UNODC-UNESCO conduct two day webinar on Education and Justice in South Asia, Get Key takeaways here

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization and UNODC conducted a two-day -UNESCO Regional Dialogue on ‘Engaging Youth on Education and Justice in South Asia. The event was conducted on October 27 and 28, 2020. The event was conducted online with participants from Six South Asian Member Countries Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Sri Lanka.  

The first panel was conducted on the first day of the event - October 27, 2020. The Panel discussion was conducted by UNODC-UNESCO Regional Dialogue focusing on “Youth Engagement for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies”.

Webinar Link

Day 2 panel Discussion takeaways

The second panel conducted at the UNODC-UNESCO Regional Dialogue on “Engaging youth for education and justice in South Asia” focused on “Mainstreaming education for Justice, Peace and SDGs in the Classroom.” The discussion included educators from Bangladesh, Bhutan India, and Sri Lanka bringing out a range of experiences along with good practices and innovations on Student-driven clubs and councils, UNODC’s Lockdown Learners series in India and the global ‘Education for Justice’ Initiative, Entrepreneurship for social change and SDGs, Capacity building of educators on activity-based learning, Using technology and creative arts to promote peace and SDGs, Interactivity projects and activities for students engagement on ethics, values and social themes, Multi-stakeholder collaborations and exchanges.

Perspectives of different countries taken into consideration

The panelists during the discussion also reflected with respect to the context and challenges faced in their respective countries along with sharing their individual perspectives on issues including India’s New Education Policy 2020, Bhutan's focus on ethics and SDGs, Sri Lanka's experiences in students and educator exchanges for peace and conflict resolution and Bangladesh's experience with project-driven learning. 

Bridging the gap a necessity

The panelists also emphasized the need to leave none unattended and bridge the socio-economic, digital and gender divides in education. One of the main points discussed during the webinar was also about the importance of having the aim of education post the COVID-19 pandemic in the core agenda of catalyzing Youth Action. The panelists were of the opinion that this should be educator-driven, value-based, and activity centres which will enable the young to co-create solutions for the same.

Samarth Pathak, Communications Officer, UNODC during the discussion said “The aim of education in the post-pandemic scenario must include at its core the agenda of catalyzing youth action. This should be educators-driven, values-based, and activity-centered, and provide young people with an open platform to speak, reflect, and co-create solutions.”In fact, as we now collectively try to reshape the future post-COVID-19, a future that bridges the socio-economic, digital, ideological, and gender divide that the world is grappling with, the educators and policymakers are faced with a unique opportunity to revitalize education with youth capital.”

Mr. Sergey Kapinos, UNODC Representative for South Asia was quoted as stating that “At UNODC, we believe education is a key ally in defending rights and protecting the rule of law—It is an essential life skill in crises. Learning empathy, respecting diversity, and being able to recognize and challenge discrimination are key skills that young people should have today. This will also enable young people to come to the forefront and take charge of the future they want to build.”

Also Read: UNODC-UNESCO to conduct two day webinar on Engaging Youth on Education and Justice in South Asia, Check details here