Carla Patricia Finatto

Bio: Carla Patricia Finatto is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Sustainable development & Inclusion (mineral). The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 2 publications receiving 2 citations.

Sustainability in Covid-19 Times: A Human Development Perspective

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic can be divided into two waves: the first is associated with health problems, and the second with economic and environmental problems. However, it is necessary to analyze the existence of a third wave that, in the long run, can have a deeper impact on people's lives. This wave emerged from the virus capacity to accentuate social, economic, political, and cultural inequalities. In this sense, the novel coronavirus has profoundly affected efforts to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in the 2030 Agenda, especially with regard to SDG 3, SDG 10, SDG 12 and SDG 16. In that spectrum, this chapter aims to demonstrate how the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic affect compliance with the SDGs. The impact of this pandemic had been such that it is possible that it will mean the beginning of a new era, based on the need for global solidarity and the desire to pursue sustainable development paths. The COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity to propose new actions for a more sustainable world, drafting a recovery from economic and social crises that finds comprehensive solutions.

The role of universities in the inclusion of refugees in higher education and in society from the perspective of the SDGS

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper aims to discuss the outreach strategies of higher education institutions (HEIs) to promote the inclusion of refugees, focusing on two case studies of programs in southern Brazil. Design/methodology/approach This paper analyzes two outreach programs of Brazilian universities: the Welcome Program for Immigrants (Programa Acolhida ao Imigrante) of the University of South Santa Catarina, a private higher education institution and the Support Center for Immigrants and Refugees (Núcleo de Apoio ao Imigrantes e Refugiados), sponsored by the Federal University of Santa Catarina, a public university. The activities of the two institutions were compared with the targets of the sustainable development goals to discuss the outreach strategies of HEIs aimed at promoting the inclusion of refugees, through descriptive research, with a qualitative approach based on documentary and bibliographic research. Findings The results show that academic participation in research and outreach programs provides refugees with an education but also represents a social contribution far beyond qualifications and technical training, by mitigating local and global problems. The practice of inclusive education allows a reduction in historically existing inequalities. The findings of this study indicate that the results are much more effective when universities, government and society work together to reduce inequalities. Originality/value This study addressed how universities can and should ensure life quality (SDG 3), including an equitable education and fostering lifelong learning opportunities for everybody (SDG 4) and gender equality (SDG 5), to reduce unemployment (SDG 8) and inequalities among people (SDG 10), through outreach projects.

Women’s Empowerment Initiatives in Brazilian Universities: Cases of Extension Programs to Promote Sustainable Development

Abstract: The recognition of the role played by women in society in the political, social and academic fields is increasingly being discussed. The objective is to mitigate gender inequalities maintained by historical and cultural obstacles and, therefore, to achieve ways for women’s empowerment. In this sense, universities can contribute positively. They can do so mainly through extension programs that promote the United Nations Fourth and Fifth Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, higher education institutions have a fundamental role in connecting science with the community. Also, there is currently a low percentage of women working in the area of exact and technological sciences, both academically and in other market sectors. That said, through a qualitative approach and bibliographic research, this article aims to explore the role of Brazilian universities in contributing to the empowerment of women in science. Through this objective, the extension programs carried out by Brazilian universities in southern Brazil, the Maternal-Child and Family CareProgram and the Girls in Science Program will be discussed. In this way, new perspectives on university extension programs will be outlined and analyses of how these initiatives include women in careers such as science and technology will be made. This inclusion, however, requires initiatives by the government, universities and society to finally minimize gender inequalities.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Latin-American Universities

Abstract: Higher education institutions (HEIs) are notable promoters of sustainable development (SD). Thus, it is understood that the sustainable development goals 2015–2030 (SDGs) need to be substantially operationalized in these institutions. Based on this idea, the QualEnv (quality and environment) consortium of universities stands out for having as its main objective the increase in contribution to sustainable development (SD) by universities through the implementation of systematic environmental practices and quality processes in line with the SDGs. The objective of this article is to present how the QualEnv consortium of HEIs adopts the SDGs and demonstrates their contribution to SD. For this purpose, a qualitative analysis was performed based on documentary research, a systematic review of the literature, and notes collected from participant observations. The results show that the adoption of the SDGs in the QualEnv consortium was enhanced by the contribution of the social relations within the partnership, which promoted the exchange of experiences and synergy between participants that promoted improvements in the necessary strategies. Along with the highlighted actions and concentration of different axes with dispersed interventions, a potential for central cohesion and focus on evolution in each SDG was noted. The adoption of the same indicators involves the unification of the actions planned for the SD and the common objective of involving communities more consistently, which impacts mainly SDG 04. This article discusses the practical implications in HEIs and the need to integrate the SDGs into their activities, as it demonstrates how universities belonging to the QualEnv consortium have been creating their own strategies to achieve the 2030 agenda and adopt the SDGs.

