Defining Sustainability in International Relations
Welcome to the Workshop on Defining Sustainability in International Relations within the South Africa-Sweden University Forum (SASUF). In this session, we aim to delve into the multifaceted concept of sustainability within the context of international relations, exploring its significance, implications, and practical applications for our collaborative network.
Session Objective
Our primary goal is to work towards a shared understanding of sustainability in international relations among the academic communities of South Africa and Sweden within the SASUF network. Through engaging discussions and collaborative activities, we seek to identify common ground, raise pertinent questions, and cultivate actionable strategies for integrating sustainability principles into our collaborative endeavors.
Work shop design
The workshop will start with an introductory session providing an overview of the workshop objectives and methodology. Participants will then be divided into smaller and larger groups for interactive group discussions, allowing for diverse perspectives to be shared and explored. Active participation from all attendees is encouraged to ensure a rich exchange of ideas and insights.
Discussion Topics
1. Exploring the Concept of Sustainability in International Relations
- What does sustainability mean in the context of international relations?
- How do different stakeholders perceive and prioritize sustainability within our academic institutions?
2. Integrating Sustainability into Academic Practices
- How can sustainability principles be integrated into teaching, research, and administrative practices?
- What role do universities play in promoting sustainability and educating students to be change agents?
3. The Role of Internationalization in Promoting Sustainability
- What are the key components of internationalization within the SASUF consortium, and how do they intersect with sustainability goals?
- How can internationalization initiatives, such as student mobility, research collaboration, and curriculum development, be leveraged to advance sustainability objectives?
4. Challenges to Implementing Sustainable Internationalization Practices
- What are the main challenges faced in implementing sustainable internationalization practices?
- How do factors such as funding constraints, limited research collaboration, and institutional barriers impact the integration of sustainability into internationalization efforts?
- What strategies can be employed to address these challenges and promote more sustainable internationalization practices within the SASUF network?
Wrap up and concluding thoughts
- Can we measure sustainability in international relations?
- If so how can we measure the success and impact of sustainability initiatives in international relations?
In conclusion, this workshop aims to provide a valuable opportunity for participants to engage in critical dialogue, reflection, and collaboration on the topic of sustainability in international relations within the SASUF network. By working together to define common objectives and strategies, we can pave the way for more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable academic partnerships. We look forward to fruitful discussions and meaningful contributions from all participants towards advancing our shared commitment to sustainability.
