2021 Regional Academy on the United Nations
COVID-19 recovery: towards more resilient and inclusive solutions
Date and place: May – December 2021, ONLINE
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic is the most severe health crisis of our times claiming more than 2 million lives and leading to major disruptions globally. Yet, the pandemic is far more than a health crisis; it also comes with high socio-economic and humanitarian costs. Reflecting pre-existing inequalities, it is often the most vulnerable communities and groups that were hit hardest by the crisis.
The RAUN 2021 will engage young scholars from diverse disciplines to do research on the global challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the lessons learned from it. A particular focus will be placed on understanding how structural inequalities have contributed to aggravating the impacts of the pandemic and its implications for vulnerable communities. The goal is to develop solutions that help building resilience and prepare societies for future major challenges and crises in an inclusive and equal manner. Here, we will also consider the potential contribution of multilateral and multi-stakeholder solutions that involve a range of different actors and partners. How can we initiate a transformative recovery process to create a more equal, sustainable and resilient post-COVID-19 world, in which no-one is left behind?
Why participate in this year’s RAUN programme?
Dates and duration
May – December 2021.
About the 2021 Regional Academy on the United Nations
The programme will consist of six regular virtual sessions. By the end of the programme, participants are expected to prepare a policy paper, based on the umbrella theme on Covid-19.
Participants will have the possibility to work on specific topics from a list suggested by the UN or partner organizations. Once topics have been selected, participants will be matched in small groups of 3 to work on their chosen topic.
As a final outcome, participants will be required to submit a policy brief/paper of 10 to 15 pages based on desk research of the issues and discussions with experts from the UN and other organizations such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Ban Ki-Moon Centre for Global Citizens. The policy brief/paper should include background information about the issue, ideas about the kind of future we want to create and common goals, an evaluation of the progress made towards achieving the goals (including milestones and challenges), and effective measures to support the process.
Expert mentors
Participants will exchange with experts from the United Nations or partner organizations on a regular basis for consultations and discussions. These meetings shall help participants to better understand the issues and provide expert guidance during the drafting of the recommendations.
PEER+
Each group of participants will be assigned a PEER+, someone who has participated in the RAUN programme before, to provide additional support. PEER+ give advice based on their experience with RAUN and help participants by providing feedback on their work.
Sessions (online)
Participation fee
One time, non-refundable 50€.
Certificates
At the end of the programme, participants will receive certificates of successful completion.
Contact
For more information please contact us at raun-communications@ra-un.org.
Code of conduct
Please download it here.
The COVID-19 pandemic is the most severe health crisis of our times claiming more than 2 million lives and leading to major disruptions globally. Yet, the pandemic is far more than a health crisis; it also comes with high socio-economic and humanitarian costs. Reflecting pre-existing inequalities, it is often the most vulnerable communities and groups that were hit hardest by the crisis.
The RAUN 2021 will engage young scholars from diverse disciplines to do research on the global challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the lessons learned from it. A particular focus will be placed on understanding how structural inequalities have contributed to aggravating the impacts of the pandemic and its implications for vulnerable communities. The goal is to develop solutions that help building resilience and prepare societies for future major challenges and crises in an inclusive and equal manner. Here, we will also consider the potential contribution of multilateral and multi-stakeholder solutions that involve a range of different actors and partners. How can we initiate a transformative recovery process to create a more equal, sustainable and resilient post-COVID-19 world, in which no-one is left behind?
Why participate in this year’s RAUN programme?
- At a time when our world is at a critical juncture, participants will have the opportunity to participate in one of the most ambitious discussions about our future.
- They have the unique opportunity to convey their ideas, including critical opinions to world leaders, the United Nations, the academic community and civil society at large.
- Participants will have an opportunity to learn from the high-ranking UN officials.
Dates and duration
May – December 2021.
About the 2021 Regional Academy on the United Nations
The programme will consist of six regular virtual sessions. By the end of the programme, participants are expected to prepare a policy paper, based on the umbrella theme on Covid-19.
Participants will have the possibility to work on specific topics from a list suggested by the UN or partner organizations. Once topics have been selected, participants will be matched in small groups of 3 to work on their chosen topic.
As a final outcome, participants will be required to submit a policy brief/paper of 10 to 15 pages based on desk research of the issues and discussions with experts from the UN and other organizations such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Ban Ki-Moon Centre for Global Citizens. The policy brief/paper should include background information about the issue, ideas about the kind of future we want to create and common goals, an evaluation of the progress made towards achieving the goals (including milestones and challenges), and effective measures to support the process.
Expert mentors
Participants will exchange with experts from the United Nations or partner organizations on a regular basis for consultations and discussions. These meetings shall help participants to better understand the issues and provide expert guidance during the drafting of the recommendations.
PEER+
Each group of participants will be assigned a PEER+, someone who has participated in the RAUN programme before, to provide additional support. PEER+ give advice based on their experience with RAUN and help participants by providing feedback on their work.
Sessions (online)
- 4 main online sessions: 31 May, 20 July, 6 September and 20 October. Participation in these sessions is mandatory.
- 2 social online sessions: 11 June and 18 November.
- If the situation allows, the final conference on 8-10 December will be held at the UN headquarters in Vienna. Participation is mandatory.
Participation fee
One time, non-refundable 50€.
Certificates
At the end of the programme, participants will receive certificates of successful completion.
Contact
For more information please contact us at raun-communications@ra-un.org.
Code of conduct
Please download it here.