State of the World Week

This annual ECLA event, held in the winter term, brings together students, faculty, alumni and invited guests for the exploration of some important, perhaps urgent, theme in current affairs. Lectures and seminars are given not just by academics, but by politicians, artists, social reformers, diplomats, lawyers, journalists and other people who spend their (professional) lives in close practical contact with the fundamental issues studied theoretically at ECLA. It is assumed that the voices of thoughtful experience will enrich theoretical discussions, and that theory may in turn inform practice. Recent State of the World Week topics include: The Translator (2010), The Politics of Cultural Ownership (2009), Water (2008), Social Entrepreneurship (2007). Twice, in 2007 and 2008, the event won a UNESCO award for education in sustainable development.