Dean Najam Speaks to Leaders Conference in Chicago
Dean Adil Najam of the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston Univeristy was one of the keynote speakers at the 55th Service Club Leadership Conference (SCLC) held in Chicago November 20-22, 2014.
Dr. Adil Najam spoke about water as an emerging challenge in what he called was the ‘age of climate adaptation.’ His presentation pointed out the connections between climate change, development and human security and he suggested that the response to these crises lies in adopting a human development framework. He argued that the nature of these challenges required concerted international action but also needed individual action. It is in the later that the role of voluntary service organizations is key.
Dr. Najam also introduced Boston Univeristy’s new Pardee School of Global Studies to the audience and how its mission of ‘Advancing Human Progress’ is closely related to their own efforts. He pointed out that ultimately small individual steps, when taken by the many, are as important to the future of the planet as the massive international and governmental actions that are needed.
The Service Club Leaders Conference (SCLC) is comprised of national or international organizations or federations of local community-serving clubs in which service-minded individuals have voluntarily banded together to create and strengthen cultural, spiritual, moral, business and ethical standards and, through fellowship and altruism, to serve the citizens of their communities and nations. This year’s conferecne was hosted and organized by the Lions Club International and included participation from organizational leaders of 21 service organizations including American MENSA, Kiwanis, Lions Clubs International, Optimist International, Pilot International, Rotary International, Sertoma, Toastmasters International, and Jaycees, amongst others.