The Center for International and European Studies (CIES) at Kadir Has University will hold the 7th International Neighbourhood Symposium (INS) in the lively and historic Black Sea town of Odessa between Tuesday, 13 June and Sunday, 18 June 2017.
This year’s Symposium will focus on “Changemakers in the Eastern Neighbourhood and the Mediterranean South”. It will be organized in cooperation with local partners: UA: Ukraine Analytica and the Foreign Policy Council “Ukrainian Prism”.
The setting: The INS focuses principally on the Eastern Neighbourhood and the Mediterranean South, two regions that are shared neighborhoods of the European Union, its member states, the Russian Federation, and Turkey. While each region is distinct with its own historical, political, social, cultural and economic features; their contiguity implies a number of synergies and shared experiences on a variety of themes ranging from systemic dynamics to societal prerogatives. The INS aims to promote further understanding and cooperation in the Eastern Neighbourhood and the Mediterranean South and beyond by providing a forum for study, dialogue and networking in a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment.
Why Changemakers? The term “changemaker” has gained much mileage as it has been used by Ashoka to empower social entrepreneurs and innovators, we believe that it has a wider definition. A changemaker is a business leader, a policy maker, an activist, a young leader, a scholar, as well as a social entrepreneur that believes in change while also seeking to make it happen. A changemaker is thus an innovator, a trendsetter, and a visionary; someone who is willing to take creative action to solve social and societal problems.
Objective: Hence, the aim of the 2017 edition of the International Neighbourhood Symposium is to discuss, assess, and understand the regional dynamics as well as the impact these are having on the transformation of the societies of the countries of the Eastern Neighbourhood and the Mediterranean South during the first two days of the Symposium. Expert discussions will also bring the spotlight on a number of societal concerns as diverse as politics, the role of the media, our understanding of democracy, the nexus of international development and humanitarian work, and the potential of cultural cities. In other words, while an understanding of the key dynamics at play is imperative, it is also incumbent to debate and explore how changemakers, that symbolize the potential of human capital, can affect change.
Days 3 and 4 will be dedicated to peer to peer workshops facilitated by expert trainers whereby participants, in the role of changemakers, will be presenting project proposals emanating from their cooperation in the workshops.
Target audience: Young professionals and graduate students primarily from the countries of the Eastern Neighbourhood, the Mediterranean South, Central Asia, EU member states, and the United States are the Symposium target group. In addition, applicants from the fields of public policy, politics, journalism, and business are especially encouraged to apply. The target age group is 22-35 years of age (those born between 1982 and 1995).
Partners: The CIES project enjoys the support of numerous international partners and co-sponsors. To date these include, apart from the aforementioned local partners, the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation; the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, Odessa Branch; the Friedrich Naumann Foundation; the Harvard University Black Sea Security Program; Kadir Has University; the International Institute for Peace, Vienna; the Hollings Center for International Dialogue, Istanbul; the Bulgarian School of Politics “Dimitry Panitza”, Sofia; the International Relations Council of Turkey, Istanbul; the Corporate Social Responsibility Association of Turkey; the International Networking Institute, Istanbul; the Fotoessa Centre for Education, Research and Action, Athens; and International Development Management (IDEMA), Istanbul; and the Open Ukraine Foundation, Kyiv.
THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS SUNDAY, 16 APRIL 2017
Who should apply: Young professionals and graduates primarily from the countries of the Black Sea area, Middle East, Mediterranean, Central Asia, EU member states, and the United States are the Symposium target group. In addition, applicants from the fields of public policy, politics, journalism, and business are especially encouraged to apply. The target age group is 22-35 years of age (those born between 1982 and 1995). Proficiency in English is required.
Fees:
The Symposium Participation Fee is set at 300 Euros and will cover:
- tuition and reading materials
- local transportation between Odessa International Airport and conference venue
- accommodation in twin rooms (two persons sharing one room)
- accommodation (for up to 5 nights) including breakfast, lunch for 4 days and 2 dinners
Please note: Participants are expected to make their own arrangements for the following costs which are not included in the Participation Fee:
- international or national travel
- visa and health insurance coverage for the entire duration of their trip/stay
- any personal expenses that may arise during their trip/stay
A limited number of scholarships for international travel* or fee waivers may be granted based on merit and the availability of funds. The award of scholarships is at the discretion of the organizers. Successful applicants will be notified upon their acceptance to the Symposium.
*Please note: The upper limit of international travel payment which is granted as scholarship, is set at 250 Euros. Participants, whose international travel expenses are covered, are to provide their flight documents and invoices.
Application and registration process:
The deadline for applications is Sunday, 16 April 2017. Participation is limited to 40 people. Acceptance is at the discretion of the organizers. All applicants will receive an acknowledgement of receipt of their application within 5 working days. All applicants will be informed by e-mail regarding their acceptance by 26 April 2017. Information regarding fees and payment details will be confirmed to participants upon their acceptance to the Symposium.
For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://www.khas.edu.tr/en/news/265