By Aliona Yermalayeva,
International Correspondent
“We are certainly in the midst of a rich and rewarding SIETAR season”, shared Moutushi Künne, the President of Young SIETAR, in their October newsletter “New Icebergs, New Insights”. We wholeheartedly agree and are excited to present recent updates and upcoming events from the global SIETAR community.
SIETAR Europa & Young SIETAR: Virtual Institute and Film Festival
September was highlighted by the 3rd Virtual Institute followed by the Virtual Film Festival (SEVIFEST), hosted by SIETAR Europa and Young SIETAR. Participants of the Virtual Institute engaged in master classes, keynotes, and panel discussions exploring interculturality, identity, and human rights through the lens of cinema. The festival, meanwhile, featured a carefully curated selection of films dedicated to raising awareness about social, cultural, and human rights issues.
We’re happy to share insights from Planning Team member Tamara Thorpe and Closing Ceremony facilitator Bernd Gibson:
Tamara Thorpe:
“SEU Virtual Institute 2025 had some thrilling momentum from our first 2 Virtual Institutes, with returning and new attendees. All 3 Master Classes were full and led by incredible Guest Speakers and Moderators who were both new and longtime members and contributors. The Virtual Institute Planning Team was pleased with how eager they were to facilitate intensive and immersive learning experiences tackling the complexities of our work in today’s VUCA world.
Partnering with Young SIETAR made this SEU Virtual Institute more memorable and age inclusive and also provided the program planning and implementation with much needed additional resources and support. With the leadership of their new president, Moutushi Künne, we anticipate great opportunities in coming years for Young SIETARians.
This year, in lieu of a closing Keynote, Bernd Gibson facilitated a powerful group reflection bring together participants from all 3 Master Class tracks to reflect, share and connect on our learning and growth. This session facilitated a deeper integration of folks learning and strengthening of our community.”
At the closing ceremony I facilitated activities that allowed participants and speakers from all tracks to connect on a more personal/human level first and then share learnings, reflections and open questions from the tracks they followed.
The non-verbal highlight was a silent activity we called Virtual Kalavata, with reference to the opening keynote by Heather Horst on indigenous practices and technology. All participants had to find objects or pieces of clothing and show them to the camera, until all the objects were aligned. After a few minutes of silent negotiations, we all ended up holding coloured pens in our hands. A beautiful moment of community.”
Bernd Gibson:
“I was honoured to host the opening and closing ceremony at the Virtual Institute this year and to follow the Education Track as a participant.
At the closing ceremony I facilitated activities that allowed participants and speakers from all tracks to connect on a more personal/human level first and then share learnings, reflections and open questions from the tracks they followed.
The non-verbal highlight was a silent activity we called Virtual Kalavata, with reference to the opening keynote by Heather Horst on indigenous practices and technology. All participants had to find objects or pieces of clothing and show them to the camera, until all the objects were aligned. After a few minutes of silent negotiations, we all ended up holding coloured pens in our hands. A beautiful moment of community.”
SIETAR Japan: 40th Anniversary Conference
SIETAR Japan hosted a milestone event in Tokyo on October 11-12th. Its 40th Anniversary Annual Conference was dedicated to “Intercultural Communication and Peace-Making Efforts”.
Our own SIETAR USA President Sue Shinomiya, joined the Keynote Panel. Together with Patricia Malidor Coleman (former SIETAR USA President) and Marie-Therese Claes (of SIETAR SE Asia) she led a crucial discussion “What can we interculturalists do in challenging times - Action steps towards a peaceful future”.
Check out the October newsletter from Young SIETAR which features:
Webinars:
Get ready for the following featured webinars hosted by our global chapters!
October 21, SIETAR Poland
This webinar hopes to share some of the history and culture of Polish-Americans to a wider audience, and especially towards those not only in Poland but other members of Polonia. It is also for those interested in diaspora and migration studies.
Facilitated by Stephen Satkiewicz, a third generation Polish-American who is deeply enthusiastic about his heritage, and hopes to create stronger ties between Poland and Polonia.
October 25, SIETAR France (in collaboration with IESEG Center for Intercultural Engagement and Child Rights in Action Asia)
This interactive workshop explores how intercultural collaboration can strengthen collective action toward gender equity and social impact.
Facilitated by Aditi Salkar, a global social impact strategist specializing in gender equity, humanitarian programs, and child rights.
November 4, SIETAR Switzerland
Culturally Adaptive Healthcare Access: A Project ECHO Case Study
This webinar explores how culturally adaptive approaches can reduce barriers and improve healthcare outcomes for historically underserved communities. Drawing on lessons learned from a study of 62 Project ECHO programs in the United States and Canada, we’ll examine how healthcare practitioners and advocates can meet patients where they are – by honouring cultural perspectives, addressing systemic inequities, and fostering authentic engagement.
Facilitated by Nagesh Rao, professor of Social Medicine at the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio.
For more events from SIETAR Europa please visit their Global Events Calendar.
Global Conference Calendar:
The coming weeks offer numerous opportunities to connect with the SIETAR community in person!
SIETAR South East Asia Conference will be held November 7-9th with the theme of “Intercultural Insights for Thriving in Asia”, to be co-hosted by Kasetsart Business School, Bangkok, Thailand.
We look forward to seeing many of you on November 11-15th in Portland, Oregon, for the 2025 SIETAR USA Conference “Inclusive Interculturalism: Purpose, Possibilities, and Progress”.
SIETAR Deutschland FORUM 2025 will delve into “Interculturality in Transition: Insights, Inspiration, Perspectives” on November 13-15th in Erfurt, Germany.
Hybrid International Congress “Intercultural Negotiation" will take place on November 13-15th in Montpellier, France.
As always, we encourage you to explore what else other SIETAR Global groups have to offer. For more information, please feel free to reach out to Sue Shinomiya – our point of contact for SIETAR Global.
Stay connected and continue building bridges with us!
