GE2023-01
We are living in a globalised world with news circulating across the Internet, through social media, and other online avenues in an instant. Just by tapping your smartphone, you can catch a glimpse of the latest news happening thousands of miles away. To facilitate in-depth understanding and discussion on significant international and regional news, Global News Chat invites students from various backgrounds to share their personal views and insights on the issues they care about.
If you want to hear and share the latest developments on the topics below and how they are related to you, please do not miss this chance. Register and join us on Global News Chat! Prior knowledge about the issues is not required; come along and learn more from our HKU peers.
Previous discussion topics include the Gender bias in K-pop, US-Chinese Relations, Russian-Ukrainian conflict, One Belt One Road, etc.
每天在國際社會上都有不同大小的發展，但為何我們還要關心世界、關注國際事務？所謂牽一髮而動全身，在世界不同角落發生的事都會直接或間接地影響我們怎樣自處。唯有我們可以透過國際新聞思考個人和社會的關係、與朋輩相互砥礪、認識自我、了解世界。
每個學期，Global News Chat都會邀請來自不同地方的同學分享他們所關注的時事，由韓國流行音樂中的性別偏見、美中關係、俄烏衝突、覆蓋至一帶一路等不同中外議題。
#Session 1 – Sri Lanka’s Deepening Economic Crisis: Sri Lanka declares ‘bankruptcy’, what happens next?"
Rescheduled session: 3/10/2023
Student Host: Gunawardana Dulanjali (PhD (Medicine) Year 1)
Sri Lanka is experiencing its worst financial crisis in over 70 years, resulting in the country's first-ever debt default. Years of mismanagement, corruption, and shortsighted policies have led to this situation, causing over 10% of the population to fall below the poverty line.
In this session, Dulanjali from Sri Lanka would talk about the economic hardship which Sri Lanka is facing, and discuss the contributing factors, such as unchecked borrowing and the ban on fertilizer imports. Dulanjali would also like to share her views on the significant economic and political challenges of Sri Lanka with you.
Registration(Session 1): https://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_hdetail.aspx?UEID=90553
#Session 2 – Social Protests as French Collective Memory
(Date: 22/9/2023)
Student Host: Phavorin Camille (BSocSc exchange)
France is known for its frequent strikes and protests, which reflect a culture of contestation and collective memory of social movements.
In this session, Camille would talk about three noteworthy social movements: the Yellow Vests movement, originating from a gas tax increase and evolving into a prolonged crisis that highlighted the marginalization of remote areas; protests against pension reforms; and riots in popular districts following the killing of a 17-year-old by a policeman in June 2023. These actions spark varied reactions, with support from the left and criticism from the right. Camille would also love to share her own opinion on the culture of contestation ingrained in French society, as well as the rising public concern regarding the escalation of violence and controversies surrounding police responses to protests.
Registration(Session 2): https://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_hdetail.aspx?UEID=90126
#Session 3 – Abortion Rights in Colombia
(Date: 19/9/2023)
Student Host: Maria Camila Ramirez Perez (BBA exchange)
The recent change in Colombian abortion law has stirred widespread controversy. Previously, abortion was illegal except in life-or-death situations, but in 2022, the law was amended to allow abortion for any reason up to the 24th week of pregnancy.
In this session, Maria would like to talk about Colombia's social change and social response regarding the new abortion law. She would also love to listen to your views on abortion law, not only in Columbia but also in different countries.
Registration(Session 3): https://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_hdetail.aspx?UEID=90127
#Session 4 – Israeli–Palestinian Conflict What’s Happening? Its Historical Root and Recent Development
(Date: 25/10/2023)
Guest Host: Dr. Daniel Marwecki
Student Curator: Kitty Ngai
The recent attack of Hamas brought the world’s attention back to one of the world’s longest continuing conflicts, Israel - Palestine. Information online has exploded and opinions are becoming polarised. To gain a nuanced understanding of this issue, you probably need more than “A simple guide” online. In this session, Dr. Marwecki will share his insights on the conflict. Students regardless of academic disciplines and stances are welcome to join and engage in the discussion.
Registration(Session 4): https://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_hdetail.aspx?ueid=90950
If you want to hear and share the latest developments on the topics below and how they are related to you, please do not miss this chance. Register and join us on Global News Chat! Prior knowledge about the issues is not required; come along and learn more from our HKU peers.
Previous discussion topics include the Gender bias in K-pop, US-Chinese Relations, Russian-Ukrainian conflict, One Belt One Road, etc.
每天在國際社會上都有不同大小的發展，但為何我們還要關心世界、關注國際事務？所謂牽一髮而動全身，在世界不同角落發生的事都會直接或間接地影響我們怎樣自處。唯有我們可以透過國際新聞思考個人和社會的關係、與朋輩相互砥礪、認識自我、了解世界。
每個學期，Global News Chat都會邀請來自不同地方的同學分享他們所關注的時事，由韓國流行音樂中的性別偏見、美中關係、俄烏衝突、覆蓋至一帶一路等不同中外議題。
#Session 1 – Sri Lanka’s Deepening Economic Crisis: Sri Lanka declares ‘bankruptcy’, what happens next?"
