A Special Edition by the 2020-21 NAFSA Senior Fellows
Introduction
The 2020-21 NAFSA Senior Fellows are featured in this special edition of Trends & Insights. Recognized for their considerable experience and outstanding academic scholarship, the Fellows provide the global, interdisciplinary approaches necessary for the field of international education to consider climate change and sustainability.
At a time when the world faces multiple complex challenges, international education is uniquely positioned for its potential to influence change. The postpandemic environment will be a critical time for universities to be globally engaged for sustainability. How can international educators help design a path forward toward a sustainable world and globally engaged students? What does a sustainable future look like?
From their unique perspectives, each Fellow presents a different approach, leading to a powerful collection of readings. Ailsa Lamont (Pomegranate Global) explains how the increase in climate consciousness is now presenting itself in the field of international education and urges readers to respond to this opportunity. David Ssekamatte, PhD, (Uganda Management Institute) examines how climate change and sustainability topics can be embedded in the governance and management practices of higher education institutions and the implications for international education. Lisa Sachs, JD, (Columbia University) provides insight into the role of the legal profession in addressing the global sustainability challenge and suggests key changes law schools can implement to train future global leaders. John Hoal, PhD, (Washington University in St. Louis) looks at urban development, global inequity, and sustainability, introducing guiding principles for universities to develop innovative academic programs and global collaborations for maximum impact. Finally, Janet Ilieva, PhD, (Education Insight) considers the relationship between international education and sustainable development, access, and opportunity, using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for international educators.
The economic, environmental, and social aspects of sustainability for international education require thoughtful and innovative review and analysis, and NAFSA is committed to furthering the conversation and providing additional scholarship to the field. As part of this commitment, the five Senior Fellows will build on these ideas in a special session at the NAFSA 2021 Annual Conference & Expo and in a forthcoming publication.