World Issues Forum

Rosalind Fredericks, Associate Professor of Geography and Development Studies, NYU Gallatin School

This event will feature a screening and discussion of the award-winning documentary film, The Waste Commons, examining the impending closure of the city waste dump in Dakar, Senegal. The film is an engrossing portrayal of a community of informal recyclers defending their very existence and raises key issues at stake in modernizing cities around the world.

Alan Lifson, Emeritus Professor University of Minnesota

For decades, the United States provided international health and humanitarian support to the world's poorest, most vulnerable populations, helping control global killers and supporting local training and infrastructure development. The Trump administration's abrupt termination of this aid will result in millions of additional deaths and greater danger for our own population.

Rena Priest, Presenter/Washington State Poet Laureate Emeritus

Join Rena Priest as she reads from her new essay collection and shares reflections on the importance of the traditional ecological knowledge and the arts in environmental stewardship. The reading will be followed by an open Q&A where the audience can join the conversation.

Grace Kiboneka, National Unity Platform (NUP) Washington Chapter-Diaspora Wing

This presentation offers a brief overview of Uganda’s political landscape and examines the significance of the phrase “Protest Vote Uganda 2026.” It explores the emergence of the National Unity Platform and its role in mobilizing grassroots political consciousness domestically, and inspiring collective activism within the Ugandan diaspora.

This talk first explains my new book, Borders and Belonging: Toward a Fair Immigration Policy (Oxford 2025), then explains how the book helps explain and critique much of current federal immigration and citizenship policy, and finally suggests how to think about a way forward.

Laurie Trautman, Director, Border Policy Research Institute, WWU

This talk will focus on how borders have been used to respond to a variety of 'emergencies' with a particular focus on the Canada — US border in our own backyard.

Brandi Hutton, Toward Zero Waste Program Manager, Sustainable Connections

Food waste is more than just scraps on a plate; it’s a climate, equity, and community issue. Reducing food waste is one of the most effective and accessible ways to combat climate change while building stronger, more resilient communities. This session highlights local examples of food waste activism in action—from grassroots initiatives and food recovery networks to policy shifts and opportunities to get involved. Participants will learn how food waste reduction connects environmental sustainability with social justice, and how awareness can be turned into meaningful action. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical strategies, or ways to amplify your own efforts, this talk will demonstrate how reducing food waste is climate activism anyone can participate in.

Robi Damelin, spokesperson and director of International Relations for the Parents Circle - Families Forum joined the organization after her son was killed by a Palestinian Sniper. All her work on the ground in Palestine, Israel, and internationally is geared towards non-violence and reconciliation as a means to end the occupation. Robi was named as a 2015 Woman of Impact by Women in the World.

Layla Alsheikh lives in Bethlehem in the West Bank. In 2002, her 6 months old son, Qussay, became ill and Israeli soldiers prevented Layla from taking him to the hospital for more than five hours. Qussay soon died from the lack of timely treatment. 
Layla joined the Parents Circle in 2016. Following her son’s death, she never thought of revenge, but rather has devoted her time and energy to ensuring a better, more peaceful future for her children.