infohefte ISFiT2011

PROBLEM:

11. - 20. February

SOLUTION:

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Welcome to Trondheim

The theme chosen for ISFiT 2011 is gradually becoming one of the most important aspects of contemporary international politics. Global health in the 21st century concerns not only vaccination, AIDS or emergency responses to avian or swine flu, global health has to do with climate change, development and aid, education, human rights, and much, much more. Global health ties all nations and peoples together.We believe that the students of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and ISFiT gathers talented and motivated students from all continents. What better topic to focus on during the festival than global health, if we want to work together for a better life for people all over the world?ISFiT is an important meeting place for discussion and debate. It is an arena where ideas are born, friendships are made, and valuable lessons are learned. ISFiT gathers students with diverse social, political, ethnic and cultural backgrounds to share ideas and views, knowledge and values. Through interaction with fellow students from different cultures, we have the possibility to expand our horizons and broaden our perspectives.

At ISFIT you will meet students with all sorts of academic backgrounds that will challenge you with cultural and social perspectives that will be new to you. As a participant you will also be staying with a local family or student living in Trondheim, a unique opportunity to learn about Norway and our way of life. We want to create an opportunity to shape and change the world for the better, and we will work hard to make ISFiT 2011 an unforgettable experience for for everyone.We are looking forward to see you in Trondheim 11th - 20th February 2011! Yours,

Kine KarlsenPresident, ISFiT 2011

I hereby recommend to you the 11th International Student Festival in Trondheim 2011 (ISFiT).I had the pleasure of taking part in the opening ceremony as well as in a plenary session in the Grand Hall of the Student Society in Trondheim during ISFiT 2009, for which the main theme was peace building.The main theme for ISFiT 2011 is global health. That means students from a hundred different countries and vastly diverse backgrounds will come to Trondheim to examine different aspects of this theme in February 2011.ISFiT aims to inspire its participants to make a difference in their own communities. To that end only the most devoted and ambitious students from a large number of applicants are

invited to attend the festival. ISFiT has also proved to be an important arena for dialogue and discussion on current affairs and international processes.ISFiT is a place to inspire and to be inspired, both for participants and contributors.

God bless you

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

Letter of Recommendation

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ISFiT 2011 - Trondheim, Norway

ISFiT – The International Student Festival in Trondheim, Norway, is the worlds largest student festival with a thematic focus. About 450 students from all over the world attend the festival. ISFiT has been arranged every second year since 1990. ISFiT 2011 is the 11th festival, and will be arranged from 11th February to 20th February 2011.

ISFiT is a meeting place for discussions and debate. The festival aims at fostering inspiration and being a starting point for international cooperation amongst students. ISFiT is a non-profit festival. In order to organize ISFiT, almost 400 students in Trondheim work voluntarily.

The ISFiT participants take part in workshops, which highlight the festival theme in various ways. Several plenary sessions will be arranged, where international speakers share their views with the audience. ISFiT also presents a vast cultural program of concerts, art exhibitions and performing arts.

THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FESTIVAL IN TRONDHEIM

The main topic of ISFiT 2011 is global health. The subject of health as an international phenomenon is always up for discussion. The globalization increases the size of the world, and challenges on a local level needs international action.

When talking about a global health we debate about a worldwide change in peoples health, and work for equalization of differences in health in and between countries. Having a good health is a precondition for development.

A persons health is influenced by for example climatic changes, lack of resources, economic instability and war.

But also the technologic development has shown that governments and individuals

can influence the global health in a positive direction. During ISFiT we will have a

positive approach to the subject, and want to create a constructive dialogue, with a focus on global health as a part of the globalization process. We want to encourage tomorrow’s leaders to create the ideas and attitudes that can change the world.

Globalize this: Health

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new cultural experiences but also an opportunity to get a new perspective on the festival theme. As an ISFiT participant you will have the fortune to experience concerts, exhibitions, ceremonies, performing arts, the global fiesta and plenary sessions on many of the cultural scenes in Trondheim.

Look forward to a festival filled with exciting cultural experiences!

The Dialogue GroupsThe Dialogue Groups were first introduced to the festival in 1997. In a conflict situation, communication and interaction across religious, ethnic and cultural lines are limited or even non-existent. The Dialogue Groups seek to gather students from different sides of conflicts to meet on equal grounds in a neutral environment. Through dialogue, interactive role play and social activities, it is our experience that mutual respect, trust, understanding and friendship can develop. Students from the conflict areas of Armenia/Azerbaijan, Rwanda/Burundi and Northern Ireland are invited to a 20 day seminar in Norway that will take place in a cabin in Røros, and then continue at the festival in Trondheim.

