Pitt Presents International Week 2009

The University of Pittsburgh’s International Week 2009 will celebrate the cultural diversity of the University, Oakland, and the greater Pittsburgh community on Monday, Sept. 28, through Friday, Oct. 2.

The week will feature panel discussions, lectures, and international food, dance, art, music, and films. The event is sponsored by Pitt’s Global Studies Program in the University Center for International Studies (UCIS) and the Division of Student Affairs’ Office of Cross-Cultural and Leadership Development in collaboration with a number of student and community organizations. All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

International Week aims to expand the awareness of and interest in global learning opportunities by celebrating the intercultural diversity of campus life. It also supports and complements the University’s academic and public service missions.

This year’s International Week lineup includes lectures on conflict resolution in Central Africa, the human right to food, and education in Africa. More information on these events follows.

Sept. 28

G-20 Summit Simulation

10 a.m., William Pitt Union Ballroom

UCIS will present a G-20 Summit simulation with opportunities for undergraduates to serve as delegates from participating countries. For more information, contact Sandra Hall at ssh13@pitt.edu.

Lecture, “Conflict Resolution in Central Africa”

7:30 p.m., Kurtzman Room, William Pitt Union

Sudan, Eastern Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda each have come into the world’s spotlight as distinct areas of conflict. Often overlooked is that these countries share the same geographic area. This lecture will look at the importance of these nations’ and regions’ proximity to one another as well as what Pitt organizations are doing to promote peace and stability in the area. The event is sponsored by the Global Studies Program, and One Life, One World, One Peace. For more information, contact Eric Reidy at ejr30@yahoo.com.

Sept. 29

Lecture, “Today’s Interdependent World Order”

4:00 p.m., Alcoa Room, Barco Law Building

Alexander Lennon, editor in chief of the Washington Quarterly and a senior fellow in the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ International Security Program, will discuss how power might be successfully shared by major world powers, including those countries known as the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India, and China), which have rapidly growing economies. This event is sponsored by the Ridgway Center for International Security Studies and Pitt’s Global Studies Program.

Sept. 30

Lecture, “Beyond Food, Inc.—Food Rights & Food System Reform”

7 p.m., William Pitt Union Assembly Room

Molly Anderson, principal of Food Systems Integrity, Boston, will discuss how the Right to Food (RtF), part of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is a necessary part of any solution to hunger and food system problems. The film “Food, Inc.” by filmmaker Robert Kenner will be screened following Anderson’s discussion. This event is sponsored by Global Studies Program, Global Solutions Education Fund, and the international FoodFirst Information and Action Network.

Oct. 1

Lecture, “Education in Africa: A Presentation by Her Excellency Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika”

3 p.m., 4130 Posvar Hall

Her Excellency Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika, Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the United States, will discuss education in Africa. Before this appointment, she was ambassador and special envoy for the Zambian President during his term as chairman of the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union. Mbikusita-Lewanika served as a member of the Zambian Parliament from 1991 to 2001. Prior to her involvement in politics, she worked with UNICEF in key leadership roles in Africa. The event is sponsored by Pitt’s Center for International Legal Education, Global Studies Program, and African Studies Program. For more information, contact Macrina C. Lelei  at  412-648-2058 or macrina@pitt.edu.

Performance, World Dance Showcase

7 p.m., William Pitt Union Ballroom

Different dances from around the world will be showcased. The event is sponsored by International Week and Pitt’s Less-Commonly-Taught Languages Center. For more information, contact Eva Albertsson at eva_albertsson@yahoo.com.

Oct. 2

African Festival

3-9 p.m., William Pitt Union Lower Lounge

The festival will feature a panel discussion of students talking about their experiences studying abroad in Africa. Students will also showcase their photojournals of African trips, and there will be a display of African artifacts, fabrics, and carvings, as well as a Guinea/West African drum and dance performance. The event is sponsored by the African Studies Program and International Week. For more information, contact Sandra Matoushaya at africast@pitt.edu.

For more information about International Week, contact Global Studies at 412-648-5085 and global@pitt.edu, or visit www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/internationalweek for a complete calendar of events.