I don’t think there is anyone I know who hasn’t heard me speak about my first love: One World Week (OWW). OWW 2007 takes place at the University of Warwick from the 19th to 27th January 2007. It is an annual event organised by a team of 236 student volunteers and is recognised as the World’s Largest Student-run International Event, with over 22,000 participants from 120 countries.
 | | Stavan with Martin Wolf of the FT |
I have now been involved with OWW for three consecutive years and I can honestly say, each year it’s been the best week of my Warwick experience. From dancing away to Montell Jordan’s beats, to becoming PR Executive for the organization, I have been fortunate to see OWW from different perspectives. What do we actually do? It’s simple: We celebrate the world’s mosaic of culture through four elements: Forum, Festival, Sports and Arts. OWW encourages awareness of and positive action on issues which affect our world today. One World Forum
 | | Stavan meets Omar Abdullah (Indian MP) |
The intellectual element of OWW hosts conferences on current international affairs coinciding with the theme, Progress: Our Shared Responsibility. I am eagerly waiting talks by speakers including Professor John Hume (Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, 1998), and Mrs Wijdan Salim (Acting Minister for Human Rights, Iraq). Over 60 speakers are attending Forum 2007, others including Mr Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Mr Aitzaz Ahsan, Mr Sachin Pilot for the high-profile talk on India and Pakistan’s 60th anniversary. One World Forum also consists of a Film Festival screening Oscar-nominated films. One World Festival One World Festival consists of five days, each exhibiting a different region of our world: Australasia, Americas and Caribbean, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and UK. Some of my favourites during the day include the Miss One World – always a laugh – and Eurovision Song Contest.
Also in the Students’ Union, are the night events: I cannot wait to indulge myself into exquisite cuisine at the International Food Festival, get some (much needed) trendy tips at the Fashion Show and dance away at the World Party. This year’s international Carnival is set to be the largest ever on our university campus – the energy and passion that night will be absolutely incredible. Yet undoubtedly, as many of my friends know, I am overwhelmed, humbled and excited by the fact that on the Friday night, SensAsian will be featuring none other than international superstars Rishi Rich and Juggy D. That’s not it. Another major act is… Fedde le Grand. Yes, that’s right, the only night event of OWW 2007 open to the entire public! A big thank you to the Nights teams for luring in acts that have been on top of our wish lists for years. One World Sports
 | | Fire jugglers at One World Week |
Put together in an Olympics-style format, One World Sports consists of a wide variety of competitions and workshops including football, water-polo, cricket, and a highly anticipated Pro-Evolution football computer game tournament. Call me sad, but I have been brushing up my Pro-Evo skills in anticipation of taking home the gold medal. Something more unique is Capoeira, a unique fusion of music and martial arts, will teach students how to practice martial arts to the sound of music. How cool does that sound? One World Arts The creative element of OWW is set to showcase its largest ever portfolio of exhibition, creativity, music and drama. I am thrilled to announce that the World Music Concert will feature Latin Grammy winner and flautist Nestor Torres.
 | | One World Arts, Concert |
Nonpermanent provide live art work from four artists Mr. White, Mr. Jones, Tony and Mr. Smith. Also in my diary are theatre performances including Whodidit? by Neil Harrison and The Island, set in South Africa’s Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held hostage. Having been to South Africa, I am very interested in the country’s rich culture and heritage, and am dying to see this epic unfold on stage. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the student volunteers that have worked tirelessly throughout the last ten months. These individuals have passion, motivation, and a belief in what we do. OWW means the world to me. Let it mean something to you. One World Week takes place at the University of Warwick from 19-27 of January For more information visit www.oneworldweek.net or send an email to pr@oneworldweek.net | 
