Keynote, opening speakers highlight collaboration and relationships to tackle geopolitical challenges

UW Global Vice Provost Dr. Ahmad Ezzeddine shared his experience growing up in Lebanon and his journey to international leadership in his keynote, "From International Student to Global Steward: Lived Experience, Global Education, and the Work Ahead."

Chancellor Dr. Sheila Edwards Lange said, "Global learning is a cornerstone of our work at UW Tacoma. This...Conference reminds us that our world needs informed people who understand our interconnections on a global scale." Associate Vice Chancellor Dr. Divya McMillin commended student presenters for their urgent and relevant work that brought forward thoughtful recommendations to resolve geopolitical crises and develop equitable solutions to sharing of the commons. Director of the Bamford Foundation Holly Bamford Hunt spoke of the need for community and relationships to build a better future for all.

Student presentations address global health, climate, education, and technology challenges

Student presentations on Health and Human Rights, Global Civic Engagement, Media and Technology, Climate Change and Globalization, and Innovation Across Borders were truly riveting. Respondents comprised of community members, faculty, and Global Honors alumni, sparking energetic dialogue across presenters. What emerged were practical and empathetic responses and even innovative recommendations to such issues as maternal mortality, intergenerational trauma, endemics, and kinetic grey zones.

Thank you to all who made the conference a success!

We thank our student presenters, keynote and welcome speakers, panel moderator, respondents, faculty advisers, Global Honors faculty, IIGE Faculty Council and Advisory Board, sponsors, student volunteers and our UW Tacoma partners: Media Services, Events and Conference Services, Integrated Facilities Management, Campus Safety, and Jan Parker Catering, and, last but not least, the IIGE Conference committee: Sarah Newell (chair), Liz Hunt, Alyce McNeil, and Jack Cheung!