Loughborough UNESCO Student Network (LUSN) hosts the UK National Commission for a day of insight and discussion
March 19th 2025
At the end of February, Loughborough University’s UNESCO Chair in Sport, Physical Activity and Education for Development recently hosted a day visit by Charlie Kennedy, Accreditation, Policy and Operations Manager at the UK National Commission for UNESCO
The main purpose of Charlie’s visit was to meet with the Loughborough UNESCO Student Network (LUSN), featuring up to 40 students from a wide range of international backgrounds, and co-led by PhD students Mashaer Alyami and Lillie McGuckian from the School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences (SSEHS).
Supported by UNESCO Chair lead Prof Richard Giulianotti and team member Dr Oliver Hooper, the network promotes UNESCO’s mission of peace, dignity, and sustainable development.
At the meeting, LUSN team members gave presentations on their ongoing UNESCO-focused activities, centred on promoting gender equity, cultural diversity, and sustainability. Charlie delivered a keenly received talk, followed by Q & A, on the mission and work of UNESCO.
Feedback from the Loughborough UNESCO Student Network (LUSN) Leads
LUSN co-lead Mashaer Alyami commented:
"It was a pleasure to welcome Charlie from the UK National Commission for UNESCO and share the progress of the LUSN's projects. The exchange highlighted how aligning efforts around shared goals can lead to meaningful, lasting impact."
Co-lead Lillie McGuckian added:
"Having the three themes in the LUSN present to the UK National Commission for UNESCO was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the progress being made and the potential of LUSN moving forward. Each theme was presented exceptionally well, and the response was incredibly positive. It was exciting to share the hard work and dedication of LUSN members."
About the Loughborough UNESCO Student Network (LUSN)
The Loughborough UNESCO Student Network (LUSN) was launched in 2022 as part of the UNESCO Chair within the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at the University. It is led by Doctoral Researchers and Masters students within the School and was initiated as a means of ensuring that they can play an active role in the activities of the UNESCO Chair.
Forging connections between Loughborough University and UNESCO in the UK
Charlie took the opportunity to meet with a host of other Loughborough University colleagues throughout the day. Prof Richard Giulianotti, Dr Serhat Yilmaz, and Dr Rachel Sandford provided details on current and future work of the UNESCO Chair in Sport, Physical Activity and Education for Development, notably involving the co-authored Loughborough/UNESCO Global Quality Physical Education Report, the Chair’s role in supporting and representing the UK as Vice-Chair of CIGEPS (UNESCO’s global sport and PE policy committee), and Chair team members’ research and advisory work on athlete safeguarding in global sport.
Charlie also met with Prof Paula Griffiths and Prof Fehmidah Munir, Associate Deans for Research in SSEHS, who outlined areas of School research expertise. Additionally, Prof Mike Wilson, Chair lead, and colleague Dr Rob Harland explored plans for Loughborough’s new UNESCO Chair in Storytelling Education for Sustainability.
And at meetings with all these colleagues, as well as with Judy Wing from the Public Relations team, Charlie discussed arrangements for the UNESCO Day, due to be staged at the University on 2 July.
More information on the UNESCO Chair in Sport, Physical Actvity and Education for Development
