In February, we organised our very first “Global Citizenship Live” event, an opportunity for RGU students to learn more about the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and how they can support initiatives both at and outside university.
Learn more about the event and hear from participants about their experience in this blog.
On Wednesday 21 February 2024, students across the whole University took part in our Global Citizenship Live event to get started on their journey from RGU Citizen to Global Citizen through bringing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to life.
It started with a viewing of a video featuring RGU students sharing what Global Citizenship means to them, followed by a group activity and inspiring internal and external speakers.
By attending the event, students gained credit for a Beyond the Classroom pathway, which is part of our RGUplus programme designed to introduce students to entrepreneurship, sustainability, and community engagement to build employability skills.
Hear from our students about their experience of the event:
What did you think of the event?
“The event is a great step towards awareness and small steps like these taken frequently will make the difference.” – Syed
“I thought the event was very well organised and was broken up into lots of short talks and activities. I liked how the event was set out with tables which meant we could interact with people from other courses.” – Stacey
“The event was splendid, educative, well put together and had a lot of information.” – Uche
“The Global Citizenship Live event was really worth it for me as I had the opportunity to meet with brilliant students and lecturers as well learn new things about RGU, my community, and the world. I also had the privilege to make a commitment to myself, my community and humanity, which I have been working on lately.” – Anthony
“I must say it was one of the best events I attended. The programme motivated me to reflect on my values and actions, prompting me to consider how I can contribute to creating positive change on a global scale.” – Achini
“The Global Citizenship Live event was really eye opening, I did not realise that there are 17 global goals for sustainable development!” – Roni
What was your favourite part?
“Sustainability is my passion and I have enjoyed each and every bit of it.” – Syed
“My favourite part was writing pledges on the placards to be used in the photo booth.” – Stacey
“When we all got together in groups to discuss, and then write on the bright coloured pieces of paper about what the term “Global Citizen” meant to each of us, which we subsequently hung on 3 strips of rope.” – Uche
“My favourite part was when we were asked to write down our commitment to our community and humanity and take a picture so we can remember that day. It was really inspiring for me for personal reasons.” – Anthony
“I loved all the activities, as I could listen to new and different thoughts of participants from different countries, who tackle specified sustainable development challenges differently. Further, I enjoyed listening to the speakers who shared their life experiences and motivated us to share the same goal as a global citizen.” – Achini
“My favourite moments would have to be listening to the wide range of speakers as well as the group activities, which were really fun. I also liked the fact that I was able to make new connections.” – Roni
What did you learn and how has it benefitted you?
“Though I do have some background and experience when it comes to sustainability, it was good to get a refresher on some of the concepts.” – Syed
“I learned that there is no set definition of what being a Global Citizen means and each person has their own opinion. Going to this event was beneficial to me because it helped to expand my mind and show how I can become a Global Citizen and how to help in the community.” – Stacey
“I have now become a champion of that term, “Global Citizen”, with the world’s sustainability as my goal.” – Uche
“I learnt a lot to be honest, especially about being conscious of my environment and being proactive in taking steps to minimise waste by recycling more and contributing to my community as much as I can. I can’t fully express how grateful I am for the opportunity to attend an event like that as it has really impacted my growth and learning experience strongly.” – Anthony
“As someone who has a crochet business, it made me realise that my own business strives for sustainability, equality and a safe community where individuals are not afraid to make mistakes.” – Roni
If you want to learn more about how to get involved in RGUplus and embark on a journey to become a highly employable Global Citizen, please visit the RGU website.