Rescheduled session: 3/10/2023
Student Host: Gunawardana Dulanjali (PhD (Medicine) Year 1)
Sri Lanka is experiencing its worst financial crisis in over 70 years, resulting in the country's first-ever debt default. Years of mismanagement, corruption, and shortsighted policies have led to this situation, causing over 10% of the population to fall below the poverty line.
In this session, Dulanjali from Sri Lanka would talk about the economic hardship which Sri Lanka is facing, and discuss the contributing factors, such as unchecked borrowing and the ban on fertilizer imports. Dulanjali would also like to share her views on the significant economic and political challenges of Sri Lanka with you.
Registration(Session 1): https://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_hdetail.aspx?UEID=90553
#Session 2 – Social Protests as French Collective Memory
(Date: 22/9/2023)
Student Host: Phavorin Camille (BSocSc exchange)
France is known for its frequent strikes and protests, which reflect a culture of contestation and collective memory of social movements.
In this session, Camille would talk about three noteworthy social movements: the Yellow Vests movement, originating from a gas tax increase and evolving into a prolonged crisis that highlighted the marginalization of remote areas; protests against pension reforms; and riots in popular districts following the killing of a 17-year-old by a policeman in June 2023. These actions spark varied reactions, with support from the left and criticism from the right. Camille would also love to share her own opinion on the culture of contestation ingrained in French society, as well as the rising public concern regarding the escalation of violence and controversies surrounding police responses to protests.
Registration(Session 2): https://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_hdetail.aspx?UEID=90126
#Session 3 – Abortion Rights in Colombia
(Date: 19/9/2023)
Student Host: Maria Camila Ramirez Perez (BBA exchange)
The recent change in Colombian abortion law has stirred widespread controversy. Previously, abortion was illegal except in life-or-death situations, but in 2022, the law was amended to allow abortion for any reason up to the 24th week of pregnancy.
In this session, Maria would like to talk about Colombia's social change and social response regarding the new abortion law. She would also love to listen to your views on abortion law, not only in Columbia but also in different countries.
Registration(Session 3): https://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_hdetail.aspx?UEID=90127
#Session 4 – Israeli–Palestinian Conflict What’s Happening? Its Historical Root and Recent Development
(Date: 25/10/2023)
Guest Host: Dr. Daniel Marwecki
Student Curator: Kitty Ngai
The recent attack of Hamas brought the world’s attention back to one of the world’s longest continuing conflicts, Israel - Palestine. Information online has exploded and opinions are becoming polarised. To gain a nuanced understanding of this issue, you probably need more than “A simple guide” online. In this session, Dr. Marwecki will share his insights on the conflict. Students regardless of academic disciplines and stances are welcome to join and engage in the discussion.
Registration(Session 4): https://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_hdetail.aspx?ueid=90950
Schedule:
| Date | Time | Venue |
| 19 Sep 2023 | 16:30 - 18:00 | GE Gatherland 221 (MB221, 2/F, Main Building) |
| 22 Sep 2023 | 16:30 - 18:00 | GE Gatherland 221 (MB221, 2/F, Main Building) |
| 03 Oct 2023 | 16:30 - 18:00 | GE Gatherland 221 (MB221, 2/F, Main Building) |
| 25 Oct 2023 | 16:30 - 18:30 | GE Gatherland 240 (MB240, 2/F, Main Building) |
Bio of Instructor(s) 導師簡介:
 | Dulanjali Gunawardana (PhD (Medicine) Year 1) I’m a freshman doctoral degree grad student at LKS Faculty of Medical. I come from Sri Lanka, a nation with a 3,000-year history that is linked to a great hospitality culture. Being a lecturer, I always believe that I touch the future through what I teach while nourishing myself, and I’m more passionate about volunteer work where I could build my character worthy. |
 | Phavorin Camille (BSocSc exchange) I am a French exchange student at the Faculty of Social Sciences. In Paris, I study a double degree in political sciences and mathematics. I am really interested in economic and social public policies, as well as international relations, and I love debating about public issues. |
 | Maria Camila Ramirez Perez (BBA exchange) My name is Maria Camila Ramirez and I’m originally from Barranquilla, Colombia. I came to the University of Hong Kong as an exchange student from the University of Navarra. Even though, I am currently studying in Spain, I want to share the beauty of my home country culture with everyone. |
 | Dr. Daniel Marwecki (Lecturer, Department of Politics and Public Administration, HKU) Dr. Marwecki’s research focuses on international relations in the middle-east region, including the Israel-Palestinian conflict. He has published a book Germany and Israel: Whitewashing and Statebuilding concerning Germany and Israel’s diplomatic dynamic. |
 | Kitty Ngai (BSocSc, Year 4) Kitty is a final year student majoring in politics. She has a broad range of interests in the field and always welcomes discussions. |