UN International Day for Tolerance 2009

Come join us to celebrate this year's United Nations International Day for Tolerance, which will be celebrated at the University of Pittsburgh on Monday, 16 November 2009. The event is co-sponsored by the School of Education, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), University Center for International Studies (UCIS), Council of Graduate Students in Education, and the Diversity and Affirmative Action Committee.

The International Day for Tolerance is an annual observance declared by UNESCO in 1995 to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance. One of the fundamental principles to building greater tolerance requires access to education. Intolerance is often rooted in ignorance and fear: fear of the unknown, of the “other,” other cultures, religions, and nations. Therefore, during this year’s celebration of the International Day for Tolerance, we are planning to place greater emphasis on educating about tolerance, human rights, and fundamental freedoms.

During the event, two conference sessions will include several graduate student speakers from various global regions and a keynote address from Professor Maureen McClure. In addition, UCIS global area studies centers, faculty members, and students will sponsor one or more cultural display, or “booth,” that will showcase the rich diversity in cultures and peoples from each major global region. We encourage participants to wear traditional cultural dress on November 16. You can get involved as well by sponsoring a cultural booth or by cooking your favorite traditional dish for the venue's potluck food display. For more information on how to get involved, contact Enkhjargal Adiya. Read more...

Location: 5604 Posvar Hall for the Conference (booths will be located outside this room on the 5th Floor Veranda).
Date: Monday, 16 November 2009
Time: 10:00-3:00 p.m.