Welcome to the Voices of the Global South

Voices of the Global South is about listening to those who live with the challenges of development and environmental change every day. This event series offers a platform for people from the Global South to share their stories and solutions, giving us a chance to learn from their experiences. It’s an opportunity to hear firsthand how local communities are tackling global issues, inspiring us all to think differently and take action for a more sustainable future.

WHEN AND WHERE?

Eduardo Lara Reimers

Ethnobiologist from Sentillo, Mexico

Kiiza S. Hussein

Lawyer and human rights activist from Kigali, Rwanda

Willie Y. McGill

Founder and activist from Monrovia, Liberia

Eduardo Lara Reimers from Mexico is an ethnobiologist and forest engineer who specializes in sustainable development and ethnomedicine. His work focuses on using indigenous knowledge to restore ecosystems and fight environmental degradation, particularly in arid regions of Mexico. Eduardo’s deep research into biocultural projects provides critical insights into how local communities can protect biodiversity and adapt to global challenges.

Kiiza S. Hussein from Rwanda is an international lawyer and human rights advocate. He is the founder of SHK Law Attorneys, providing pro-bono legal services to victims of injustice, and the Last Mile Homes Solar Initiative, which connects rural Rwandan homes to renewable energy. Kiiza’s experience in renewable energy and human rights reflects his commitment to solving pressing global challenges through sustainable development and legal advocacy.

Willie Y. McGill from Liberia is a climate activist and social entrepreneur. He is the founder of Target Hygienic Inc., a non-profit that focuses on achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to health and clean water. Willie has led impactful community projects, such as the Youth Against Ebola initiative, and continues to drive innovative solutions for public health and environmental sustainability in Liberia.

Global development discussions often center around perspectives from the Global North, even though crucial knowledge and experience reside within the communities directly affected by these issues. Voices of the Global South addresses this gap by inviting speakers from the global south to share their expertise and experiences with audiences in Denmark.

 

This exchange of knowledge serves multiple purposes. For students, it provides an opportunity to learn directly from practitioners in the field, potentially inspiring academic work or future career paths in global development. For NGOs, it offers practical insights that could inform and improve their projects. Additionally, hearing about ongoing challenges directly from those experiencing them helps create a more nuanced and accurate understanding of development issues.