Uniting for Life’s Richness: International Day for Biological Diversity

May 22nd marks the International Day For Biological Diversity, a global celebration honoring the importance of safeguarding the remarkable variety of life on our planet. This day serves as a poignant reminder of our duty to foster harmony between humanity and the natural world, emphasizing the pivotal role that biodiversity plays in sustaining life and maintaining ecological equilibrium.

IVECA demonstrates its commitment to this by facilitating virtual exchanges that ignite curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity in our planet. Through these engaging exchanges, students acquire knowledge about various aspects of our world, fostering a sense of stewardship and an understanding of the interconnectedness of global challenges.

As we celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity, let us recognize the passionate voices of our youth who actively advocate for preserving the natural world. IVECA students of all levels from around the globe have been engaged in biodiversity conservation, promoting sustainable practices, and raising awareness in their communities including students from Algeria, India, Papua New Guinea, Brazil, China and their Korean partners. This semester, universities from the United States, India, and Korea have joined IVECA’s Greening Education Partnership (GEP) where students have begun collaborating by identifying solutions for environmental problems they face in their countries. Based on reflection, students have shown understanding that our collective future depends on living in harmony with nature, by respecting the delicate balance of ecosystems and valuing every living organism.

On this International Day of Biological Diversity, we unite through our purpose of preserving Earth's extraordinary array of life. By embracing principles of respect, cooperation, and shared responsibility, we can forge a world where both humanity and nature thrive. May we listen to nature's wisdom, revel in its magnificence, and tirelessly work to ensure that future generations inherit a planet rich in biodiversity, harmony, and peace.

#IVECA#InternationalDayForBiologicalDiversity#InterculturalCompetence#GlobalCitizenship#21stCenturyEducation#GlobalCitizen

Celebrating International Day of Living Together in Peace

In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly declared May 16th as the International Day of Living Together in Peace. This day is an invitation for everyone to join the efforts to promote and practice tolerance, solidarity, respect, and living in harmony with our global family.

Every semester, IVECA welcomes students from all over the globe to partake in virtual exchanges where information, ideas and thoughts are shared. Students enjoy learning from their partner’s culture as well as sharing their own. Through these interactions, students practice understanding, empathy and respect; thus, proving these experiences, IVECA strives to contribute to making the world a better place to live together in harmony.

It is such a joy to see our students practice daily the beautiful beliefs that International Day of Living Together in Peace represents: So far this term, our students from around the world have already begun reflecting on their journey towards peace and understanding. “I’m happy to take part in this new experience as it allows me to get along with new people and share things with them,”one student writes. “I believe in being kind, empathetic, and respectful to others, no matter where they come from or what they believe.'’ another student shares. “As a global citizen, I believe in respecting other cultures and working together towards common goals,” a third student writes, perfectly reflecting not only IVECA’s goals but also that of the United Nations and the significance of this international day.

Today, IVECA joins in celebrating the International Day of Living Together in Peace. Let us all continue to listen to what others have to say, speak words of kindness, praise diversity, forgive and show compassion to others. Let us all live together in peace. 🕊️

#IVECA #ClassroomActivities #GlobalCitizenship #GlobalEducation #InternatinalDayofLivingTogetherinPeace #Peace

Reflecting on IVECA’s UN Commission for Social Development Side Event

On February 10th, IVECA had the pleasure of hosting a Side Event for the 61st session of the UN Commission for Social Development titled "Global Citizenship to Rebuild Sustainable Cities with Eco-friendly Recycling Energy Circulation System." The event focused on promoting global citizenship and facilitating research and collaboration towards clean energy recycling systems worldwide. It featured a panel of experts discussing topics such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the importance of education in promoting global citizenship, and strategies for waste management.

The panelists emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders from the private, public, and non-governmental sectors, including educational institutions to implement effective solutions for building greener cities that benefit both the environment and communities. Our collaborators in this event, the UN Academic Impact and NGO-CELL, and our partners, the 2nd Generation Recycling Energy Consortium: EcoFlame, Dohwa Engineering, and RG2e, have taken such steps and began advancing sustainable urban development.

At IVECA, we believe that Education for Global Citizenship is crucial in guiding learners towards making a better society. Our recent UN Water Conference Side Event, "Global Citizenship Education for Clean Water and Cleaner Energy," emphasized the role of global citizenship education in improving access to clean water and energy and was, along with the CSoCD61 Side Event, part of our mission to tackle important global issues.

We hope you enjoy this video recap of IVECA's CSocD61 side event and appreciate your ongoing support as we work towards equipping students around the world with the knowledge and resources to become proactive and empowered global citizens!

Join us in this endeavor by signing up to our Global Citizenship Education Partnership for Greener Earth here!

#CSocD61 #IVECA #GreeningEducationPartnership #GlobalCitizenship #GCED #VirtualExchange #MultistakeholderPartnership #GreeningEducationPartnership #EcoFriendlyTechnology #SustainableCity #SDGs #UNAcademicImpact #NGOCELL