Webster University Presents a Conference on Food and Water

Part of the 2009-2010 Year of International Human Rights

What/Who:

Webster University's International Human Rights Conference on the Right to Food and Water will explore the surprising controversy of a person's right to food and water.

Featured speakers and their topics for discussion are below and include Elizabeth Kucinich, human rights advocate and wife of former Democrat presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich.

When/Where:

Emerson Library Conference Room at Webster University this Friday and Saturday, February 12th and 13th. The Conference begins Friday at 10 AM and 8:30 AM on Saturday. Please click on the following link for a complete list of our speakers and times:

http://www.webster.edu/depts/artsci/news/food&water.htm

The event is free and open to the media and the public. Media may call Christine Eason, director of media relations, Office of Public Affairs, at 314-968-5976 or eason@webster.edu. To register to attend the conference, call Barb Carrow, College of Arts and Sciences at 314-968-6997.

Featured Speakers and Topics:

Márcio Dionísio de Souza, E. Desmond Lee Professor for Global Awareness; international expert on climate change, energy efficiency, and sustainability

"Flying Rivers: From Community-Based Projects towards Influencing National Policy Changes on Water and Food in Latin America"

Elizabeth Kucinich (wife of former Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich) Director of Public Affairs, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

"Food Rights--Right Food"

George Kent, Harry J. Cargas Lecturer, Professor of Political Science, University of Hawaii, whose most recent book is "Global Obligations for the Right to Food" (2008)

"The Hunger Holocaust"

Bryan Duncan, Director Emeritus, International Center for Aquaculture and Aquatic Environments, College of Agriculture, Auburn University

"Reflections on Water and People's Needs, Rights, and Responsibilities"

Gillian Sorenson, United Nations Association of St. Louis Mary T. Hall Speaker, Senior Advisor, United Nations Foundation, and advocate for matters connected with the United Nations and the U.S.-U.N. relationship

"Facing the Crises of Our Time: Food and Water as a Human Right"

Jeffrey DePew, Adjunct Professor, Webster University Department of Biological Sciences

"The Health of Water and Watersheds: The Validity of a Student Research Approach"

Gil Garcetti, Professional photographer whose latest book is "Water Is Key" (2007); former District Attorney of Los Angeles County

"Women, Water, and Wells"

Michael Hopkins, CEO and Chairman of MHC International Ltd., a research and service company on corporate social responsibility"Does the Corporate Sector Take Food out of Babies' Mouths in Emerging Markets?"

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University is a worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of more than 100 campuses. Its 20,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities. Since opening its first campus overseas in Geneva in 1978, Webster has become a recognized leader and innovator in global education, with an international presence that now includes campuses in London; Vienna; Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands; Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu, China; and Bangkok and Cha-am, Thailand. Webster also has educational partnerships with universities in Mexico and Japan.

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