Schedule & Workshops
9:30-9:45 AM: Registration
9:45-10:00 AM: Welcome (Room 107)
Tim Lessick, Global Solutions Pittsburgh
D. Wes Rist, University of Pittsburgh School of Law
10:00-10:30 AM: Keynote (Room 107)
The Conflict Free Campus Initiative – Alexandra Hellmuth, Enough Project
10:45 AM-12:00 PM: Workshop Session 1
“Student Movements: Making Your Campus Conflict-Free” – Jaime Levine, University of Pittsburgh STAND (Room 111)
This workshop will present on the importance of student voice in bringing an end to the conflict in Congo. It will provide information to participants on what has been done so far on campuses nationwide as part of the conflict-free movement, and will equip students with knowledge and resources they can use to work within their own communities to take action on the issue.
“Rape as a Tool of War” – Dr. Annamore Matambanadzo, University of Pittsburgh (Room 113)
Dr. Matambanadzo will present on the issue of sexual violence in conflict, and the use of gender inequality to oppress local populations. Sexual violence and rape will be placed in the context of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the fight between armed groups for control over resource-rich territory.
12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch (Room 107)
12:15-1:00 PM: Lunch Panel
“The Way Forward in DRC: What’s the Activist Role?”
Panelists
Alexandra Hellmuth, Enough Project
Dr. Annamore Matambanadzo, University of Pittsburgh
Rebecca Cech, Congo Story
D. Wes Rist, University of Pittsburgh School of Law
The lunch panel will feature a discussion between speakers regarding the future of Congo and its connection to young people, consumers, and activists in the United States and the rest of the developed world. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A session where participants can learn more about student voice in bringing peace to Congo.
1:00-2:15 PM: Workshop Session 2
“U.S. Foreign Policy, International Law and Regulation of Congo’s Minerals”- D. Wes Rist, University of Pittsburgh School of Law (Room 111)
This workshop will discuss Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act, which requires U.S. companies to show “due diligence” in efforts to ensure that their supply chains are free of conflict minerals from the DRC. Mr. Rist will talk about the current controversy surrounding the implementation of the legislation, and the impact it has had thus far in the U.S. as well as in the Congo.
“The Impact of Civil Conflict on Congolese Civil Society” – Rebecca Cech, Congo Story (Room 113)
This workshop will discuss the ways in which the lives of Congolese citizens have been impacted by the ongoing conflict and the issue of conflict minerals in the country. It will also elaborate on how international policy regarding conflict minerals has affected the everyday lives of Congolese citizens.
Questions? Please contact Verna Krishnamurthy at verna@globalsolutionspgh.org or at 412-471-7852.
