As I was working on Week 2 of an ESRI Geo Apps MOOC, I came across this link, perhaps by accident, but I am dedicating this post to the ESRI YOUNG PROFESSIONAL NETWORK - https://www.esri.com/en-us/about/ypn/overview
As a retired, America, UN professional officer, with almost 3 decades of field experiences, living away from my home in Riverside, California, I have gained significant real-time experiences working with ACTIVITIES AND ACTION TOOLS used to achieve 2 separate 15 year global challenges (the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs 2000-2015), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2015-2030) challenges. https://files.unsdsn.org/SDG7%20Guide%20Part%202_FINAL.pdf
Today, after reviewing the ESRI BOOK Proposal Guide, and beginning to be active with the UN Behavioural Science Group of the UN Innovation Network, I am exploring writing a book to help guide more students in the remaining years of the SDG challenge to get actively involved with and busy collaborating for development.
You may ask: What is the UN Behavioral Science Group - https://www.unbesciweek2025.org "...Behavioral science refers to an evidence-based understanding of how people actually behave, make decisions and respond to programs, policies, and incentives. It uses rigorous methods to provide an understanding of impact and of what interventions work. The practice includes presenting choices to help people achieve their aims and make informed decisions; and reducing friction (such as paperwork requirements and administrative burdens) that separates people from something that they want".
I have just received letter that 5 Books for Africa-filled containers have been loaded on a cargo ship and are headed for Mombasa, to be distributed in rural Kenya. The letter was addressed to all those responsible for making it happen, including myself and Safina Empowerment NGO in Kenya.
I am taking the ESRI MOOC, collaborating with Safina Empowerment as we "recognize that access to accurate data is key to development. By using geospatial mapping and AI-driven tools, we strive to help local governments, organizations, and development partners make better decisions for sustainable growth in our communities. We believe that real change happens when people have skills, technology, and data to make informed decisions'.
Components of our strategy:
:small_blue_diamond: Empowering Women & Girls – We train women and girls in leadership, digital skills, and climate-smart farming, equipping them with the tools to drive change in their communities.
📍Data for Development(geospatial data) – we strive to avail data and visualization strategic for sustainable development
:classical_building: Leadership & Innovation Hub – we work to provide the programmes needed in leadership , sustainable development and technology closer to the marginalized groups and populations through our leadership center .
🤝Global & Local Collaboration – we promote global institutional partnerships to strengthen the quality , capacity and impact of our work.
So now, preparing to submit a book proposal, I turn to members of this community for feedback about how important it may be to 'mappers and spatial analysts'to find entryways to get involved with the SDG Challenge. Looking for you responses as I enter Week 3 of the Geo Apps MOOC.
