York International redefines International Development Week

By Cathy Carlyle

The International Student and Exchange Club organized booths in York Lanes during International Development Week 2000, featuring food from around the world and displays and artifacts reflecting various cultures.

There have been fundamental changes in the international development field in the last 10 years. A series of workshops, seminars and colloquia have brought together students and faculty from throughout York to examine the implications of these changes to the University, based on research, teaching and practice. International Development Week 2000 contributed to these year-long initiatives and discussions.

"The symbolic end of the Cold War had a profound effect on international development policy and practice. Two key outcomes have been the direct linking of international development and security issues, and the viewing of development in ways that were not solely associated with north-south relations," said Roopa Desai-Trilokekar, coordinator of international student programs with York International, quoting from a report on discussions held at the Faculty of Environmental Studies and Founders College. She added that closely associated with these have been the redefining of many issues as aspects of security, such as the environment, disease, globalization, regionalization, the growing importance of human rights and sustainability issues, and the expansion of trade.

Desai-Trilokekar explained that York has organized faculty and student forums to examine areas of concern, for example current programs of study. One of the aims of such forums has been to provide suggestions for "on-the-ground" experience for students, to critically assess present-day thought and knowledge on development, to identify what is necessary for the building of connections within and outside the University, and to find ways for York to access funding for international development research and projects.

"Throughout 1999-2000, several workshops, seminars and colloquia will be held at York, bringing together academics to reflect on the changing global contexts and their future implications for the University," she said. "IDW hopes to contribute to the discussion."

IDW 2000 was sponsored by York International in partnership with Founders College, the Faculty of Environmental Studies and the Schulich School of Business. Several student groups contributed to IDW through the organization of seminars, presentations, debates, cultural shows, films and interactive workshops.