I-Week is Here!

Provided By the Global Education Student Blog

Written by Ria Thomas
(Originally published on January 24, 2014)

Banners raised, volunteers prepared, events scheduled, posters displayed and conference halls booked. What is the hullabaloo you may wonder?  I–Week is here! Wait. What is I–Week? The Global Education Program (GEP) proudly presents the crème de la crème of its events, International Week 2014 “Creating Solutions for a Healthier World”. GEP is an interdisciplinary program aimed to inspire students interested in global issues. They work on campus alongside professors and local organizations providing lectures, events and conferences for the benefit of their cause.

I-week officially kick-starts on January 27, 2014, and will run till February 01, 2014. Accompanied by a treasure box of 60 free events including films, exhibits, theatre presentations, art events, dance, open discussions and much more interesting happenings, it is a deal you would not want to miss!

The keynote presentations will be highlighted by some renowned and well-learned speakers who are passionate about mother earth and sensitive to her needs.

To get a glimpse of our upcoming talks, Alex Steffen, writer and an optimistic sustainability advocate will be giving us an invigorating speech on sustainability and the future of our planet. Join him on the opening day of I-Week for a chance to hear about some of his best-selling books on this growing topic. What better place to learn than in our own university.

On the same day, U of A professors from an assortment of academic backgrounds will be presenting their ideas and innovations on how to craft a healthier planet. To restore the rich cultural traditions and enhance the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of Canada’s own children, Closing the Gap: Improving Aboriginal Health, completes the attractions for the inaugural day.

Designer, writer and activist Sujeet Sennik, will share his experiences and contributions in raising awareness relating to the disastrous ruin of the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh on January the 28th. The following day, Canadian environmentalist and author Severn Cullis-Suzuki will talk about empowering movements and organizations during Energy for Change. On the 30th of January, we will have Prof. Dr. N’Dri Assié-Lumumba, to give us some insight into African educational innovations and gender equality while briefly touching on African history during the time of independence.

Our campus sponsors include the Students Union, U of A Graduate Student’s Association and Hub Mall. The broadcasting sponsors of this event are CBC News and CJSR FM88. Last but not the least, Gateway, Vue Weekly and Capital Colour have generously dedicated their services to meet our printing needs.

We also have some equally exciting prior and on-going events which started earlier this week. So, don’t forget to look for photos and videos from those events. Our program guides are available freely at many locations on campus for your convenience. They can also be viewed by clicking here.

“There are no magic answers, no miraculous methods to overcome the problems we face, just the familiar ones: honest search for understanding, organization, action that raises the cost of state violence for its perpetrators or that lays the basis for institutional change – and the kind of commitment that will persist despite the temptations of disillusionment, despite many failures and only limited successes, inspired by the hope of a brighter future”- Noam Chomsky.

Come, join us to collectively discuss and tackle the global issues of today for a better tomorrow!

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With over 60 events to choose from, keep an eye out for photo exhibits, volunteer day activities, special SUBstage performances, film screenings, special keynote speakers and more! You can even leave your mark on this year's International Week by adding your thoughts to one of the many chalkboards around campus.