The 2023 Global Development Summer School, organized in collaboration with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and ETH-Zurich for Development (ETH4D), has successfully ended. This year’s edition held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was under the theme “Rethinking Mobility”. 58 persons (participants, tutors, facilitators), from both universities, and key stakeholders worked together to rethink mobility in the contexts of decarbonization, inclusiveness, and urban resilience.  

The Summer School was officially launched with a welcome address from Professor Helen M.K. Essandoh, Director of TRECK. In her remarks, the Director spoke about the importance of bringing together diverse perspectives to tackle complex challenges like sustainable mobility. She welcomed participants and wished them fruitful deliberations on “Rethinking Mobility”

I commend the organisers for bringing a number of brains to rethink mobility. Over the next few weeks, you will be diving deep into innovative ideas, cutting-edge technologies and transformative strategies that are shaping the future of sustainable mobility.

I recommend that you feel free to ask questions, engage in discussions and connect with fellow participants who share your passion for creating sustainable mobility. Together, let us create a future where mobility is not just convenient but also kind to the planet,” he said.

Over the course of the two-week program, participants from the two institutions came together to work in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams. The Summer School proved to be an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and innovation.

Key Reflections

1. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The Summer School fostered collaboration among participants from various fields, enabling them to approach mobility challenges from different perspectives. Through interdisciplinary teamwork, students learned to appreciate the value of diverse expertise and gained insights into the interconnected nature of sustainable mobility solutions.
2. Design Thinking and Prototyping: The program emphasized the design thinking process, enabling students to ideate, prototype, and test their innovative solutions. Participants developed critical thinking skills and honed their ability to apply creative problem-solving techniques to address mobility challenges effectively. The prototyping workshops empowered students to transform their ideas into tangible prototypes, fostering a hands-on learning experience. 
3. Networking and Knowledge Sharing: The Summer School brought together students, experts, researchers, and practitioners from Ghana and Switzerland. Through lectures, knowledge fairs, and interactive sessions, participants had the opportunity to engage with researchers and practitioners in the field of sustainable mobility. These interactions facilitated valuable networking, the exchange of ideas, and the sharing of best practices.
4. Real-World Engagement: Fieldwork and site visits provided students with firsthand : Exposure to local activists, start-ups, and mobility networks in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area. By immersing themselves in the local context, students gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to mobility. This experiential learning approach helped bridge the gap between theory and practice.
   • Experts from academia and industry contributed thoughtprovoking insights and essential feedback to the group projects, which were organized under three main themes: decarbonization, urban resilience, and inclusive mobility.
   • On the last day of the two-week event, the groups showcased their problem statements and solution prototypes, which encompassed a range of innovative ideas. These included the development of applications aimed at optimizing trotro bus routes and enhancing efficiency by tracking passenger locations. Additionally, proposals were presented for student-led campus cycling stations and maintenance centers, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options. Furthermore, the groups also proposed security and safety installations to ensure inclusive mobility for all individuals. These presentations demonstrated the students' commitment to finding practical and impactful solutions to address mobility challenges.

The successful conclusion of the 2023 Global Development Summer School would not have been possible without the dedication and support of the organizing committee, faculty members, experts, and stakeholders. Their commitment to fostering sustainable mobility solutions and creating an enriching learning environment is commendable.

Facilitators of the Summer school from within TRECK included Dr. Emmanuel Komla Dzisi, Dr. Kwame Kwakwa Osei, Dr. Augustus Ababio-Donkor, Dr. Williams Ackaah, and Ms. Fidelma Ibili. Other staff who played key roles in its organization included Mr Akwasi Agyapong and Mr Collins Abrefa Nketiah.