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Maya is a second-year psychology student at the U of A. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking or working on her latest crochet project.
Lifestyle & Culture
International Week 2025: Why you shouldn’t miss this year’s SDG-themed events
January 30, 2025 By Maya
Have you heard of I-Week? If you go to the U of A, you probably have, but here’s your chance to learn more about it!
I-Week is for everyone and focuses on international voices and their role in furthering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). It offers a platform for guest speakers, students and staff to converse on global issues. I-Week embodies fun, with free interactive events designed to tackle important topics.
Read on to see my top picks for this year’s I-Week events and why I’ll be paying them a visit. Check out this list for a rundown, and choose the ones that you’ll be most interested in based on your interests and field of study.
Keynote and discussion
Why we should talk: The power of uncomfortable conversations
Want to build bridges instead of walls? Join Meredith Preston-McGhie, Secretary-General for the Global Centre for Pluralism, and discover how engaging in difficult dialogues can transform discussions.
2040: Film screening with expert commentary
You can watch a movie at the Metro Cinema, free of cost! 2040 is a documentary that looks hopefully into the future, at what life could look like for today’s youth if environmental concerns are addressed with drastic action. Whether or not you’re studying environmental science, this movie is more than just a creative portrayal of climate change issues. I’ll be watching it because, as part of today’s youth, we could use some positivity and some encouragement amongst all the negativity surrounding the environment and our place in it.
SDGSA Workshop: Crafting a Better World
When I think of the UN SDGs, I see a bunch of colourful blocks that represent the standards that we as humans have set for ourselves. When I think of DIY jewellery, I also think of colourful blocks, but without the serious undertone. At this craft workshop, you can make your own SDG-inspired sustainable jewellery to take home with you!
Art exhibit: Flying to the Sun
Are you an art student, an artist or just want to see some art? You should come to Narges Noori’s exhibit, Flying to the Sun, featuring a collection of her illustrations about a young girl’s path to discovering herself by defying societal expectations. As a self-proclaimed artist, I’m looking forward to seeing this exhibit and the powerful message behind it.
Truth Seekers & Storytellers: How news works around the world
Interested in journalism or reporting? Learn more about the influence of culture on the news we consume and how the climate of the journalism industry differs by country. As a writer, I find that talking to other journalists introduces me to styles of writing that I’d never considered before. Don’t pass up the chance to speak to journalists from Botswana, Kazakhstan and Lebanon, who have firsthand experience in Canada and beyond!
Unscripted Connections: Building Global Communities Through Improv
If you’ve ever been to an improv show, you know that it has the uncanny ability to break the ice. Being able to communicate in a way that transcends cultural barriers is an increasingly useful skill in the globalizing world. As an introvert, I’m the kind of person who gets nervous at the thought of speaking to an audience. Despite that, I’m excited to see if this improv show can teach me a thing or two about effective communication.
Don’t miss the chance to meet people from your industry and learn more about their work towards real world issues! Whatever your area of study, there’s something for everyone at I-Week.