The world is facing an unprecedented challenge. In times of crisis, we naturally protect ourselves, our loved ones and our immediate communities. However, the choices we make and the actions we take now may have long-lasting consequences reaching far beyond the extent of the pandemic, locally as well as globally.
The spread of the Covid-19 pandemic is as much a transnational crisis as a local one. People are impacted in different ways around the world, and it may be easy to become near-sighted during such times that instigate the sense of disaster, fear and turmoil. As the situation escalates, we have seen an upsurge of racism and xenophobia around the world, as well as instances of political opportunism or individual egoism. But we also see increased selflessness, innovative forms of volunteerism and new surges of solidarity both within and across borders.
Interconnected
At the moment, the World Health Organization reports that more than 200 countries are impacted by Covid-19. Most governments have put in place interventions; preventive and mitigating measures including lockdowns, closures and physical or social distancing.
Social distancing is a necessary step towards managing the on-going Corona-crisis world-wide, and one that we are respecting and upholding wherever we are. And yet, we lament it. The very notion of maintaining distance between human beings is indeed the opposite of what the International Summer School stands for, which is to bring people together across diversity within an academic context, to promote mutual sharing and learning, and to forge new relationships.
No one individual, corporation or country, or even any single multilateral institution can single-handedly overcome this pandemic. Collaboration and exchange of knowledge, across borders, interest groups, and even traditional competitors is vital. For us, it is particularly inspiring to see how the ISS mission remains headstrong and timeless with our alumni also through the Corona crisis. Through the years, our ideals have been brought to life in our international classrooms on campus, where our students’ perspectives, experiences and knowledge have been synergetic for co-learning. These values live on in our students’ communities where many are currently involved in managing the crisis locally, while also maintaining strong bonds with others globally.
Stay safe, healthy and connected
We learn to live, and live to learn. The ISS family, stretching far back in time and far across the world, is connecting online and sharing stories from their local communities during these turbulent times. On our Facebook page we have been seeing this unfold in the most heartwarming way. Our alumni write about their local situations – difficult as some may be – and wish one another strength and hope in these trying times. It is inspiring to witness these ISS values in practice. As we hope that our global family members stay safe and healthy, we look forward to continue staying connected.