Past Events

Join the Global Studies Center’s PiNTS (Pittsburgh Network for Threatened Scholars) Haifa Subay for a distinctive collaborative art initiative! We invite you to contribute to the creation of the "Threads of Us" mural — a collective artistic endeavor that explores themes of diversity, cultural expression, and shared humanity. This mural serves as a visual representation of how individual identities are interconnected, highlighting the global interdependence that binds us together while celebrating the richness of our unique backgrounds. Through this project, we aim to foster an inclusive environment that reflects the values of unity and mutual respect within the broader context of global studies.
To participate, select an open space on the canvas and express yourself through art. You can contribute a symbol that represents your identity or cultural heritage; write a word in your native language that embodies hope, love, or belonging; create a shape, color pattern, or abstract design that reflects your personal feelings or experiences; or simply let the colors flow — your unique touch is what makes this mural special. All materials, including paints, brushes, and colored pens, will be provided. We encourage you to embrace your creativity and add to this shared visual expression. Every contribution, no matter how small, is a vital part of this collective artwork.
Please Note: We ask participants to refrain from using national flags or political symbols. This mural is designed to be a safe, inclusive space for individuals of all backgrounds.

Join us for the international conference “Protest and Dissent: Cultural and Political Resistance in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine” on April 21, 2025, at the Humanities Center, the University of Pittsburgh, with a Zoom option available. The program features leading scholars from Bard College, Brown University, Fordham University, Indiana University Bloomington, University of California Santa Barbara, University of Pittsburgh, and Yale University. This event brings together scholars and community members to explore how culture shapes resistance across borders.
The conference will conclude with a screening of The Accidental President (Mike Lerner, Martin Herring, 2024), a powerful documentary about the personal and political journey of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the president-elect of Belarus. Join us on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. for the film, followed by a virtual discussion with the filmmakers, with an introduction and Q&A moderated by Andrei Kureichyk (Yale University).

Join us for a book talk and discussion with Lisa Bhungalia, Author and Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, University of Wisconsin-Madison, UCIS Visiting Professor in Contemporary International Issues and Michael Goodhart, Professor, Political Science Department.

Attention: Undergraduate students! Are you looking to gain experience that will help prepare you for a globally-connected job market? Stop by Drop-In Hours to learn more about getting the Global Distinction added to your academic transcript, receiving special recognition at graduation, and standing out to prospective employers!

Stop by the Global Hub to learn more about financial wellness!

The African Language Teachers Association (ALTA) is a professional organization that works to promote the teaching of, and research in, African languages and cultures. ALTA’s annual conferences provide an avenue for teachers, researchers, students, and other stakeholders in the field to meet and share their research, experiences, and best practices while finding ways to improve and promote the teaching of African languages.
The 2025 ALTA Conference will explore the integration of various disciplines, professions, and communities to enhance African language pedagogy. In an increasingly interconnected world, the teaching and learning of African languages must evolve to meet the demands of a diverse and globalized society. Participants will engage in discussions on how to incorporate cultural, social, and professional contexts into language instruction, making learning more relevant and impactful for students. The conference will highlight innovative approaches that connect African language education with other areas of study, such as history, social sciences, health, technology, and the arts. Additionally, it will emphasize the role of community engagement, particularly the involvement of African diaspora communities, in enriching the language learning experience.
By integrating disciplines, professions, and communities, ALTA aims to empower educators to create more holistic, inclusive, and effective African language programs that prepare students to navigate and contribute to the complex realities of the modern world.
Learn more and register: https://www.ucis.pitt.edu/africa/alta2025

This two-day K-12 mini course explores the Opium Wars of the 19th century, their causes, and far-reaching consequences, connecting historical events with modern global issues. Through examining the relationship between imperialism, trade, and culture, participants will gain insight into how the Opium Wars reshaped international dynamics, especially between China and Western powers, including the emerging empire of the United States. Sessions include presentations, activities and teacher-led strategies for curricular development.