Interesting lesson today, and reading about the importance of mapping and how they have changed the course of the world.

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, recognizes the importance of systems thinking and strategic competencies in addressing complex global challenges. Systems thinking refers to an approach to problem-solving that considers the interconnections and interdependencies within complex systems, aiming to understand how different parts of a system influence each other and how the system as a whole behaves over time.

Strategic competencies are the skills, knowledge, and abilities required to develop and implement effective strategies to achieve organizational goals and address challenges. These competencies often include critical thinking, communication, collaboration, adaptability, and the ability to analyze complex situations and make informed decisions.

UNESCO promotes systems thinking and strategic competencies in various ways, including:

1. Education: UNESCO supports educational initiatives that incorporate systems thinking principles and foster the development of strategic competencies among students. This may involve curriculum development, teacher training, and the promotion of innovative teaching methods that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
2. Research: UNESCO conducts and supports research on systems thinking and strategic competencies, exploring their applications in various fields such as education, environmental sustainability, social development, and cultural preservation. This research helps to identify best practices and inform policy decisions aimed at addressing global challenges.
3. Capacity-building: UNESCO provides capacity-building opportunities for professionals and policymakers to enhance their systems thinking abilities and strategic competencies. This may include workshops, training programs, and knowledge-sharing platforms where individuals can learn from experts and exchange experiences and best practices.
4. Advocacy: UNESCO advocates for the integration of systems thinking and strategic competencies into policies, programs, and initiatives at the national and international levels. By raising awareness of the importance of these approaches, UNESCO seeks to mobilize support and resources for efforts to address complex global challenges effectively.

Overall, UNESCO recognizes that systems thinking and strategic competencies are essential for promoting sustainable development, fostering innovation, and building resilient societies capable of responding to the complex and interconnected challenges of the 21st century.

on another note:

This week’s reading: Cartography of Excess,
https://brianholmes.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/cartography-of-excess/

“Fahlström was interested in resistance and excess: by which I mean politics plus overflowing subjectivity, statistics plus figurative invention. For him, a map was a flat, rule-governed space for a strict social game; but it also was an open territory for imaginary play.” – what a powerful thing to write. Very very interesting because it allows one to see how people divided the world in an interesting way. Öyvind Fahlström was a pioneering artist whose interdisciplinary work challenged traditional boundaries between art forms and addressed pressing social and political issues through visually compelling and conceptually rich creations.

Öyvind Fahlström’s fascination with mapping extended beyond traditional cartography, as he utilized maps as a conceptual tool to explore complex social and political landscapes. He often incorporated maps, diagrams, and symbols into his artworks, creating visual representations that reflected his interest in systems of communication, power dynamics, and global interconnectedness. Fahlström’s innovative use of mapping techniques allowed him to navigate and critique various aspects of contemporary society, from geopolitical tensions to consumer culture, offering viewers new perspectives on the world around them. Through his interdisciplinary approach, Fahlström transformed maps into dynamic and thought-provoking artworks that continue to inspire dialogue and reflection on the nature of human experience and interaction.

second link :https://hillnotes.ca/2021/06/21/putting-indigenous-perspectives-on-the-map-indigenous-mapping-and-place-names/

Here we learn about how indigenous people are reclaiming their land back by renaming and remapping their homelands to assert themselves and their heritage and culture.

Countercartographies.org – The article discusses the emergence of “3Cs,” which is rooted in the authors’ enthusiasm for the potency of maps. It suggests that the 3Cs concept, which likely stands for “Creative Cartographic Collaborations,” has its origins in the authors’ passion for the effectiveness of maps in conveying information and shaping perceptions. This enthusiasm serves as the driving force behind the development and exploration of innovative approaches to cartography, emphasizing collaboration, creativity, and communication in map-making endeavors.

Class has started and im very interested to see how we are going to start mapping – today presumable we are going to understand how to map ourselves and where we are.

We need to give evidence – for the formative feedback sessions, where is the evidence, this goes to the point about sharing our research – not just me-search. What we should generate is insight into us, mapping can be conveyed in diffrerent ways. A hybrid is whats important – hybrid diagram map – the research poster is a genre. Exhibit your research through posters – research poster. Presenting a snapshot of your positionally. Insight on our own positionally.

Short moving images / short voices through hyperlinks – could elevate the poster so much. Time is also of the essence. I have a lot of knowledge of design within our cohort as well as my peers who studied designs. Visuals needs to be working hard because we wont be able to be there to identify what is what.

A lot to think about in terms of positionally. Positionality refers to an individual’s social, cultural, and personal position or standpoint within society, which influences their perspectives, beliefs, and understanding of the world. It encompasses factors such as race, gender, class, ethnicity, nationality, sexuality, religion, education, and experiences. Positionality acknowledges that individuals interpret and engage with the world based on their unique identities and lived experiences, shaping how they perceive, analyze, and respond to various phenomena. Understanding one’s positionality is important in fields such as sociology, anthropology, and critical theory, as it helps researchers and practitioners recognize their biases, privileges, and limitations, thereby promoting reflexivity, empathy, and inclusivity in their work. By acknowledging positionality, individuals can strive for greater awareness, sensitivity, and accountability in their interactions, research, and advocacy efforts. Therefore I need to now think about how to move forward in terms of my positionality and heavy research based on that.

So let’s hope I do well and think of something interesting.