Humanity in Focus: Perspectives on People and SDGs Forum

How can humans work together to create a better world? 

This Global Goals Month Forum is a half-day feature event organised by UTS BUILD. This year’s theme, Humanity in Focus: Perspectives on People and SDGs, provides a platform for speakers to contribute their unique perspectives while highlighting their work's interconnectedness in fostering a better world. 

This event will explore innovative and practical approaches from thought leaders to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the lenses of peace, kindness, and effective altruism. Learn actionable strategies that place humanity at the center of sustainable development

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how fostering peace, spreading kindness, and optimising charity can collectively contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Be inspired to apply lessons learnt into your daily lives and career as active global citizens.

This event is open to all students, staff and the wider UTS community. As there will be interactive elements in some sessions, staff are welcome to join as observers. 

Any students who are BUILD members wishing to claim points for this event, please ensure you check-in for each session on the day. For any further enquiries, please contact build@uts.edu.au. 

Keynote speaker: 'Rebooting Peace' with David Hammond 

The most pressing challenges facing humanity—such as climate change, diminishing biodiversity, and the overuse of freshwater resources—are global in scope and require collaborative solutions. However, achieving the necessary trust, cooperation, and inclusiveness hinges on a peaceful world, and the factors that foster peace remain inadequately understood. To address this gap, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) was established as a not-for-profit think tank dedicated to understanding the drivers of peace, beyond just the causes of conflict. IEP is renowned for its annual Global Peace Index, the world's leading measure of peace, which ranks 163 countries based on their levels of violence and the fear of violence. In this session, Dr. David Hammond, Director of Research, will delve into peace theory and explain how IEP strives to measure, analyze, and understand the intricate dynamics of our complex and often chaotic world.

About the speaker: David Hammond, Director of Research, Institute for Economics & Peace

With over two decades of experience in quantitative analysis for peace, conflict, and development, Dr. David Hammond has a deep expertise in his field. Since joining the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) in 2012, David has been Director of Research since 2018. He has played a key role in shaping the landscape of global understanding through initiatives like the Global Peace Index, Global Terrorism Index, and Ecological Threat Report. Prior to IEP his rich experience as a Defence Analyst for the Australian Department of Defence, David brings analytical rigor and strategic vision to his research. 

David has worked with organisations such as the World Health Organization, UNDP, DFAT, OECD, and King’s College London. 

SESSION 1: 'Winning the World through Kindness: From Issues to Empathy' with Heather Miller

In a world increasingly defined by challenges, Heather Miller believes that kindness holds the power to drive meaningful change. Drawing from her extensive global experience and work within diverse communities, Heather will explore how empathy can transform pressing issues into opportunities for growth and connection. Join her as she shares actionable strategies for fostering connection, building resilience, and cultivating the type of leadership the world urgently needs. With Deloitte and DeakinCo. forecasting that soft skills will be essential for two-thirds of jobs by 2030, Heather’s insights are more relevant than ever. Whether you're leading a team or aspiring to make a positive impact, this talk will leave you inspired and equipped to win the world through kindness. 

About the speaker: Heather Miller, Founder of The Kindness Hub

Heather Miller is the Founder and CEO of The Kindness Hub and a forward-thinking educational consultant. With a dynamic presence on global stages, Heather has spoken at the United Nations in Egypt, Dubai, and will soon present in Azerbaijan, where she coaches emerging climate leaders in public speaking and capacity building. Her passion for leadership development has led her to create and lead national programs for Scouts Australia and facilitate global youth leadership initiatives alongside the Anthony Robbins Foundation.

Through The Kindness Hub, Heather has empowered over 50,000 people worldwide, championing empathy, connection, and innovative thinking to shape the leaders of tomorrow. As we approach 2030, Access Economics forecasts that soft skill-intensive occupations will account for two-thirds of all jobs, making Heather’s mission more critical than ever in preparing young leaders for the future.  

SESSION 2: 'Empowering Local Leadership: The Key to Sustainable Development' with Helene Do

Human and Hope advocates for a local approach to alleviate poverty in rural Cambodia. It fundraises in Australia to support community-driven initiatives.

Inspired by the personal story of our founder, explore voluntourism stories, critically assess their unintended impacts, and learn strategies for making ethical decisions that promote sustainable development and empower local communities to thrive.

Be part of the solution.

About the speaker: Helene Do, Chair of the Board of Human and Hope

With 25 years of senior leadership experience in customer service at global tech giants like Adobe and Oracle, Helene has always volunteered as a career coach for women at Dress for Success, a youth mentor for Raise, and a firefighter at the RFS.

Deeply committed to the non-profit sector, she transitioned to a role as Philanthropy Manager at the Asylum Seekers Centre. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the Board for Human and Hope, fighting voluntourism and fundraising to empower local communities in rural Cambodia to lead their own initiatives to alleviate poverty.

Forum schedule: 

Final schedule subject to change.