As the kickoff to a series of events marking the 20th anniversaries of the fall of the Berlin Wall (November 9, 1989) and German unification (October 3, 1990), CCGES recently took an interdisciplinary group of ten graduate students from York and the Centre’s partner institution at the Université de Montréal on a 11-day trip through the former-East Germany. Led by Prof. Marcus Funck, the German Academic Exchange Service’s Visiting Professor at York, and CCGES Coordinator, John Paul Kleiner, the trip was intended to provide insight into the massive social, economic and cultural transformation which has taken place in eastern Germany over the past almost two decades of unification. Through encounters with academics, politicians, professionals as well as civic leaders, activists and residents, tour participants explored the ramifications of rapid deindustrialization, declining levels of social and democratic engagement, massive demographic changes (relocation from east to west and a rapidly aging population) and East Germany’s disastrous ecological legacy. (CONTINUE READING)

This event will begin with a panel discussion featuring Ms. Patsy Soerensen of Payoke, a European NGO working to combat human trafficking. Other panelists will represent government, the media and academe. Af the conclusion of the discussion, Ms. Sorenson will deliver a keynote address. (CONTINUE READING)