Previously, being part of the Dialogue Groups has led to participants initiating similar dialogue seminars between youth in their home countries.

CultureThe culture program of ISFiT 2011 seeks to present a broad and engaging selection of artists and performers from all over the world. We hope to create an arena where everyone can meet, participants, the students and people living in Trondheim.Artists and performers from all over the world will contribute in many ways by putting their personal touch on ISFiT. Not only will there be possibilities for

Feat

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Plenary SessionsISFiT is a place where the leaders of today, meet the leaders of tomorrow. During ISFiT, several plenary sessions will be held addressing global health issues. The Plenary sessions are a place to be inspired, a place to learn, a place to discuss global issues and a place to be heard. Furthermore, the Plenary Sessions are a place where we, the students of today, can influence and inspire world leaders in politics and academia. It is a place where you and I can set the agenda. Speakers at previous ISFiT conferences include His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former Director-General of the WHO Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, Nobel Laureates Betty Williams, Shirin Ebadi and Professor Wangari Maathai

FeaturesThe WorkshopsISFiT is a meeting place where students gather to discuss, listen and understand. The workshops are small working groups where participants will share their experience and discuss topics related to the overall theme of ISFiT 2011: global health. Some workshops are thematic, while others are more practical and have a creative approach to the theme. There are approximately 30 participants from different countries and cultures in one workshop. Each workshop is facilitated by four students from Trondheim. ISFiT believes that small working groups enhance the possibility for the participants to get to know each other. The workshops are compulsory and participants belong to one workshop during the whole

festival. They are great arenas to inspire and be inspired, share ideas and feelings, and build long-lasting friendships across borders. You do not need any special experience in the theme of your workshop; your interest and engagement are the most important contributions you can make.

StudentersamfundetStudentersamfundet, a magnificent round house, is the home of the students union in Trondheim. In addition to being the natural meeting place for students since 1929, the house and its union is unique in offering a wide range of cultural events. Examples include plenary meetings and club nights as well as concerts with international and Norwegian bands, and theater performances. Studentersamfundet is, like ISFiT, run by students on a voluntary basis. Studentersamfundet is the center of the festival and hosts the majority of the ISFiT events.

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global health? On the bus, in a queue, in a café or in the market square? As a participant in the theatre workshop, the city is your stage!

Workshop 4: WaterA source of life, a source of conflictWater has great significance in different cultures – what does it mean to you? Unfortunately we disregard this resource by polluting our rivers, lakes and oceans. It is estimated that 1.5 billion people lack safe drinking water, and at least 5 million deaths a year can be attributed to waterborne diseases. How can this resource be distributed fairly? Increased private ownership of fresh water is a source of conflict, but can water also build peace? Who owns the water in the Nile? How does water influence our health?

Workshop 1: Politics

Who is responsible for caring and curing?Health is a fundamental human right. Who is responsible for providing it? A nation’s health system has the overall responsibility to secure the health of its citizens. Unfortunately, many countries suffer from a health care system that is neither healthy nor caring. What are the most basic preconditions to create a well-functioning health system? And what is the role of the national authorities? Who is responsible for the health of refugees that are forced to leave their home country? What can international organizations do to improve global health standards? Health politics can either promote or violate the health of individuals. Who is responsible for your health?

Workshop 2: TheatreDramatize this: Health Throughout the centuries theatre has been used to challenge people’s attitudes and prejudices. Do you want to learn and use theatre to challenge and change?In this workshop you will have the opportunity to use different methods of theatre, such as improvisation, forum theatre and invisible theatre to capture people’s attention and focus on issues concerning health. What attitudes regarding global health do you want to challenge? How does theatre affect your health and well being? How can humour be used to address serious issues concerning health? Theatre is communicating. How and where would you like to communicate

Workshop 5: Mental health

How are you, really?How do you feel when you sing as loud as you can? Or scream, when your life suddenly turns the wrong way? How does it feel to lose someone you love? How does it feel to be furious when meeting injustice? Can you feel the deep warmth from a friend’s smile? Our mental health gives us a tremendous variety of feelings, and it needs tender care. What is the link between physical and mental health? How does religion affect our mental health? How does experiencing a trauma such as war, a car crash, a rape, or a natural disaster affect us? Suicide - why?Can we prevent mental illness? Can we learn happiness?

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Workshop 3:  Education

Knowledge about rightsis decisive

Obesity, why?

Education about sex?

Prejudice, lack of knowledge?

Brain drain

Educate women

Western knowledge, the best knowledge?

Illiteracy

Education, the best way to better health?

More knowledge, more happiness?

What are your thoughts?

