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Join us at International Week - February 5-10, 2024

International Week 2024 invites you to engage with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) meaningfully through inspiring lectures, insightful panels, and collaborative discussions. The SDGs, adopted in 2015, call on governments and civil society worldwide to address the world's most pressing issues, from poverty and education to health and the environment.

Open to the U of A and local community, I-Week’s free events offer a variety of ways to learn about the 17 SDGs and how we can effectively engage with them. Join us for U of A's annual International Week and get inspired to work together for a better world.


Spotlight on International Week Events

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Feb. 5: From Sorrow to Solutions: Addressing Eco Grief Through Action

Join the Environmental Studies Students’ Association for a panel discussion between leading professors and scholars on how to meaningfully navigate personal eco-grief and how we can use our grief for good.

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Feb. 5 - 9: I-Week Lunchtime Online Talks

Join expert panellists and speakers during the noon hour for various SDG-related conversations. The discussions cover such complex topics as human rights, environmental protection, citizenship and belonging, and what Canada needs to do to meet the UN SDG deadline.

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Feb. 5 - 9: C3i at International Week

Join the Collaborative College Community Initiative (C3I) at insightful and engaging events. This professor, staff, student and community initiative brings together members of the College of Social Sciences and the Humanities, and the local community to discuss complex issues.

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Feb. 7: Boil Alert Film Screening & Discussion

Co-presented by NorthWest Fest, Boil Alert follows activist Layla Staats as she embarks on a dual journey to explore the Indigenous relationship to water and her own identity struggles.

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Feb. 8: Global Health Fair

The annual Global Health Fair focuses on global health education and research relating to biomedical science, individuals and communities.

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Feb. 10: 2030 SDG Game

The 2030 SDG Game is a multiplayer, card-based game that simulates taking the “real world” into 2030. Inspired by the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, participants will explore how the world can achieve sustainability goals.

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I-Week Schedule of Events

Monday, February 5

12:00 - 12:50 PM: C3i - Online Lunchtime Talk - Ghosts and Dandelions: Exploring Socio-Legal Concepts of Citizenship and Belonging

Monday, Feb. 5 | 12:00 - 12:50 PM, online via Vimeo

Ghosts and Dandelions: Exploring Socio-Legal Concepts of Citizenship and Belonging

Jamie Chai Yun Liew, Professor (Law) University of Ottawa 

Simultaneously writing her debut novel, DANDELION and her academic book, GHOST CITIZENS, was an experience of how creative writing and academic research worked symbiotically to provide discussion on legal constructions of citizenship and foreignness. Grounded in narratives from stateless persons, Jamie will talk about how questions of belonging informed her use of the term "ghost citizens" and why it is important to share the emotional and psychological impact of exclusion through storytelling.

Moderator: Yasmeen Abu-Laban, Professor (Arts)

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This event is free, but please register to reserve your spot.

7:00 PM: Panel Discussion - From Sorrow to Solutions: Addressing Eco Grief Through Action

Feb. 5 | 7:00 PM, TELUS 150

From Sorrow to Solutions: Addressing Eco Grief Through Action

Featuring Chris Turner, one of Canada’s leading voices on climate solutions and the global energy transition.

Join the Environmental Studies Students’ Association for a panel discussion between leading professors and scholars on how to meaningfully navigate personal eco-grief and how we can use our grief for good. The discussion will cover the relationship between climate change and mental health and the role of climate optimism in our efforts to address environmental change. An interactive element will allow the audience to connect with the speakers, hoping to create a community around this topic. 

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This event is free, but please register to reserve your spot.

All Day: Display - C3i Art Competition

Monday, February 5 - Friday, February 9 | Pedway: Fine Arts - Law

C3i Art Competition

Student art creations on the question, “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights after 75: Whose Rights/What Rights after 75?” will be on display throughout the week.


Tuesday, February 6

12:00 - 12:50 PM: C3i - Online Lunchtime Talk - Human Rights Before and After Environmental Protection: A Conversation with Marie-Catherine Petersmann

Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 12:00 - 12:50 PM, online via Vimeo

Human Rights Before and After Environmental Protection: A Conversation with Marie-Catherine Petersmann

Marie-Catherine Petersmann, Assistant Professorial Research Fellow, London School of Economics

Any casual reader of the UDHR will notice that it contains no mention whatsoever of the environment. Environmental concerns only entered popular and political consciousness in the 1960s, and started appearing in international human rights instruments from the 1970s onwards. The relationship between the environment and human rights is straightforward according to most international courts and human rights scholars: we need to protect the environment 'in order to' protect human rights. In reality, the relationship between the environment and human rights is more fraught. The protection of the environment can violate human rights, especially the rights of Indigenous peoples, but also the freedom of religion, economic freedoms and other rights. Conversely, the protection of the environment as a 'human' right gives short shrift to 'nature' as a system in, of and for itself, and not as a servant of human interests. Join this online conversation about the troubled relationship between human rights and the environment!

