International Week 2016. Sessions Sponsored by CIUS.

One of the University of Alberta's signature events, International Week (or I-Week) features free events designed to instigate new thoughts, inspire discussions and animate debates on current global issues. I-Week's award-winning program is developed each year in partnership with all segments of the U of A community-students, staff and faculty-as well as government departments, non-governmental organizations and civil society.

11 January 2016

Tuesday January 26

3:30 - 4:50 pm
Telus Centre 134
Building Institutions for Sustainable Development in Conditions of Undeclared War: Ukraine's Nightmare
Dr. Bohdan Harasymiw, Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, Dr. Linda C. Reif, Faculty of Law, and Dr. David Marples, Dept. of History and Classics

As it attempts to contain an undeclared "hybrid" war in its eastern regions, the government of Ukraine has committed to the fundamental reform of its political institutions. A round table of specialists will evaluate the progress made towards more accountable and effective institutions since the revolution of February 2014. Will today's dire circumstances overcome decades of procrastination, or will Ukraine end up paying mere lip-service to political reform?

Wednesday January 27

4:00 - 5:20 pm
Education Centre South 377
New Approaches to Sustainability
Oksana Udovyk, Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies; Dr. Nathan Kowalsky, St. Joseph's College; and Dr. Ken Caine, Dept. of Sociology

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocate for "green, low-carbon growth" based on increased material/resource/energy (MRE) efficiency and a shift toward renewable energy sources. However, supporters of "new" approaches to sustainability argue that growth-based, technological solutions will not stop our dramatic overuse of nature or eradicate inequality and poverty. This session unpacks the assumptions behind the SDGs and explores alternative perspectives on sustainability.

Thursday January 28

2:00 - 3:20 pm
International House Meeting Room
Sustainable Development 3.0: Ukrainian Style
Oksana Udovyk, Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies

Humanity has never been moving faster or further away from sustainability than it is now. Where are we going to find alternatives? In this time of crisis, we can learn from the grassroots alternatives proposed by people in Ukraine. While marginal in terms of the population engaged, they have the capacity to provide creative and surprisingly modern options for a transition to a low-consumption society and economy.

About International Week