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Workshop 6: Literature

What is health? Spread the wordHow would you define the concept of “health”? What is the link between an individual’s health and life quality? What makes life worth living? How much is a human life worth? Who has the right to decide if you are “sick” or “healthy”? And how does the cultural context and religion affect how these questions are answered?As a participant in this workshop you will

Workshops

be given the opportunity to put yourthoughts about life and health into words. Do you like writing poems, short stories, feature articles or statements expressing your opinions? This is your chance to get your voice be heard. Join vital discussions, be creative and spread your words to the world!

Workshop 8: Economy

A market for medicineIs baldness or high blood pressure really a disease? Is a healthy person simply someone who has not been examined thoroughly enough? In the pharmaceutical industry there is no money to be made from healthy people. Therefore, widening the boundaries of treatable diseases is big business. Less than 10 % of the total expenditure on health research and

Workshop 7: Climate and environment

Climate changes

Sustainable development

Climate refugee

Vulnerability

Spread of disease

Who is responsible?

20 million to 1 billion refugees in 2050?

Who are they?

ChildrenHealth infrastructure

First aid education Environmental management

Human lives = best resources

Evolution vs pollution

Destruction of ecosystems

How to use nature?

Extreme weather

Water crisis

Failure in food production

Drought

Is ¼ of the global disease burden

A new international agreement?

How can we deal with damage that has already happened

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development is focused on 90 % of the global disease burden. Can we create a system focusing on the needs of those who cannot pay? At the same time, medical research has made great achievements. What are the ethical considerations in the pharmaceutical industry?

Workshop 9: FoodSurvival of the fattest?Food and nutrition are the preconditions and foundations for good health. Social effects of food exist everywhere. Can we achieve good health through food culture and attitudes?

For some people food is everywhere, others have to struggle everyday to get enough, while some develop eating disorders. Why? Malnutrition is still today’s greatest health problem, but obesity is expected to become the number one health challenge of our time. The globalization of junk food is increasing, but who is responsible for the content of our food? How can what you eat improve your life quality? Why is “Coca-Cola” one of the best known words in the world?

Workshop 11: ArtGlobal street artArt sets the temperature of society. Do you want to visualize the concept of health through painting, drawing, photos, printing and so on, using different colours, textures and composition to state your message? How can you use your history and culture to enlighten the different aspects of health? How can art open our

predetermined views on life or contribute to public education by challenging taboos? What happens to societies where art is censored? How can art express different cultures and identities? Is art necessarily a pleasant experience? Can freedom of expression justify all kinds of art? During ISFiT, this workshop will bring your message out into the streets. You will create art to reach our common goal – to globalize health.Workshop 12: The futureLeaders of tomorrowWhat will the global health situation be like in 2030? What are the greatest challenges and opportunities? Although global health is everybody’s business, students are the leaders of tomorrow and have the power to set the agenda. Will you launch a local campaign against sexual violence, create a new economic system where the poor have access to crucial medicines, or perhaps find a cure for cancer? Whether you are an activist, an aspiring politician or just

want to make a change, this workshop is an opportunity to share your thoughts and make plans for the future. Will you take the challenge?

Workshop 13: GenesLook at my new pair of genesImagine applying for a job. The boss takes a sample of saliva from your cup, and finds a gene for laziness. Unfortunately, you are rejected. What are the opportunities in exploring our genes? Should this field of research have any limits, and if so, where should we draw the line? Can genes decide if you are born as a homosexual, if you are creative or how aggressive you are? Gene manipulation gives us for instance a chance to make food with new and better qualities, or make improvements to the human race. What possibilities and ethical considerations lie in genes? What pair of genes would you like to wear?

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Workshop 10: Sex

Wonderful

HIV/AIDS

Trafficking

Gender equality

Taboo

Source of lifeLove

Religion

Contraceptives

Pornography

Identity

Sexual violence

Media

LGBT rights

What is sex to you?

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Workshop 15: Information technology e-healthCommunication is the essence of human activity. How is the Internet and mobile phones affecting our health? Are we becoming more attached to our computers than to people? In what way has this technology changed the role of the media as a provider of news? Who controls the Internet in Germany compared to in China? Are we facing a “digital divide” between those who are and those who are not online? Technology increases the democratic potential by opening new channels of participation. As a consequence, health systems can be improved. How can new technology help you obtain knowledge about your own health?

Workshop 16: SportsJoin the gameHow do sports affect our health? Do we exercise for the same reasons in different cultures? Does sound physical health give good mental health? Can sports be used as therapy? Our everyday life is less physically active than ever before thus the importance of sports and games increases. Our bodies are capable of climbing Mount Everest, yet some find it a huge challenge just to walk up a few flights of stairs. Why? Sport is a social arena and an intercultural meeting place. In this workshop you will be able to discuss different aspects of sport and enjoy physical activities with other students from all over the world. Join the game!