Lancet COVID-19 Commission Statement on the occasion of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly

Abstract: The Lancet COVID-19 Commission was launched on July 9, 2020, to assist governments, civil society, and UN institutions in responding effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commission aims to offer practical solutions to the four main global challenges posed by the pandemic: suppressing the pandemic by means of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions; overcoming humanitarian emergencies, including poverty, hunger, and mental distress, caused by the pandemic; restructuring public and private finances in the wake of the pandemic; and rebuilding the world economy in an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable way that is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. Many creative solutions are already being implemented, and a key aim of the Commission is to accelerate their adoption worldwide.

Global health in the age of COVID-19: Responsive hhr_final_logo_alone.indd 1 health systems through a right to health fund

Abstract: Abstract We propose that a Right to Health Capacity Fund (R2HCF) be created as a central institution of a reimagined global health architecture developed in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Such a fund would help ensure the strong health systems required to prevent disease outbreaks from becoming devastating global pandemics, while ensuring genuinely universal health coverage that would encompass even the most marginalized populations. The R2HCF’s mission would be to promote inclusive participation, equality, and accountability for advancing the right to health. The fund would focus its resources on civil society organizations, supporting their advocacy and strengthening mechanisms for accountability and participation. We propose an initial annual target of US$500 million for the fund, adjusted based on needs assessments. Such a financing level would be both achievable and transformative, given the limited right to health funding presently and the demonstrated potential of right to health initiatives to strengthen health systems and meet the health needs of marginalized populations—and enable these populations to be treated with dignity. We call for a civil society-led multi-stakeholder process to further conceptualize, and then launch, an R2HCF, helping create a world where, whether during a health emergency or in ordinary times, no one is left behind.

‘It's a constant changing environment, and we're just playing catch up’: Hospital food services, food waste, and COVID‐19

Abstract: Abstract Aims Hospital food service operations have been affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic, particularly resulting in increased waste. The aim of this research was to explore the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on hospital food services, particularly on food waste and the completion of food waste audits. Methods A qualitative interview research design was used. Semi‐structured interviews were completed and recorded via Zoom, focusing on the barriers and enablers towards the completion of hospital food waste audits. Twenty‐one participants were interviewed from 12 hospitals. No questions were related to the COVID‐19 pandemic and its impact on hospital food services, however this issue frequently emerged during interviews. Data were coded following inductive thematic analysis. Results Five themes were generated from the interviews related to COVID‐19 and hospital food services; impacts on practice, labour, change, technology and post‐pandemic expectations. Participants reported COVID‐19 negatively affected food service operations. Changes included increased food waste, contact restrictions, and labour shortages. Nonetheless, hospitals embraced the challenge and created new positions, trialled different food waste data collection methods, and utilised technology to support food service operations around COVID‐19 restrictions. Conclusions Despite the impact COVID‐19 had on hospital food services, including their ability to audit food waste and increased food waste generation, the response from food services has demonstrated their adaptability to change. Sustainable healthcare, including the aggregate measuring and reduction of food waste in hospital food services, is an essential transition post‐pandemic, and may be facilitated through the operational changes forced by COVID‐19.

Disability inclusiveness in Covid-19 pandemic policies in West Africa: “Are we left behind?”

Abstract: Abstract People with Disabilities (PwDs) suffer and are susceptible to social inequalities, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. In West Africa, these are influenced by how services geared towards PwDs are administered. This study explores the government policies implemented in West Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic and their impact on PwDs in line with the SDGs with disability targets. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyze eighty-one (81) documents, including legislation, reports and official documents that communicated measures taken in response to Covid-19 and SDGs with disability targets. The study found that various governments outlined pragmatic steps to address the needs of PwDs. It was unraveled that the policies and recommendations that the governments have published on disability inclusiveness in response to Covid-19 did not reflected in the lives PwDs. This is evident based on the difficulty PwDs have to go through to access all the available benefits. It takes a while to see such policies and recommendations reflected in the lives of PwDs. Measuring the expected improvements in the lives of PwDs relative to the SGD’s attainment can not happen overnight. This study is the first of its kind in West Africa and urges various governments to pay close attention to their policies to improve their policies toward PwDs. The study recognizes governments’ vital role in ensuring that PwDs are better off, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the government needs to provide adequate education on how PwDs will readily access policies to better their lives.

Building a pathway to belonging: the role of higher education in supporting refugees' inclusion

Abstract: COPYRIGHT © 2023 Hajisoteriou. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. Building a pathway to belonging: the role of higher education in supporting refugees’ inclusion