Moderator: Prof. Peter Szigeti, University of Alberta Faculty of Law

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This event is free, but please register to reserve your spot.

3:30 - 5:00 PM: C3i - Afternoon Panel Discussion - Children’s Rights and Human Rights

Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 3:30 - 5:00 PM, TELUS Centre, Room 134 

Children’s Rights and Human Rights 

Featuring panellists Professor Anne McGillivray, Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba, Aubrey Abaya, Public Legal Education Coordinator, Centre for Constitutional Studies, U of A, and members of Dr Tonya Callaghan’s research team “Advancing Healthy & Socially Just Schools and Communities” at the U of C. 

Are children just “rights holders in waiting"? How should children’s right to privacy be protected? How should we understand children’s rights in light of policies such as Saskatchewan’s recent “Parents’ Bill of Rights” and efforts to ban Gay-Straight Alliances in schools, along with books that tell stories of same-sex parents and Pride celebrations? How, in such an environment, can schools and teachers provide inclusive education for all students?

Moderator: Dr. Lynette Shultz, Professor (Education)

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This event is free, but please register to reserve your spot.

7:00 - 9:00 PM: C3i Keynote: At Home with Human Rights: Activating Local and International Human Rights Strategies

Tuesday, Feb 6 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM, TELUS Centre, Room 134

At Home with Human Rights: Activating Local and International Human Rights Strategies

Audrey Macklin, Professor (Law) and Chair in Human Rights, University of Toronto

In 2019, a young Edmontonian who came to Canada as a child refugee from Somalia faced deportation. Professor Macklin will address the international, national and local aspects of this case and consider several relevant international human rights instruments - including the Convention on the Rights of the Child - as well as advocacy to resolve individual cases and to effect legal change at the national level.

Moderators: Yasmeen Abu-Laban, Professor (Arts) and Péter Szigeti, Assistant Professor (Law)

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This event is free, but please register to reserve your spot.

All Day: Display - C3i Art Competition

Monday, February 5 - Friday, February 9 | Pedway: Fine Arts - Law

C3i Art Competition

Student art creations on the question, “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights after 75: Whose Rights/What Rights after 75?” will be on display throughout the week.


Wednesday, February 7

1:00 - 3:00 PM: C3i Poster Presentation - The Promise or Peril of the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Wednesday, February 7 | 1:30 -3:00 PM, TELUS Centre Atrium

Poster Presentation: The Promise or Peril of the UN Sustainable Development Goals

2023 represents the halfway point to achieving the UN SDG's by 2030. Students from the Colleges of Social Sciences and Humanities will present their assessment of our progress on achieving the SDGs. Student posters will showcase where progress has been made, where greater effort is required or propose ideas that would advance a particular SDG. Join us and help select the winning posters.

3:00 - 5:00 PM: C3i Student Panel - Ignite Change: 75 years of Advancing Human Rights

Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 3:00 - 5:00 PM, TELUS Centre, Room 134

Ignite Change: 75 Years of Advancing Human Rights

To mark the 75 anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights held a major international conference attracting delegates from around the world in December 2023. University of Alberta students who served as rapporteurs for the conference will discuss their experiences at the Ignite Change conference. Join students as they share their learnings and ideas for igniting change on human rights issues.

Moderators:

  • Renée Vaugeois, Executive Director, John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights
  • Yasmeen Abu Laban, Professor (Arts)
  • Nariya Khasanova, Graduate Student (Political Science)

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This event is free, but please register to reserve your spot.

6:45 PM: I-Week Movie Night - BOIL ALERT film screening and discussion

Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 6:45 PM, Metro Cinema, Garneau Theatre

Boil Alert film screening and discussion

Executive produced by Calgarian and Nehiyaw performing artist Michelle Thrush, follow activist Layla Staats as she embarks on a dual journey to explore the Indigenous relationship to water as well as her own identity struggles she has grappled with her entire life as a Mohawk Woman. An Official Selection of the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. 

A discussion of the film and Q&A with Dr. Paulina Johnson, Dr. JA Morrow and Producer Michelle Thrush will follow the screening.

Co-presented by NorthWest Film Festival

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This event is free, but please register to reserve your spot.

All Day: Display - C3i Art Competition

Monday, February 5 - Friday, February 9 | Pedway: Fine Arts - Law

C3i Art Competition

Student art creations on the question, “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights after 75: Whose Rights/What Rights after 75?” will be on display throughout the week.


