Jacqueline's Global Scholars Blog

I attended yesterday evening's UNA-USA board meeting for the purpose of introducing myself to board members, presenting updates on my internship, and learning more about how the organization is run. Following the approval of the August minutes, Chapter Business related to finances were addressed. Last week's Adopt-A-Future Campaign for Refugees was discussed in light of what worked, what didn't, and how we can improve for next year. The idea of giving incentives to encourage more students to become actively involved with UNA-USA was presented. Tasks and times in preparation for UN Day on October 26th were also coordinated. Additionally, we prepared for next week's Mini Coffee Talk which will be hosted on Thursday, October 3rd from 5-6:30 at the UNA-USA Board Office on 75 S. Grand Ave. #106 in Pasadena. This event will be for members, prospective members, and volunteers to learn more about the United Nations and how to get involved in action related works for our commu

Polytechnic’s Global Initiative Program Presents Brave Girl Rising The film, Brave Girl Rising , followed by a discussion with producer Martha Adams, featured last week as Polytechnic's first Global Initiative Program Event of the 2019-20 school year. Filmed on location in one of the world's largest refugee camps in Dadaab, Kenya, Brave Girl Rising tells the story of 17-year- old Nasro, a Somali orphan living in Dadaab. Moreover, the film and insightful discussion with Ms. Adams shed light on the plight of female refugee camp victims across the global south. Lack of education, gender violence, and water scarcity were among the major problems addressed. Ms. Adams also pointed out that cultural and religious norms often contribute to the obstacle of limited education for females; this, in turn, negatively impacts wide-ranging issues including infant mortality rate, community stability, and GDP. Ms. Adams concluded the evening by urging Poly students to do things in th

  ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE DE LA FRANCOPHONIE (OIF) In preparation for the 42nd session of the Human Rights Council this month, the Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF) met with Michelle Bachelet, the High Commissioner for Human Rig hts in Geneva on August 30th to discuss objectives and challenges. According to OIF, topics addressed included: the need for further support, budget challenges, and concern over increased human rights abuses. Additionally, the many French-speaking Ambassadors present at the session emphasized the importance of strengthening multilingualism and cultural diversity in meetings as well as in the administrative offices of the High Commission.