World affairs in theory and practice

Building Youth Perspectives on a Sustainable and Equitable Society ‘’World Affairs in Theory and Practice’’ was a yearlong virtual learning journey for the youth in the 19-25 years’ age group. A blended format, with a mix of online curriculum for open for self-study supported with expert facilitated thematic classrooms, the program was designed to build perspectives on few of the pressing current global challenges that impact the sustainability and equity of our society. The initiative was supported by the U.S. Embassy in India. 98 participants joined the program and 73 graduated on completion.

Program Elements

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) from the U.S. Universities in three areas, Environmental Security, Global Health and International Trade

Expert facilitated virtual interactive weekly classrooms supplementing each of the thematic MOOC

Leadership as a way to bridge theory and action

Diplomatic simulation on global issues within the context of the three themes.

The Approach

To make the learning journey holistic and practice based, thematic inputs were integrated with inputs on leadership, building skills and self-work. The learning space was transformed into one where youth practiced leadership in action. The approach and methodology aimed at building appreciation for different perspectives, holistic and critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Drawing from their own practices in India and outside, latest thinking around sustainability, equity, and prosperity, experts from LEAD Network facilitated weekly sessions that deepened the Cohort’s understanding from the MOOCS. The experts lead the group to connect the global issues with the national and the local level.

The Moocs

Through the carefully chosen MOOCs, each thematic Cohort was exposed to diverse perspectives on the theme, from local to regional to the global level.

01

Environmental security and sustaining peace

Focus on Conflicts and natural resources, human security and international peace building

02

Global trends for business and society

Focus on people and markets around the world, globalization, and its challenges, trade policies and sustainability

03

The challenges of global health

Focus on global health, It’s impact on social economic environmental and political environment at various levels

The weekly learning meet-ups

The entire MOOC was divided into weekly session. Every week a different group studied the section and presented their section and presented key learnings. Thematic experts from LEAD Network, facilitated discussions among the youth, also bringing examples from real life situations from their experience as practitioners in the field.

Leadership – Bridging theory and action

The sessions were customized as per the participant needs. Responding to the socio emotional state of the youth during COVID lockdown, a leadership building modules were curated and interspersed with the thematic sessions. Alongside, the practice of leadership in action was initiated. On a rotation basis, a group of five voluntarily chose to be ‘leaders of the weak’, aimed at holding spaces for other youth, to
The offering aimed at
  • Honing the participant’s leadership skills
  • Creating a community of learners
  • Creating a space for robust inter-cohort peer to peer interactions

Snapshot of the leadership module

Orientation to the Leadership Module

  • Introduction to the Journey (leadership learning & Blended learning)
  • Leadership in the emerging context of the world today
  • Elements of leadership

Understanding and connecting with self

  • Becoming Self-aware – motivations, values, patterns, emotional states, assumptions and traps and how to deal with these, dealing with differences and fears
  • What matters the most to me

Being a part of the complex world

  • Interdependency & interconnectedness of the systems
  • Critical thinking
  • Celebrating diversity and dealing with the complexities

Communicating to the world & taking people along

  • Communication & the Art of listening
  • Challenging & suspending assumption

Knowing the leader inside me

  • My leadership moments
  • ‘Balcony view’, Being on the edge
  • My life purpose
  • Changes I want to see in the world

Seeing the world as one

  • Systems thinking
  • Ability to see different perspectives
  • Merging silos

Self-work to build inner strength

Daily 5 minute each practice of mindfulness, journaling and practical assignment related to self-reflection was introduced. The practices aimed at
  • Connecting with one’s inner self
  • Knowing oneself better
  • Building one’s inner strength
  • Channeling knowledge for the benefit of larger society

Simulation of diplomatic negotiation

The program culminated in a virtual session that witnessed the youth display their acumen, a mix of thematic knowledge acquired in this journey, communication and other leadership skills practiced and sharpened during online sessions.

Environmental Security

Crisis in the Ocean- Sustaining Fisheries in International Water

International Trade

Global counterfeit trade- The high cost of cheap goods

Global Health Int. Ebola Crisis

Detecting and responding to a Public Health Emergency

Results

The leadership integrated MOOCs and facilitated classroom created the following results

International Youth Day Celebration