification, and displacement, and has one of the lowest social mobility rates for its poorest population. It also ranks poorly in terms of income inequality, energy burden, gentrification, traffic, and air quality.
Description of sustainable development challenge(s) in the area the project addresses: 
The Atlanta Global Studies Symposium addresses sustainable development challenges in Atlanta, including climate change impacts, community resilience, and migration dynamics. These challenges are exacerbated by urbanization and socio-economic disparities, necessitating collaborative solutions that integrate local and global perspectives to promote environmental sustainability and social equity.
Contents
Status: 
Completed
Rationale: 
The Atlanta Global Studies Symposium is essential for addressing critical global challenges. By focusing on "Languages of Sustainability and the Global South," the symposium aims to deepen understanding and foster collaboration on issues like climate change impacts, migration dynamics, and community resilience. These sessions not only educate participants but also promote cultural awareness and language education as vital tools for peacebuilding and sustainable development. The symposium provides a platform for diverse stakeholders—from academia to community organizations—to share knowledge and forge partnerships aimed at innovative, interdisciplinary solutions. By celebrating the diversity and global connections of the Atlanta region, this event underscores the importance of inclusive approaches in tackling global issues and advancing towards a sustainable future.
Objectives: 
The objectives of the 2024 Atlanta Global Studies Symposium sessions are:

-Explore climate change impacts and adaptation strategies in the Global South.

-Examine the intersection of migration, community associations, and sustainable development.

-Showcase innovative approaches in science and health tailored for Atlanta's diverse communities.

-Highlight the role of language education in fostering peacebuilding and sustainable practices.

-Feature a keynote address and performance by David Sánchez, focusing on musical roots and sustainability in the Afro-Caribbean context.
Activities and/or practices employed: 
The Atlanta Global Studies Symposium in 2024 focused on "Languages of Sustainability and the Global South". The event presented initiatives that promoted global education, language learning, sustainable development, and community engagement. Partners, faculty, students, community organizers, K-12 teachers, and the public were welcomed to connect, discover the impact of collaboration, and celebrate the diversity and global vitality of the region during the in-person event.


Featuring:
Session 1: Impacts of Climate Change and Adaptation in the Global South
Session 2: Migration, Community Associations, and Sustainability
Session 3: AGREC Showcase: Adapting Science & Health for Atlanta’s Global Communities
Session 4: Language Education and Peacebuilding
Session 5: Keynote Address and Performance: David Sánchez - Musical Roots and the Language of Sustainability in the Afro Caribbean
Size of academic audience: 
150
Results: 
The 2024 Atlanta Global Studies Symposium yielded significant outcomes: enhanced understanding of climate change adaptation and migration impacts in the Global South, highlighted sustainable community practices, showcased innovative health solutions for Atlanta's diverse populations, underscored the role of language in peacebuilding, and celebrated Afro-Caribbean sustainability through music. These sessions promoted collaboration, cultural awareness, and actionable insights towards global sustainability goals.

Pictures:

File Name Caption for picture Photo Credit
Image icon Symposium01.JPG (5.38 MB)
Image icon symposium02.JPG (4.65 MB)
Image icon symposium03.jpg (2.96 MB)
Image icon symposium04.jpg (3.13 MB)
Image icon symposium05.jpg (2.93 MB)
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
(https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs) and other themes of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
SDG 4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all 
Direct
Theme
Curriculum Development 
Direct
ESD for 2030-Priority Action Areas
Priority Action Area 3 - Developing capacities of educators and trainers 
state: 
Direct
Priority Action Area 4 - Mobilizing youth 
state: 
Direct
Update: 
No
I acknowledge the above: 
Yes