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Global Understanding Convention will be held at Monmouth University, April 7 to 11

Monmouth University’s Institute for Global Understanding is pleased to announce that its 13th annual Global Understanding Convention will be held April 7 to 11, 2014. The campus-wide interdisciplinary convention is free and open to the public.

This year’s convention, “Toward Global Equality: Education, Dignity, Prosperity,” features more than 50 lectures, panels, films, and exhibits committed to raising public awareness about the ways in which communities and persons around the world and nationally continue to struggle with the effects of social inequality and injustice, especially as these pertain to issues of education and the pursuit of social well-being.

On April 7, Dr. Azza Karem, senior advisor on social and cultural development for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), will deliver the keynote address, introducing the Convention themes and drawing upon her extensive experience as lead facilitator for the United Nations Strategic Learning Exchanges on culture, religion, and development issues and as co-chair of a UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Faith-Based Engagement. Karem’s talk will take place in Wilson Auditorium from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Also on April 7, John K. Werner, TED speaker, co-founder of Citizen Schools, and project innovator of the Camera Culture Group at the MIT Media Lab, will lead a discussion on “Innovative Education Initiatives.” This event will take place in the Versailles Room (Wilson Hall) from 4:30 to 7:15 p.m.

On April 9, David Zirin, renowned author, public intellectual, and sports correspondent for The Nation will discuss the ways in which the commercial platform of sports can be used to speak out against social injustice. This featured event will take place in Wilson Auditorium from 1 to 2:15 p.m.

President Paul R. Brown thanked the Global Understanding Convention Planning Committee for organizing such an impressive program. “Monmouth University is committed to global and cultural awareness,” he stated. “This convention is inclusive and interdisciplinary, and presents important ideas on advancing equality in our interdependent world.”

For program of events, please visit www.monmouth.edu/university/global-understanding-convention.aspx