Grand Rapids Community College will hold a symposium to commemorate the founding of the United Nations on Monday. This event will start at 10 a.m. and go until 7:45 p.m. in room 108 Sneden Hall of GRCC and is free to the public.
According to GRCC geography professor Michael DeVivo in a statement provided to the GRCC Office of Communications, “In the aftermath of World War Two, the United Nations was established to reduce the impact of war, promote diplomacy to resolve international disputes, facilitate development, and advance human rights. Reflecting over the course of the past 68 years, especially in light of the many wars, atrocities, and injustices across the globe that have occurred since the UN’s creation, it is fair to criticize this international organization for not often enough achieving its goals. By the same token, the UN’s mission is formidable, and one must acknowledge that despite its failings, there have been many accomplishments. Certainly, pursuit of its ideals is an imperative, and commemorating the founding of this international forum compels all of us living in the United States to recognize that concomitant with the privileges of freedom and opportunity is the responsibility of global citizenship.”
The six speakers, including GRCC staff members, Gordan Vurusic, Keith St. Clair, and Michael DeVivo, will cover different sections at the event, such sections include:
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Academic advising for those interested in international careers from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in room 103 of Sneden Hall.
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Plenary Lecture: The Role of Journalism in Post-Soviet Central Asian Countries from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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Roundtable Discussion: The United Nations: Retrospect and Prospect from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
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Keynote Address: In Pursuit of Peace: Israel and the Palestinian Authority from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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Closing Remarks: Global Citizenship and Higher Education from 7:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Students and the public can expect to leave the symposium with a better understanding of the UN mission, American foreign policy, and political geography.
