The Faculty of Design’s Dr. Jutta Treviranus will lend her expertise to several high-profile committees in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For decades, Dr. Treviranus has been working towards more inclusive and accessible systems for people who are at the vulnerable edges of our society.
Dr. Treviranus, Professor, Faculty of Design, OCAD University and Director and Founder of the Inclusive Design Research Centre (IDRC) has been asked to serve on the Privy Council’s external advisory committee on communications. The committee was formed to respond to the multifaceted needs and concerns of all Canadians across the health, social, and economic dimensions of the crisis.
Their mandate will be to provide expertise and advice in the continued development of Government of Canada communications, marketing, advertising, and outreach activities to support Canadians through the COVID-19 crisis.
In addition, Dr. Treviranus will be participating on several UN advisory committees, including an expert group meeting titled, “Socially just transition towards sustainable development: The role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all,” organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The outcomes of the meeting will inform the report of the Secretary-General to be submitted to the 59th session of the Commission.
“The pandemic has shown us that we are all vulnerable when any one of us is vulnerable. This applies to more than health. To recover we need to co-create more inclusive communication strategies that consider and engage the individuals that feel the impact the most. I look forward to contributing the insights of our inclusive design community,” said Dr. Treviranus.
“Now more than ever we all need to work towards our collective well being. We are very lucky that OCAD University is home to many scholars, artists, designers, creators and practitioners like Jutta, who generously give of their time and expertise to help Canada, and the world, to build a better society,” said Ana Serrano, President and Vice-Chancellor, OCAD University.
OCAD University values accessibility, cultural diversity and equitable global citizenship. Under the direction of Dr. Treviranus, the IDRC is the largest centre of its kind in the world with a mandate to make sure that everyone can participate in shaping and using the systems and networks that are transforming and connecting our society.