Building on two years of success, the International Black Sea Symposium (IBSS) project continues in 2010 with the 3rd International Black Sea Symposium on “The Black Sea Region in Flux”. From 29 June to 4 July 2010 the International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS) will welcome young professionals and international experts on the island of Aegina, Greece, for an intensive course on Black Sea issues. The event’s working language will be English.
The 3rd IBSS enjoys the support of the following partners and sponsors: Bertelsmann Stiftung; the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation, a project of the German Marshall Fund of the United States; Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV); EU - Russia Centre; Harvard Black Sea Security Program; The Hellenic Observatory, London School of Economics; Institute for Regional and International Studies, Sofia; International Relations Council of Turkey; Kadir Has University; NATO Public Diplomacy Division; Open Ukraine Foundation; Postgraduate Programme on “Political, Economic and International Relations in the Mediterranean”, Department of Mediterranean Studies, University of the Aegean; and the U.S. Embassy in Athens.
The International Black Sea Symposium project
The International Black Sea Symposium (IBSS) project was launched in 2008, aiming to contribute to understanding and cooperation in the Black Sea region and beyond. It does so by providing a forum for study, dialogue and networking in a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment. Young professionals (22-35 years old), such as policy-makers, academics, journalists, diplomats, Members of Parliament, entrepreneurs, civil society leaders and researchers (post docs and PhD candidates), primarily from the countries of the wider Black Sea area, EU member states, the United States and Central Asia are the Symposium target group.
More about the 3rd International Black Sea Symposium In 2010, a maximum of 40 participants will have the unique opportunity to gain insights into issues of importance for the Black Sea region during a four-day intensive course led by prominent experts. Interactive sessions focusing inter alia on security concerns, the role of key stakeholders like NATO and Russia, relations with the EU, or democratic institutions and good governance will be complemented by a series of workshops on conflict resolution methodology. Under the guidance of expert facilitator Prof. Benjamin J. Broome of Arizona State University, participants will develop action recommendations for policy makers and civil society as well as project ideas to be pursued by them after the end of the Symposium.
Relevant reading material will be provided in advance and participants will receive a certificate of attendance. They will also have the chance to experience beautiful summer days in the picturesque island of Aegina and become familiar with the local culture.
As a participant The application process for the 3rd International Black Sea Symposium is now closed. A total of 129 applications were received from nationals of 29 countries worldwide. This demonstrates the continuing high interest of the target group in this unique event. In fact, the number of applications received increased slightly in comparison to 2009, whilst the group of applicants is also more diverse this year. The majority of applications was received from the countries of the wider Black Sea region, while there was also an increase in applications from the USA, Central Asia and the Middle East. Moreover, for the first time young professionals from Africa and Australia applied.
The selection process is to be concluded by 16 April 2010. Participation is limited to maximum 40 people. Acceptance is at the discretion of the organisers. While all applicants received an acknowledgement of receipt of their application, only those selected will be informed through confirmation email by 16 April 2010. The applicable fees and payment details will be confirmed to participants upon acceptance to the Symposium.
The organisers would like to thank all applicants for their interest in the Symposium!
As a partner In order to implement the International Black Sea Symposia the ICBSS is collaborating with an invaluable network of partners and co-funders whose generous contributions of funds and expertise only make this initiative possible. If you are interested in supporting the 3rd International Symposium, please contact Ms. Almuth Wardemann, Symposium Coordinator, using the online contact form or via telephone +30 210 324 2321 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +30 210 324 2321 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
