March 9, 2001

Joseph Jones tackles global conflicts at International Student Festival

Joseph Jones, economics senior and native of Shreveport, Louisiana, will attend the International Student Festival in Trondheim, Norway, in March. This is a real honor for Jones who was selected as one of 450 student leaders from 3,000 applicants across the world. Symbolized by the apple and the cup of poison, the central idea behind the festival is the question, "What is the role and responsibility of students today?" The students will focus on global economy and human rights issues.

As part of the application process, Jones wrote two essays that focused on the global economy and examined free trade, third world debt, and tax and tariff restrictions. One hundred and thirty-two countries will be represented at the conference. Jones will show a video at the festival documenting his life in New Orleans and at Loyola, especially his participation in the Student Government Association and other student activities. The festival runs February 27 through March 13.

Jones says he believes the conference will provide "an excellent opportunity to promote awareness and understanding that enables today's students to tackle common problems as tomorrow's leaders." He decided to apply because he was encouraged by Director of Student Activities Chris Cameron and because of his own deep belief that student involvement in human rights work is important.

With the question of sustainable resources being at the forefront of many analysts' and consumers' concerns, Jones says this festival is significant in helping participants develop ways in which resources can be shared longer and more efficiently. He explains, "One of the main focus of these workshops is to find out how to sustain our resources and wealth as a global community and inspire the next generation to responsible consumerism." Several students will stay behind in Trondheim to write conclusive papers about their experiences at the conference. These papers will be presented to the United Nation's Committee on Sustainable Development.

"I think it is very important for someone like me, who has studied economics for four years, to have an opportunity to talk about this issue with people from entirely different social, political and economic backgrounds." Jones looks forward to small discussion groups where he and the other students will not only talk about the myriad of economic issues in the world, but also will map out possible solutions. As a product of the Louisiana public school system, Jones says he is especially concerned about the value of the dollar in terms of the quality of education the next generation of leaders is receiving.

Starting with his trip to Norway, Jones has a busy semester ahead of him. He wraps up his participation in SGA as he graduates in May. He has been an active member of the organization since his freshman year and is inspired by what he has seen transpire. "It's very exciting to see students getting excited about their power to influence this campus."

Meg Wenzel, A'01, Intern in the Offices of Public Affairs and Publications