“Sustainability encompasses a range of social, political and economic decisions and choices,” says researcher Csaba Nikolenyi. | Photo by Bachmont (Flickr Creative Commons)
Csaba Nikolenyi, professor in the Department of Political Science: “We’re excited about bringing hundreds of prominent researchers to our campus to talk about Israel.” | Photo by Concordia University
One plenary, chaired by André Roy, Concordia’s dean of Arts and Science, will bring together researchers who study various aspects of sustainability in Israel, such as consumerism, economic challenges and environmental studies. A round table, looking at cooperation with First Nations, will include one of the leading academics in the field, Professor David Newhouse.
A number of the presentations will centre around films, including The Human Turbine, a documentary showing cooperation between the Arab and Jewish residents of Southern Israel who live in a challenging natural environment.
“Our team here at the office — students, staff, and professors — is just so excited about bringing hundreds of prominent researchers to our campus to talk about Israel,” says Nikolenyi.
He adds that preparing for Sustainable Israel has been a “labour of love,” and he’s happy to see people, especially students, getting excited about the program.
“People care about Israel, for the right or wrong reasons. Any time something happens in Israel — an election, a conflict, a new invention — the whole world knows about it,” says Nikolenyi. “We're very proud to be at the forefront of the academic study of this exciting society.”
The conference is open to the public and free of charge, with the exception of the banquet on June 1, which requires a ticket for entrance.
Sustainable Israel: A changing society in the 21st century, is taking place from June 1 - 3 in the Henry F. Hall Building (H). For details about the locations of specific sessions and presentations, download the program booklet here.