One World Festival is back for 2023. The festival which showcases how climate change affects people worldwide, especially in less wealthy areas and to make more people aware of the challenges faced by the poorest communities, returns from the 16th – 20th of October.
With a focus on Health of Our World, this year’s programme is rich with events in film, music, poetry, discussions and workshops.
In light of how our global population has changed geographically in recent years due to conflict, famine, and climate change, it is now more important than ever to explore the issues and impacts, while also providing opportunities to create change.
Here are 12 Events happening during this year’s One World Festival that you shouldn’t miss:
Tuesday 17th October
1. Our Circular World
Banana Block, Portview Trade Centre, Newtownards Road, Belfast, from 11.00am – 12.00pm
In a world where sustainability is a key theme in our everyday lives, Habitat for Humanity Ireland believe that working towards a circular economy is critical to creating a more sustainable world.
This event brings together a panel of stakeholders from across the sustainability sector in Northern Ireland for a candid conversation about the importance of investing in a circular economy for the future of our world.
For tickets, go to https://oneworldfestivalni.com/events/our-circular-world/
2. A Delegate’s View of the One Young World Summit
Oakgrove Integrated College, Derry-Londonderry at 11.00am – 12.15pm
In this talk, Queen’s University student Emer Rafferty will highlight her experience as one of more than 2,000 delegates at the One Young World Summit held in Belfast when subjects such as the climate and ecological crisis will be discussed.
For tickets, go to https://oneworldfestivalni.com/events/a-delegates-view-of-the-one-young-world-summit/
3. Leprosy? A thing of the past, or a 21st century injustice?
Online from 12.00pm – 12.20pm
This virtual event will shine a spotlight on leprosy – a severely stigmatising ‘neglected tropical disease’ that still exists and devastates the lives, health, and wellbeing of some of the world’s most marginalised people, living in abject poverty.
Together, we will explore the solution and what part we can play in the journey to see a ‘world free of leprosy’ within our lifetime. Join us to ‘amplify the voice’ and ‘hear the stories’ of people affected by leprosy – who are often shunned, overlooked, and forgotten. Together, we will consider the disproportionate effects of climate change they face. Join us to hear stories of change and hope for the future.
For tickets, go to https://oneworldfestivalni.com/events/leprosy-a-thing-of-the-past-or-a-21st-century-injustice/
4. Informal Settlements and LEDC Urban Challenges
QUB Lecture Theatre 0G.029, Geography Building Elmwood Ave., Belfast & online @ Zoom from 7.30pm – 9.00pm
Informal Settlements in LEDC cities are home to over one billion people who lack access to adequate housing. Housing conditions in these settlements impact the economic, health and education systems for wider society. They have implications for climate justice, political inclusion and gender equality. Equitable access to adequate housing lies at the heart of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
This talk will draw upon the experience and expertise of Habitat for Humanity (HFH) International in community-led development within informal settlements. It will explore the issues and challenges associated with the growth of informal settlements in LEDC cities.
For tickets, go to https://oneworldfestivalni.com/events/informal-settlements-and-ledc-urban-challenges/
Wednesday 18th October
5. Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon
Online from 10.00am – 11.00am
This event will share a new research report from the Centre for Global Education which assesses the impact of Lebanon’s four-year economic crisis on the socio-economic status of Palestinians. The report is based on field visits carried out in May, September and November 2022 to nine Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, which included consultations with UN staff and visits to camp installations, notably schools and health clinics.
For tickets, go to https://oneworldfestivalni.com/events/palestinian-refugees-in-lebanon/
6. RePurpose at ReStore
Habitat ReStore, Young Street, Lisburn from 7.00pm-9.00pm
Join Habitat Ireland for an interactive workshop at ReStore Lisburn, where we will explore how recycling, reusing and repurposing help build a more sustainable world. You will get stuck in to repurposing and take your handiwork home.
RePurposing is great fun, promotes creativity and protects the planet. This event links directly with SDG12 and is one way we can act for a just, peaceful and sustainable world.
For tickets, go to https://oneworldfestivalni.com/events/repurpose-at-restore-2023/
7. The Letter
A Message for Our Earth – Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart from 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Join us for a screening of The Letter – A Message for Our Earth which tells the emotive story of several leaders from across the world and across a range of communities, committed to ecological and social causes who travel to discuss the encyclical letter to the world by Pope Francis.
For tickets, go to https://oneworldfestivalni.com/events/the-letter-a-message-for-our-earth/
8. Forced to Flee
Law Centre NI, 2-4 Queen Street, Belfast from 7.00pm – 9.00pm
The climate crisis is forcing people to flee their homes. Extreme weather events and environmental degradation can trigger refugee displacement. The impacts of climate change can exacerbate existing tensions and adds to the potential for conflict. When people flee and cross borders they may be in need of international protection such as refugee status.
Delivered by Law Centre NI, come and join this information session to learn about refugee protection in Northern Ireland.
For tickets, go to https://oneworldfestivalni.com/events/forced-to-flee/
Thursday 19th October
9. RePurpose at ReStore
Habitat ReStore, Young Street, Lisburn from 10.00am-12.00pm
Join Habitat Ireland for an interactive workshop at ReStore Lisburn, where we will explore how recycling, reusing and repurposing help build a more sustainable world. You will get stuck in to repurposing and take your handiwork home.
RePurposing is great fun, promotes creativity and protects the planet. This event links directly with SDG12 and is one way we can act for a just, peaceful and sustainable world.
For tickets, go to https://oneworldfestivalni.com/events/repurpose-at-restore-2023/
10. Nitin Sawhney’s “Identity” album: immersive listening event
Sonic Arts Lab at Queen’s University Belfast from 7.00pm – 8.30pm
We live in a fast world where music is more accessible than ever, can be digested bite size, and videos have become a vital part of the music industry marketing package.
Rarely do people get mindfulness time to sit amongst friends and strangers together, and listen to an entire album uninterrupted without any visuals. We invite you to this shared immersive listening experience of a very significant new album from Nitin Sawhney “Identity”.
For tickets, go to https://oneworldfestivalni.com/events/nitin-sawhneys-identity-album-immersive-listening-event/
11. Talking Climate Justice
Ballywillan Presbyterian Church, 131 Atlantic Rd., Portrush, from 8.00pm – 9.00pm
This event is an opportunity to gather with others to learn and share ideas of how we can best respond to the climate crisis both individually and as a society. We will hear the latest on the global discussions due to happen next month in Dubai at the UN climate conference and what we should be calling on our political representatives to do.
For tickets, go to https://oneworldfestivalni.com/events/talking-climate-justice/
Friday 20th October
12. Health of Our World
Accidental Theatre, Shaftesbury Square, Belfast from 7.00pm – 8.30pm
Health of Our World is a culmination of the festival week bringing together artists and artistic pieces with a focus on how climate change impacts people around the world.
Kate McNicholl MLA, chair of All Party Group on Climate Action, will be sharing her experiences and her work. We will have music from Polar Bolero and Beyond Skin, who will share music and dance from the MARRS (Musicians Artists at Risk Resettlement Scheme). Winners of the Creative Competition will also be announced.
In everything, One World Festival seeks to work together across all our partner agencies for a just, peaceful and sustainable world. A night not to be missed.
For tickets, go to https://oneworldfestivalni.com/events/health-of-our-world/
