Together: A Workshop on Global Development

Thu. Oct. 6, 2016

The workshop was organized by the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) and the MDP program at the University of Winnipeg on September 22, from 4pm to 6pm. This was followed by a tour at the Together Exhibit. Savannah Hallworth and Fawad Akbari presented on behalf of the AKFC, and second year MDP students Aliraza Alidina and Gabriela Jimenez co-presented.

The participatory workshop engaged students to think about the complex nature of development problems (local and global) and how solutions to such problems have to incorporate different dimensions. In other words, solutions have to be multifaceted. Participants got to learn about some of the projects the AKFC is involved in and how their approach to development is quite unique. There was also discussion on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the global and local contexts.

The interesting part of the workshop was the group exercise: four groups were formed with each being assigned an SDG. Groups then discussed issues related to the assigned SDG in the local and global contexts and focusing on one such issue in both contexts. Group members then brainstormed solutions pertaining to each issue. At the end, each group shared their findings and reflections.   

Overall, the workshop refreshed the minds of participants on how to be a responsible global citizen. The AKFC explored development from a global perspective, and MDP students tried to touch upon the local perspective. Issues relating to Indigenous development were hence part of the discussion.