In August 2024, over 50 students from 11 INU member universities around the world attended the INU’s flagship student program, the International Student Seminar for Global Citizenship and Peace. The theme, focused on “World Peace and Political Justice”, bringing expertise from across INU member universities, with speakers and group facilitators this year from our universities in USA, Spain, UK, Germany, Ukraine, Indonesia, Sweden and Japan.
Students followed a program of workshops, group work, keynote talks, peace events and excursions. The program was structured around four workshops; “War Crimes and International Law: Ways for Reducing Impunity”, “The Art for Peace Gallery”, “Liberal Peace and Its Critics” and “Better digital ethics for World Peace and Political Justice”, as well as keynote talks on “Peace and Justice” and “The impact of the Russian-Ukrainian War on Conflict Resolution and Prevention”. In addition, the plenary lecture on the United Nations sets the scene for the historic complexities of such an organisation in solving international problems, including peace-keeping and conflict resolution
An integral part of the program is the United Nations Role Play. At the beginning of the program, students are allocated a country to represent and work in multicultural groups to prepare for a United Nations General Assembly Role Play at the end, practicing the art of negotiation and international diplomacy along the way.
The seminar program is designed to coincide with the 6th August commemoration of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, and participants have the privilege of attending the official Peace Memorial Ceremony in Hiroshima, which is a powerful and memorable experience. In addition, students hear the personal testimony of Ms Keiko Ogura, atomic bombing survivor, who was just 8 years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on the city in 1945. Ms Ogura’s personal story makes a huge impact on participants, and brings to life the stark realities and horrors of nuclear weapons on civilians, which last for decades. On behalf of the INU network, the Academic Chair of the seminar, Prof Dr Carmen Thiele, European University Viadrina, presented an INU Certificate of Recognition to Ms Keiko Ogura, in appreciation for her advocacy for world peace and nuclear disarmament, and for sharing her inspirational story with hundreds of INU student seminar students since 2015.
The student seminar students were not the only INU representation in Hiroshima this year! Nursing students and faculty from James Madison University, Stellenbosch University and Malmo University were also in Hiroshima, for an INU Nursing workshop on “Nursing Impact on Global Conflict, Healthcare Advocacy, and World Peace”. The groups came together for the welcome reception and the peace memorial events.
As well as building intercultural awareness and empathy amongst students through the Japanese culture session and group work sessions, the program includes a presentation on “Cultivating Global Mindset and Promoting Global Citizenship in the VUCA Era” to highlight our cultural differences and to foster a spirit of understanding and respect between participants.
Outside of the classroom, students undertook excursions to Miyajima Island, Peace Memorial Museum and the Yamato Museum, as well as exploring the local historic sake brewery district, local food specialities such as okonomiyaki, art museums, and of course, karaoke!
The program culminates with a United Nations General Assembly Role Play, and the draft resolution focused on ‘Financing for Peace-Building’ with countries negotiating throughout the program to gain support for their proposed amendments to the resolution. After many lively debates and negotiations between the students representing their allocated country, the draft resolution was passed!
INU’s International Student Seminar for Global Citizenship and Peace continues to prove itself to be a transformational experience, where students learn not only about other cultures, but also about themselves. Participants step out of their comfort zones, thrive amongst the cultural diversity and interdisciplinary groups and have new eye-opening experiences and importantly develop friendships which will last a lifetime.
With many, many thanks to our Academic Chair of the Student Seminar, Prof Dr Carmen Thiele, European University Viadrina Germany and to our colleagues at Hiroshima University for being such excellent and hospitable hosts!
“I had an incredible experience. I understood in theory how big the world is but seeing it in person is an experience tantamount to a spiritual experience. Being a part of something bigger than you, knowing that there are people who share the same values and morals has solidified my faith in humanity.” Koketso Mothudi, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
“It was so amazing in my life and it’s also my first time to communicate with such people such a lot! I became to love to go abroad as exchange students and I’d like to be such great friends!”, Shiori Kushima, Hiroshima University, Japan
“I have learned more about myself and what it means to be a global citizen. Coming from the US we do not learn enough about other cultures. I feel like only after 10 days the friendships I’ve cultivated and the conversations I’ve had with Japanese and international students I have learned more about other types of people than my 16 years of traditional schooling.” Elsa McKenney, James Madison University, USA
“Amazing and inspiring experience in learning in safe academic environment, known for its long history of supporting and empowering peace.” Fadi Hasan, Osnabrück University, Germany
“It was really great to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds and to get to know and learn from each other. I think the lectures, workshops, and activities were really interesting and gives us all a deeper understanding of peace and justice and what factors contributing to it.” Kathleen Felicia Tan, Parahyangan Catholic University, Indonesia
“An enlightening experience that not only taught me about world peace and political justice but also about myself.” Aqueelah Dsane, Kingston University, UK
“It was an amazing, emotional and truly international experience.” Luciana Ghiberto, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Argentina