Workshop 17: Development and Aid

How can I help you?Either as donors or receivers, all nations are involved in aid and development projects. Aid is an expression of global solidarity and responsibility, but does it always bring about positive changes? The development industry has been accused of cultural imperialism and westernization. Who decides if a country needs to be developed by external actors? How can local culture and empowerment be ensured in development projects? The eight Millennium Development Goals are to be achieved by the year 2015. What have we learned so far? How would you like to see the world develop?

Workshops

Workshop 14: Woman and children

Sexualized violence

Woman and children are often the victims

How does living in conflict affect your health?

Children

The silent voices of society

Who is responsible for children’s health?

Gender equality

Empowerment of women

How can we get more female decision makers?

Female healthcare workers

Improving maternal health

UN’s millennium goals

How can we reduce child mortality?

Education

70 % of all children without primary education are female. Why?

Conflict and war

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Betty Williams spoke at the ceremony, where Elkouria “Rabab” Amidane from Western Sahara accepted the Student Peace Prize for 2009.

Elkouria “Rabab” AmidaneAmidane was awarded the Prize for her efforts to inform the world about the discrimination and violence that Saharawi students are subjected to by the Moroccan government. Even though Amidane uses peaceful means in her fight for human rights, the Moroccan police has arrested her and exposed her to torture several times. Amidane publishes a lot of material on the internet, such as videos of students being attacked by the police. Publishing these videos have led to anonymous threats towards her.

The next LaureateWho is the next Student Peace Prize Laureate? That is for the independent

The award ceremony of the Student Peace Prize is one of the major events that take place during ISFiT.The Student Peace Prize is awarded every second year on behalf of all Norwegian students to a student or a student organization that has made a significant contribution to creating peace and promoting

human rights.

In what is now a well-established tradition, the Laureate is invited to ISFiT to receive the Prize during a grand ceremony to which all participants and volunteers are invited. There could hardly be a better arena for the ceremony than ISFiT, where the Laureate is able to meet talented students from all over the world.In 2009 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

Peace Prize Committee to decide when it gathers in the fall of 2010. Because the Prize is awarded on behalf of all Norwegian students, the committee consists of representatives appointed by the national student organizations of Norway, but it also includes non-student experts such as 2009 committee member Ole Danbolt Mjøs, who led the Nobel Peace Prize Committee from 2003 to 2008.

As a participant in ISFiT 2011 you will be there when the new Laureate receives the Prize. The Laureate will also be invited to participate in one of the festivals workshops on Global Health. Join us in celebrating the brave students that fight for peace and stand up for human rights!Follow the Student Peace Prize at

www.studentpeaceprize.org.

The Student Peace Prize

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How to applyIn order for you to participate in ISFiT 2011, you need to send an application to the ISFiT 2011 board. All applicants must be at least 18 years old and current students. The board will process the applications and send out personal invitations to the selected students.

You will find the application form on our website www.isfit.org. We must receive your application by the 30. September 2010 to process it. We understand that some schools do not resume classes until after our deadline. Because of this, we encourage you to apply early online.

If you have no way of achieving internet access, you can send a request for an application form and we will post it to your ad-dress. To enhance further communication we however encour-age you to apply online if possible. The postal address to which the request should be sent is,

ISFiT 2011Postterminalen NTNU7491 TrondheimNorway

If you apply for participation at ISFiT 2011, please note that you receive a personal invitation from the ISFiT 2011 board before planning your trip. We receive thousands of applications to each ISFiT, but are only able to invite approximately 450 students for each festival. The personal invitations will be given on the basis of the essays written in the application. The topics of the workshops are given on our website www.isfit.org.

Financial SupportISFiT 2011 aims for a great variety in the background of the students who will attend the festival. We seek different points of view and therefore different cultural perspectives from the participants. In order to reach this goal we can offer financial support to selected students. Please note that ISFiT 2011 has a limited amount of funds to offer, so we recommend that you will find alternate ways of financing your journey. There is a variety of scholarships and legacies for wich you may apply for, or maybe your university will support you. Specifications of what expenses the travel support covers is outlined in the travel support application. To apply for financial support from ISFiT 2011, please visit our website at www.isfit.org.

Food and accommodationAs a participant at ISFiT 2011 there will be no expenses for food and accommodation. During your stay in Trondheim, you will be living with a host who will provide you with a bed and breakfast. Lunch and dinner will be served at the workshops free of charge.

LanguageDuring the festival, English will be the working language. As a participant it is therefore important that you have sufficient knowledge of both oral and written English.

QuestionsIf you have any questions concerning ISFiT 2011, please do not hesitate to contact us at:

[email protected]

Practical Information

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Apply at www.isfit.org

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