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Ironically, even though as individuals, families, communities and countries we have ‘self-isolated’ as a result of the coronavirus, our forced disconnection may in fact lead us to be more aware of each other and connected and like never before. Across civic society we are, and will continue to be, challenged in ways heretofore unseen. Our social empathy for one another may well be the ‘vital secret sauce’ to our survival. In order to thrive, not just survive, the impact of the virus, we will need to create medical, economic and human support scaffolding to make solutions work.

As a contribution to help us understand the on-going impact of Covid-19 and ways in which we can all help respond now and, in the future, a series of 12 weekly National/International free to public virtual conversations will be held and hosted by the Institute for Lifecourse and Society (NUI Galway) and The Global Network of UNESCO Chairs for Children, Youth, and Communities in collaboration with Penn State University. Each week the virtual conversation, which will be free, globally accessible, and delivered across time zones to the public, will bring together the views of academics, policymakers and most importantly citizens directly affected by the coronavirus and living with its consequences. This will include a focus on kernel issues for children and youth, parents, older people, families, people living with a disability and communities as well as in differing cultural and international contexts. It is hoped the conversations will assist human understanding and compassion in relation to the coronavirus as well as proposed solutions for societies to connect and cope and become more resilient.

The First Living and Learning Conversation in Covid-19 took place on Thursday, April 30 2020 and the series will run weekly for 12 webinars. Each week the conversation will alternate between an Irish and International focus across differing life course and or cultural challenges. All events are free to the public who are strongly encouraged to participate, ask questions in advance, and propose topics for conversations. All conversations can be accessed live through an online platform. All conversations will provide evidence-based knowledge, experiences from people facing the pandemic, and suggestions for what all of us can do to see everyone through this crisis.

Webinar Co-Convenors: Prof Pat Dolan, NUI Galway and Prof Mark Brennan, Penn State University

Webinar: Looking Back and Moving Forward with Empathy

In this the final week of the Webinar series we focus very much on our understanding and knowledge on Empathy and why it has been and will continue to be so important in coping with COVID 19. We also reflect back on the lessons learned over the previous Webinars, what have been the common experiences across populations and in relation do differing human need. We also consider the life course factors including issues for younger and older persons and challenges and self-solutions from people living with a disability. Importantly we consider the evidence on Empathy and how it can contribute nationally and internationally to not surviving the virus but our thriving into the future.

Moderator: Acclaimed Irish Times Journalist Ms. Kitty Holland.

Summary/Abstract: Supporting vulnerable students during COVID-19 – a showcase of the University of Sanctuary and the ALIVE Programme

Moderator: Dr. Lorraine McIlrath, Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI), NUI Galway.

Summary/Abstract: Youth Media, Literature, and Voice in COIVD-19

Moderator: Professor Mark Brennan, UNESCO Chair, Pennsylvania State University.

Summary/Abstract: Involving the public and the patient in shaping research during COVID-19

Moderator: Edel Murphy, PPI Ignite @ NUI Galway.

 Summary/Abstract: NUI Galway will present a live discussion with representatives of  The Barça Foundation and the GAA to explore sport’s role as a tool for good in supporting society – with a particular emphasis on the development of life skills such as empathy and identity for young people during Covid-19.  Armagh Footballer Caroline O’Hanlon and Dublin Footballer Jack McCaffrey will provide the players’ perspective in an event that will share stories of humanity and community engagement as well as exploring future connections needed to cope through sport beyond the first wave of the coronavirus crisis.  

Moderator: Professor Pat Dolan, UNESCO Chair, UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, NUI Galway.

Summary/Abstract: This webinar will consider the human rights impact of COVID 19 through contributions from academics, activists and policy makers. Concerns have been raised globally about discrimination in access to healthcare, including the use of medical triage and rationing approaches which endanger the lives of disabled people. This crisis also impacts on the lives of persons with disabilities residing in congregated services or availing of community support (including personal assistance and other support services) which social distancing and self-isolation has rendered increasingly difficult or impossible to access.  We will consider how the rights of  persons with disabilities can be respected, protected and fulfilled during COVID, and what lessons we can all learn from disability activists which may endure beyond this pandemic.

Moderator: Dr. Áine Sperrin, Centre for Disability Law & Policy, NUI Galway.

Summary/Abstract: “Ubuntu is to say, ‘My humanity is inextricably bound up in yours.” – Desmond Tutu

South Africa is known as one of the most unequal countries in the world, and with COVID-19 the country’s challenges are amplified. South African students who are part of MAD Leadership Foundation will share their stories of the challenges they face during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the spirit of Ubuntu seems to be even stronger during times like these. We will also hear how the foundation continues to support their scholars with empathy and understanding during this time.

Moderator: Professor Mark Brennan, UNESCO Chair, Pennsylvania State University. 

Summary/Abstract: Child Protection is everyone’s business. Equally so, family support is everyone’s business. COVID-19 has deepened the stress for some children, young people and families and created new issues and problems also.   Greater understanding of these issues can lead to enhanced empathy towards those in need. The aim of the seminar is to increase public awareness of protecting children and supporting families in the context of the COVID 19 pandemic and to consider what is being done and what else can be done to ensure we minimise the risk of harms and maximise the potential for support.

Moderator: Professor John Canavan, UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, National University of Galway, Ireland. 

Welcome Address: Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh President, National University of Ireland, Galway & Nicholas P. Jones, Provost, The Pennsylvania State University.

Speakers: Professor Pat Dolan, UNESCO Chair, National University of Ireland, Galway, Professor Mark Brennan, UNESCO Chair, Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Dana Winters & Dr. Annie McNamara, St Vincent’s College/Fred Rogers Center, USA.

Respondents: Ms Ella Anderson, Youth Researcher, UNESCO Chair, National University of Ireland, Galway & Dr. Kyle Peck and Dr. Ann Echols, Intergenerational Leadership Institute at Penn State.

Moderator: Carl O'Brien is Education Editor of The Irish Times.