草莓污视频导航

Feb. 9, 2021

草莓污视频导航 alumna Sundus Khan named Top 30 Under 30 in international development

Council for Global Co-operation highlights exemplary Albertans who are leading the way to a more sustainable world
Sundus Khan

Working and volunteering in global health research, Sundus Khan, BISC鈥13, has learned you need to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

鈥淵ou have to be quick on your feet and adjust to changes at the last minute when you work in global health. You can鈥檛 assume that every convenience you have at home will be available in the field. But being uncomfortable has allowed me to grow, shown me what I鈥檓 capable of and to check my own biases,鈥 says Khan, who was honoured as a Top 30 Under 30 by the Alberta Council for Global Co-operation. The is being held Feb. 10 at 6 p.m.

Recognition from the Alberta Council for Global Co-operation is guided in part by the United Nations 17 . 鈥淲orking towards achieving these United Nations goals provides inspiration to be a part of something that is bigger,鈥 says Khan. Khan鈥檚 volunteer and professional work focus largely on promoting good health and well-being, and gender equality.

Support for projects in Tanzania, Uganda

She's gained valuable experience as聽research associate, and monitoring and evaluation lead within the Cumming School of Medicine鈥檚 Indigenous, Local and Global Health (ILGH) Office supporting , a maternal, newborn and child health initiative in Tanzania, and , a sexual reproductive health and rights initiative.

It is an honour to be recognized for my roles within these incredible teams, working to improve the health and lives of women, children, and young people in rural Tanzania and Uganda. I have learned a lot from my Tanzanian and Ugandan colleagues.

As a member of a small team working in the field, Khan聽learned to wear many hats and to troubleshoot with her team members, using what resources were available. 鈥淵ou learn to quickly trust your judgment and abilities when you are first exposed to working in a low-resource setting, which builds confidence in the long run but it is an uncomfortable and daunting process,鈥 says Khan.

She attributes her interest in global health to an uncle who instilled the importance of community, both locally and globally in his nieces and nephews. 鈥淗e was a presence in my life that embodied humanitarianism. He educated us about global issues and taught us how to be advocates for health and social inequities in our communities and globally,鈥 says Khan.

His lessons inspired Khan to complete an internship in Tanzania in health promotion for young women, new mothers and street youth in 2015, and to volunteer in Turkey working with women refugees in 2018.

Volunteering raises appreciation for diversity

Today she volunteers with the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society鈥檚 refugee settlement program, Islamic Relief Canada, and the Calgary Seniors鈥 Resource Society. Each of her personal and volunteer experiences has developed her ability to effectively communicate with people with diverse beliefs and values, and to see these differences as positives.聽

This award nomination process has given Khan more motivation to work toward聽achieving other sustainable development goals. She advises those who are interested in sustainability and global health to become involved in programs and workshops available at the 草莓污视频导航 such as those offered through the , or the Office of Sustainability; be active in your own community, and to never stop learning.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Alberta Council for Global Co-operation鈥檚 annual recognition of those working to achieve the UN鈥檚 Sustainable Development Goals.

Recognizing the importance of ethical, co-operative and respectful international partnerships in medical research and education, the Cumming School of Medicine鈥檚 Indigenous, Local and Global Health (ILGH) Office is marking International Development Week Feb. 7 to 13. Learn more about ILGH鈥檚 and . Learn more about 草莓污视频导航鈥檚 celebration of