Hunger in a World of Plenty
Virtual Seminar: June 22-25, 2020Food connects us all. But what happens when issues of access and distribution lead to a hungry planet? The 2020 World Affairs Seminar will explore these issues and more, leading delegates to collaborate and discover what they can do to shape the world and resolve these challenges as the future leaders of the world.
Updated Seminar Information
The threat of the Coronavirus Pandemic has made it necessary for leadership of the World Affairs Seminar to revise our 2020 offering. The 2020 World Affairs Seminar will be conducted in a revised, virtual format. Thank you for your patience as we update our website, registration forms and other promotional materials.
Hunger
After a prolonged decline, world hunger is on the rise: in 2016 an estimated 815 million around the world did not have access to enough food to meet basic nutritional needs. Hunger is particularly a problem in the developing world, where violent conflicts, economic crises, and weather-related catastrophes have wreaked havoc on both food production and availability. Yet hunger is also an issue in the United States, where 1 in 6 Americans find themselves dealing with food insecurity on any given day. Such global statistics are not due to lack of food. For the past twenty years, the rate of global food production has increased faster than the rate of global population growth. That means that there is more than 1 ½ times enough food to feed everyone on the globe. How can hunger continue to persist in such a world of plenty?
About the Seminar
The 2020 World Affairs Seminar theme is “Hunger in a World of Plenty.” Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s seminar will be offered via virtual teleconference. We expect those who attend include delegates from over thirty nations. Each delegate will have her or his own story and perspective. By the time the Seminar is over, each delegate will not only know the stories of others and shared their own but will have gained skills to help them shape the world they will inherit.
Interested in attending the virtual 2020 World Affairs Seminar?
If you wish to attend, start by showing this information to your parents, a teacher, guidance counselor or principal. Let them know you are interested.
- Cost is less than most sports or music camps.
- Scholarships may be available through your local School District, Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist Clubs or other service organizations.
- When asking for a scholarship, offer to make a presentation about your experiences.
The World Affairs Seminar is truly an international experience. WAS brings together peers from around the world to learn international relations and develop skills in diplomacy, communication and cooperation. Since 1976 WAS has impacted and changed lives, providing highly relevant skills in group problem solving, negotiation and peaceful diplomacy. Featured speakers represent a wide variety of perspectives, opinions and backgrounds. We believe every point of view matter – we embrace and mandate heathy respectful debate leading to collaborative learning and growth. Your role is to distill information, identify priorities and develop defining skills to both lead and cooperate with others from different cultures to reach workable solutions.
At the 2020 World Affairs Seminar, you will:
Explore the relationship between food, natural resources, climate change, and conflict at the global level- Learn about where food comes from, how it is prepared and eaten, and how it has evolved over time
- Gain insights into production, distribution systems and related economics
- Hear speakers whose experience ranges from large agricultural corporations to urban farms, fresh food outlets international non-government agencies
- Take virtual field trips to relevant sites where food is grown, distributed, managed, and where Hunger is alleviated and studied.
- Collaborate with delegates from around the world to explore hunger issues and challenges in an atmosphere of respect, trust and open communication
- Discover what you can do to shape the world and make it a better place where hunger is eliminated or at least abated, and the earth is managed to the benefit of all.
Why Should You Attend?
Prepare yourself for an adventure that will broaden your understanding of international happenings and change your perspective. The World Affairs Seminar (WAS) brings you face to face with other students, experts, and leaders from the world over. You will engage in stimulating discussion of world affairs. You’ll interact with experienced professionals—from government, business, and academia. You will leave with strong bonds and lifelong friends.
Experience the diversity of global political, social and religious traditions. Share your ideas, make new friends, accept the challenge to find out more. Learn to explore and appreciate other points of view. Gain a better understanding of the world around you and where you fit in shaping the future.
At World Affairs Seminar, the goal is to open minds rather than advocate a specific viewpoint. While you are with us, we consider you a “delegate”. Your opinions count – and so do those of others. It is up to you to decide what messages are credible and to evaluate and understand of how different people think about global issues and why. You will discuss, add to and exchange ideas about issues. You will formulate and express your thoughts, hear what others think, and find shared ground. Your leadership and negotiation skills will grow through training sessions and conversation with peers, presenters and counselors.