Jacqueline's Global Scholars Blog

  This Sunday, the Jiang-Zhou Family graciously opened their home to Poly Global Scholars and our AFS students from Bulgaria, Germany, and Chile. In addition to enjoying international foods and socializing, Aaron Tyler and I co-moderated a panel discussion. Prior to the gathering, we collaborated on questions aimed at learning more about our AFS students’ home countries and impressions of American culture. While a wide range of topics were covered, a few of the more thought-provoking or surprising question/answers were related to sensitive issues such as stereotypes , gay marriage, and alcohol.  When asked if they had experienced any stereotypical reactions while in the US, Alina from Germany responded that she occasionally felt that “some people can’t get past WWI and WWII which is unfortunate because there is much more to Germany than that.” Carlo noted that most Americans' immediate reaction was that he was from Mexico; Chile usually came as a surprise. When asked if...

Sustainable Development Goal 5 "On this International Day, UNESCO would like to focus in particular on inequalities in science and technology. UNESCO statistics have shown that women are currently four times less likely than men to master digital skills, even though these skills will be at the centre of future societies."  This message from Audrey Azoulay (original:French, UNESCO website), Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organization(UNESCO), encourages us to reflect upon gender equality, In fact, gender equality is one of UNESCO’s “two cross-cutting priorities, along with Africa.” In her message, Ms. Azoulay quotes Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations: “Gender equality and empowerment of women and girls is the unfinished business of our time.” Education is key. According to UNESCO, however, less than 40% of countries around the world provide girls and boys with equal access to education as reflected stat...

  2020 is a special year because it marks the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations. As such, the topic of the UnA Pasadena Chapter’s Board Meeting on Feb. 25th was Global Consultation, “the biggest-ever global conversation on the role of global cooperation in building the future we want.”    The purpose of Global Consultation is to inspire action across borders, sectors, and generations by connecting people to discuss issues such as the climate crisis and patterns of violence. The overarching goal is to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals - a blueprint for global peace and prosperity adopted by all United Nations Members States in 2015.  Recommendations from the Global Consultation aimed at inspiring policy actions will be provided to the United Nations as well as Congress and other key decision-makers. Throughout this year, UNA-USA Pasadena Chapter will work with the community through conducting Global Consultation to ensure a sustainable futur...