The University of Pittsburgh Presents International Week 2009, Sept. 28-Oct. 2

PITTSBURGH-Pitt's International Week 2009 will celebrate the cultural diversity of the University, Oakland, and the greater Pittsburgh community Monday, Sept. 28, through Friday, Oct. 2. The week features 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 of International Studies (UCIS) and 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 and the human right to food. More information on these events as well as other highlights follows. Visit the International Week Web site (www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/internationalweek) for a complete calendar of events.

Sept. 28 G-20 Summit Simulation

10 a.m., William Pitt Union Ballroom, 3959 Fifth Ave.

UCIS is presenting 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, 3959 Fifth Ave.

Sudan, Eastern Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda have each entered the world's attention as distinct areas of conflict. It is often overlooked that these countries share the same geographic area, and this lecture will look at the importance of their proximity. It will also address what organizations at Pitt are doing to promote peace and stability in the region. The event is sponsored by the Global Studies Program, International Week, and One Life, One World, One Peace. For more information, contact Eric Reidy at ejr30@pitt.edu.

Sept. 29 Lecture, "Today's Interdependent World Order"

4 p.m., Alcoa Room, Barco Law Building, 3900 Forbes Ave.

Current debates on the G-7/8, G-20, UN Security Council membership, and League of Democracies, among others, are important but only half of the conversation defining today's interdependent world. 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 lead the discussion on how power might be successfully shared with other major powers, including the rising countries known as the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China). This event is sponsored by the Ridgway Center for International Security Studies, the Global Studies Program, and International Week.

Sept. 30 Lecture, Global Issues Lecture Series: Beyond Food, Inc. "Food Rights and Food-System Reform"

7 p.m., William Pitt Union Assembly Room, 3959 Fifth Ave.

Building on the momentum of the G-20, Molly Anderson with Food Systems Integrity, Boston, will introduce the Right to Food (RtF) as a necessary part of any solution to hunger and food-system problems. RtF is part of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and it has been formally endorsed by almost every nation in the world except the United States. It points to governmental responsibility in eradicating both domestic and international food insecurity. This talk will introduce how the RtF and rights-based approaches extend food-system solutions that are being promoted in the United States today through films such as Food, Inc., which will be screened following Anderson's remarks. This event is sponsored by the Global Studies Program, International Week, Global Solutions Education Fund, and FoodFirst Information and Action Network.

Oct. 1 Performance, World Dance Showcase

7 p.m., William Pitt Union Ballroom, 3959 Fifth Ave.

Different dances from around the world will be showcased. The event is sponsored by International Week and the 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, 3959 Fifth Ave.

The festival will feature a panel discussion of students talking about their study experiences abroad in Africa; students showcasing their photo/journals of trips to Africa; a display of African artifacts, fabrics, and carvings, and a performance by Guinea West African Drum and Dance. 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.

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