Panel Session 4

          Can universities help transform the world through dialogue, engagement and civic education? Can universities foster a better, and equitable civic life by providing safe spaces for students and communities to come together and address some of the pressing issues of our time? Listening and responding to community members with diverse lived experiences increases the quality and legitimacy of decisions and fosters sustained support for long-term, transformative action. However, the voices of marginalized and equity-seeking communities—many of which are particularly vulnerable to climate change, pandemics or drastic economic change—are often under-represented in engagement processes. People who face historic or ongoing marginalization due to their race, gender, disability, socioeconomic background, or other identities may encounter barriers to participation. They may feel alienated or ill-equipped to participate in civic processes. Universities can play an essential role in creating spaces for dialogue with communities, and co-design solutions to the wicked problems of our time, be they pandemics, global inequality or climate change. They can provide new tools for engagement and participation, within their walls and beyond.  Join our speakers for an engaging session exploring these questions and come prepared to share your insights and hopes for a more sustainable future in ASEAN.