SEMINAR | Dr. Gail Grabowsky | The United Nations Cifal Global Network and Cifal Honolulu: What are these 32 centers? What do we do? What are our goals? How is success measured and reported?
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) founded the Cifal Global Network (CGN) in 2003 with the goal of establishing local hubs that train experts and actors who help achieve sustainability in their communities. Since 2015, the CGN has focused on helping achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Today there are 32 centers in the world with the 22nd Center, Cifal Honolulu, being founded in 2022. The UN realizes the power of institutions of higher education in modeling sustainability. Dr. Grabowsky discussed the activities that Cifal Honolulu has undertaken since its inception and emphasized there is always room for new initiatives and partnerships!
Dr. Grabowsky is currently Professor of Environmental Programs, the Dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the Executive Director of Chaminade’s United Nations CIFAL Honolulu sustainability training center. She was the Director of Chaminade’s Environmental Program from its inception in 2000 until 2021. The Program won a number of awards for its commitment and excellence in carrying out service-learning and citizen-science projects in the community. Gail has published an award winning book: 50 Simple Things You Can Do To Save Hawaii and appeared as a “science character” in National Geographic/Sea Studios’ series: The Shape of Life. She was appointed by Governors Cayetano and Lingle to serve on the State’s Environmental Council for eight years, the last two as Chair. She also helped advise on policy and education for 20 years as a member of the Advisory Council for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve, now known as Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument a World Heritage site in Hawaii. She earned her BS and PhD in zoology from Duke University. For hobbies, Gail loves to swim and paddle outrigger canoes and was recently inducted into the Hawaii Swimming Hall of Fame.
Time: 3pm
Location: POST 723
