A national discussion series called "The People Speak: Americas
Role in the World" is being held Tuesday, March 1, around the
globe and Grand Valley State University will take part locally. Hundreds
of colleges and community groups will gather to discuss global security
in the areas of environment, global diseases and poverty, and forced
displacement of population.
"Our goal is to discuss security in
a different way," said Jacques Mangala, visiting assistant
professor of political science. "Security is normally defined in
military terms and that is an outdated concept. We must consider other
dimensions that impact our security."
The People Speak forum will be held Tuesday, March 1 from 1-3 p.m.
in the Pere Marquette room of the Kirkhof Center on Grand Valleys
Allendale Campus.
The panel includes the following experts:
Jeffery J. Libra, medical director of the College of Health
Professions, will talk about the security implications of global
diseases.
Kelly Parker, chair of the philosophy department, will focus on
integrity of ecosystems, energy sources and food system security.
Jim Penn, assistant professor of geography and planning, will talk
about the Amazonian forest from an environmental security standpoint.
Elena Lioubimtseva, assistant professor of geography and planning
will discuss economic, health and security implications of global
warming.
Jacques Mangala, visiting assistant professor of political science,
will talk about refugees and displaced people as a new dimension of
security. The event is sponsored by the United Nations Foundation,
Michigan Campus Compact, University College, Padnos International
Center, Political Science Department, Geography and Planning
Department and the African/African American Studies Program.
