International Perspectives Conference Broadens Focus
For 14 years, Principia held a student-run Pan-African Conference focusing, as its name suggests, on the African Diaspora. Topics covered ranged from the role of youth to economic growth and development. Last year, however, students felt that the rapid growth of globalization called for some rethinking of the conference’s purpose and perspective. The result was a new name and a broader focus. This shift came to fruition last month with the first annual International Perspectives Conference (IPC) titled “At a Crossroads: Globalization and Culture.”
“We felt that by covering topics and hearing perspectives from all regions of the world, we could offer an enriching experience to the community,” says conference director Annika Fredrikson, a junior. “We also wanted to engage the interest and participation of international students from all regions of the world, and the composition of the IPC board reflects that,” notes senior Shirley Moihloe, conference co-director. “We wanted to invite speakers from a range of backgrounds and points of view, and we feel we achieved that.”
The conference began with a Quiet Time talk by five international students, one apiece from the Republic of Congo, Peru, and Germany, and two from Grenada. They told how they first learned about Christian Science, why they came to Principia College, healings they’ve experienced, and how they’ve shared Christian Science in their home countries.
Kevin Danaher, co-founder of Global Exchange, an international human rights organization, gave the keynote, in which he advocated for an interpretation of globalization that values the rights of workers and the health of the planet. “He encouraged students to increase their awareness of individual choices regarding the environment and take action at a grassroots level,” Shirley says.
Andrew Wise, another of the speakers, has traveled extensively and lived abroad as a pilot in the United States Air Force and is now an executive at State Street, a multinational banking institution. Drawing on these experiences, Wise encouraged immersing oneself in other cultures while maintaining a strong sense of identity. “As a Christian Scientist, he shared a metaphysical approach and gave examples of how prayer has helped him while living and working abroad,” Shirley says.
A panel featuring Principia professors Linda Bohaker, Dr. Karen Haire, Dr. Julie Blase, and Dr. Duncan Charters led a discussion on globalization as it affects different regions of the world—Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. “Hearing their perspectives really made me think,” Annika notes. “Globalization is a very complex topic because it has affected each region of the world differently. For some regions globalization has proven to be oppressive, and for others globalization has brought positive change and opportunity."
The conference also included a benefit concert for Mary’s Meals, a worldwide organization that provides school lunches for children. The IPC board raised $200, enough to feed 10 children for a year. To conclude the conference weekend, international students teamed up with Dining Services for a Cultural Food Festival, celebrating flavors from around the world.
By all accounts this first International Perspectives Conference was a resounding success. “We were happy with the level of engagement and receptivity and are already working with the individuals who will lead the conference next year,” Annika adds.