Thursday, February 8

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Global Health Fair

Thursday, Feb. 8 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, TELUS 134 and online

Global Health Fair

The annual Global Health Fair focuses on global health education and research relating to biomedical science, individuals and communities and provides an opportunity for researchers, clinicians and educators to share their medical knowledge and scholarship on various topics related to global health.

VIEW THE FULL SCHEDULE

12:00 - 1:00 PM: Online Lunchtime Talk - Doubling Down: Making a Difference by 2030 - Featuring UN Ambassador Bob Rae

Thursday, Feb. 8: 12:00 - 1:00 PM, Online via Vimeo

Doubling Down: Making a Difference by 2030

The Honourable Bob Rae, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN in New York

Launched in 2015, the UN Sustainable Development Goals provided focus and hope that by 2030, we could address our most pressing global challenges. Now, at the halfway point, it is clear that on many fronts, we are far behind in achieving our goals.  Canada’s Ambassador to the UN, Bob Rae, will highlight where progress has been made and where we must double down in the time remaining to 2030 to achieve our commitments and realize the promise of the SDGs.

Moderator: Dr. Andy Knight, Professor (Arts) and Provost Fellow in Black Excellence and Leadership

*This event is part of the Global Health Fair

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This event is free, but please register to reserve your spot.

All Day: Display - C3i Art Competition

Monday, February 5 - Friday, February 9 | Pedway: Fine Arts - Law

C3i Art Competition

Student art creations on the question, “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights after 75: Whose Rights/What Rights after 75?” will be on display throughout the week.


Friday, February 9

1:00 - 3:00 PM: Global Goals Talks with ELL

Friday, February 9 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM, Education North 6-138

Global Goals Talks

Join UAI and the English Language Learning School for short talks by U of A students on the theme of the UN Sustainability Goals - delivered and recorded in person. A short, facilitated discussion will follow each talk.

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This event is free, but please register to reserve your spot.

7:00 - 9:00 PM: C3i Keynote - Bringing the Law to Life Keynote Speech and Reception with Justice Sheilah Martin

Friday, Feb. 9 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM, TELUS Centre

Bringing the Law to Life

Keynote Speech and Reception with Justice Sheilah Martin

In collaboration with Canadians for a Civil Society and the Centre for Constitutional Studies, the College of the Social Sciences and Humanities proudly presents Bringing the Law to Life: Keynote Speech and Reception with Justice Sheilah Martin.

The event bookends the Ignite Change conference hosted by Canadians for a Civil Society, Righting Relations, and the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights in December. The conference, held on the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, brings together civil society, academics and decision-makers in dialogue, learning and action on human rights.

The Honourable Sheilah Martin, '83 LLM, a justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, will provide remarks regarding advancing human rights, justice, peace and freedom for all. Reception to follow; registration required.

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All Day: Display - C3i Art Competition

Monday, February 5 - Friday, February 9 | Pedway: Fine Arts - Law

C3i Art Competition

Student art creations on the question, “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights after 75: Whose Rights/What Rights after 75?” will be on display throughout the week.


Saturday, February 10

1:00 - 4:00 PM: 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Game

Saturday, Feb. 10 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM, Maple Leaf Room, Lister Conference Centre

2030 Sustainable Development Goals Game

Featuring facilitator Carol Yeung

The 2030 SDG Game is a multiplayer, card-based game that simulates taking the “real world” into 2030. This game was inspired by the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The game participants, working together and in groups, will explore how the world can achieve sustainability goals. Will you create a prosperous, fair, and sustainable world?

The 2030 SDGs Game is a powerful simulation experience that will help you explore what the world could be like in 2030 and will hint at the mindset and actions required to build a better world. In the game, you will spend time and money to run projects to achieve your mission.

What kind of world will emerge by 2030? What will be the impact of your decisions? What will the other people in your world do? All will be revealed when you join us to play the game.

After the simulation, we will have time to reflect and discuss what we experienced, what difference we can make, and how we can connect the game world to our real world.

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This event is free, but please register to reserve your spot.

7:00 - 9:00 PM: ACGC Top 30 Under 30

Saturday, Feb. 10 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM, TELUS 150 and Atrium

Alberta Council for Global Cooperation Top 30 Under 30 Celebration 

The Top 30 Under 30 Award is an annual campaign by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation (ACGC). The award features 30 outstanding young people, nominated by their community and selected by a committee of Top 30 alumni for their commendable work in making the world a more just, fair, and sustainable place for all. The award recipients are recognized at a public Top 30 Celebration event during International Development Week. 2024 will mark the 13th year of the Top 30 awards, with 390 youth being honoured since its inception in 2012.

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