With much of the world in quarantine, the need to connect has been more significant than ever. To foster both human connection and dialogue, the International Institute for Human Security (IIHS) hosts a bi-monthly Virtual World Café, bringing together experts and peacebuilders from around the globe to discuss critical issues of human security.
The Virtual World Café series focuses on topics pertinent to the Institute’s six key Societal Stabilizers and human security priorities: food and environmental sustainability, good governance, indigenous rights, climate protection, the Responsibility to Protect, women, migrants, and victims of modern-day slavery. Each Café occurs via Zoom, providing an opportunity to join a welcoming and informal ‘drop in for lunch, dinner, or late dinner’ atmosphere, depending on your time zone. Hosted by curator Tiffany Hayes, each Café features insight and remarks from an expert guest. Past World Café expert guests have included:
- Haydee Dijkstal (USA/UK), discussing indigenous human rights
- Amina Agha (Pakistan), discussing Pakistan’s COVID-19 response
- Shalisa Hayes (USA), discussing race in America
- Dr. Gervais Rufyikiri (Geneva/Burundi), former Vice President of Burundi, discussing global leadership and the nexus to peacebuilding
- Farai Maguwu (Zimbabwe), discussing extractive industries and the impact on local communities
- Kristin Weis (USA), discussing environmental tourism post-COVID-19
- Murat Sartas (Turkey), discussing innovations in global food security
- Victoria Vdovychenko (Ukraine), discussing policy and security from a European perspective
The Virtual World Café seeks to advance the Institute’s knowledge-sharing mission and is one of three active programs. Other programs include the flagship program, Knowledge Concourse, which connects locally based peacebuilders with global experts for one-on-one virtual knowledge exchange sessions.
While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt global connectedness, dialogue and exchange on key human security concerns are more crucial than ever. We have an exciting line up of World Café guests over the coming months, including Noemi Mene Montes (Spain), discussing women and migration, and all are welcome to join!
