The University of Queensland (UQ) Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AO officially launched the Global Development Impact Plan and inaugural Global Development Dialogue Series at Customs House on 10 June 2021.
The Impact Plan (2021-2025) sets out a whole-of-UQ vision for delivering significant global impact within the development sector through drawing upon combined efforts and expertise of UQ International Development and the broader Global Engagement & Entrepreneurship (GE&E) Office, schools, faculties, institutes, and central units.
Following this official endorsement, UQ International Development and the broader GE&E Office are preparing for initial rollout, which includes establishing a Global Development Hub platform to share information, resources and events relevant to the development sector across UQ.
The launch was a great night, with an insightful panel discussion and fantastic engagement with attendees. More than 80 people were in attendance, including Chancellor Mr Peter N Varghese AO, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (GE&E) Dr Jessica Gallagher, other UQ staff and students, and representatives from industry, government and managing contractors.
The inaugural Global Development Dialogue Series panel discussion was on ‘Global Health – Opportunities for Enhanced Resilience to Existing and Emerging Health Threats in the Pacific’.
Dallas Dowsett, Head of International Development, GE&E moderated the session.
Panellists
- Professor Paul Young, Head of School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences and Investigator, Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, UQ
- Paul Chrismas, Director, James Cubitt Architects
- Associate Professor Simon Reid, School of Public Health, UQ
- Georgina Dove, Project Manager, Integrated Project Management team, Abt Associates - Australia
Dr Jessica Gallagher, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (GE&E) believes the Impact Plan is a central element of UQ’s global agenda to create lasting impact for communities globally.
“UQ wants to apply our expertise to a meaningful change in the world,” said Dr Gallagher.
“To deliver strong and sustainable global development outcomes in our region and beyond, the Impact Plan has identified three strategic pillars to focus upon: put an end to poverty and hunger; affordable energy; and environmental sustainability.
“Addressing shared global challenges speaks directly to what UQ stands for – being a central pillar in a strong civil society.”
