I want…
…NOW!
Nowember 23, 2009
From the 16th to the 18th of November nearly 100 young people gathered together at Brussels, Belgium. With the help of the Organizing Bureau of European School Student Unions (OBESSU) and European Students Union (ESU) they were able to commemorate 17th November - the International Students Day. Not only did the students esteem the date, but they also honored the 70th anniversary of the day, since 7 young people fell victims of the Nazi atrocity.
The International Union of Students (IUS) throughout its history has consistently fought against all forms of discriminations, oppression and intolerance. Education has been placed at the centre of the struggle for democracy, the eradication of poverty, human as well as women's rights, sustainable development and peaceful coexistence.
That is exactly what the young leaders wanted to show they have not forgotten and through symbolic action sent their wishes, written on hundred balloons, stating they want changes to happen now tomorrow, or next year, but now!
Some of the guest lecturers of the conference were respected politicians, historians and student activists, such as Stavros Lambrinidis (Vice-President of the European Parliament), Sjur Bergan (Head of Higher Education Department, Council of Europe), Luigi Berlinguer (MEP, former Minister of Education in Italy), Joel Kotek (author of the book “Students and the Cold War”) and Maroš Šefcovic (EU Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture & Youth).
