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Harvard in the world: Worldwide Week 2023

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On any given week throughout the year, Harvard is home to a variety of lectures and seminars on topics of global importance, from addressing climate change to preserving democracy to supporting public health. Our museums and cultural organizations host programs and exhibits that help us broaden our understanding of the world’s cultures and one another. In countries around the world and in Harvard’s 20 offices abroad, faculty, students, staff, and other members of our community conduct research aimed at answering some of the world’s most complex questions.

From Oct. 9-13 this year, Worldwide Week at Harvard will highlight Harvard’s international activities on campus and abroad. Beginning next Monday (Oct. 9), Harvard’s Schools, departments, research centers, student organizations, and administrative offices will host a wide variety of events showcasing the breadth and depth of the University’s global engagement.

“Harvard’s work is global by its very nature,” said Mark Elliott, vice provost for international affairs. “Each year, we welcome students and researchers from around the world, who add immeasurably to the richness and diversity of perspectives on campus. Our research and teaching are deeply engaged with the world. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to highlight this global reach and impact each October.”

Since 2017, the Office of the Vice Provost for International Affairs (OVPIA) has hosted Worldwide Week at Harvard, during which dozens of events touching on Harvard’s global work take place. This year’s lineup includes a number of panel discussions and seminars on topics ranging from anthropology to human rights to medical research to artificial intelligence, as well as informational sessions for students, artistic exhibits, musical performances, and social events.

Of particular note, on Thursdsay (Oct. 12), the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs will host its annual International Comedy Night, featuring Alingon Mitra and the Harvard College Stand-Up Comic Society (Harvard SUCS).

On Friday (Oct. 13), OVPIA will host Future of Cities: Extreme Heat, the third in a series of panel discussions on the major challenges facing the world’s urban centers. This year’s event, co-sponsored with the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University and the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, features an expert panel of scholars and government leaders discussing concerns around environmental justice and public health as global temperatures rise.

The event, which will be held at 4 p.m. at Askwith Hall, is open to members of the Harvard community. It will feature an introduction by Provost Alan Garber, remarks from Mark Elliott and Salata Institute Director James Stock, and a panel discussion led by John Macomber of Harvard Business School. For more information and a full list of speakers, see the event page.

For a full listing of Worldwide Week events, visit Worldwide Week at Harvard.

To learn more about Harvard’s global engagement, see InFocus: Harvard in the World.