Discussion: What Does It Mean to Study International Development

Friday, 30 September 2022 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST 

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This virtual forum at the Miami Institute for the Social Sciences, curated by University of Toronto (UT) Scarborough undergraduate Arushi Dahiya, took place on Friday, September 30th, 2022. It brought together fellow UT Scarborough undergraduates Amrith David, Amber McNeil, Kate Forrest, Kibati Femi-Johnson and Afshana Miah for a discussion on what it means to study international development.

Discussants' Bios:

Arushi Dahiya is in her 3rd year of undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, where she is pursuing a Specialist Co-operative in International Development Studies and Political Science. With a passion for learning how to alleviate global inequalities embedded within our economic systems, she is excited to spark conversations on what youth can do to dismantle the structures that perpetuate the present north-south divide.

Amrith David is currently a final year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. He is completing a specialty in Global Development Studies and a minor in Human Geography. He is the current Vice President for Academics and University Affairs for the Scarborough Campus Students Union in which he sits on board meetings to promote inclusive learning opportunities for all students through the promotion of Indigenous and racialized student-led initiatives on campus. Amrith is also an active member of the Participedia global network that promotes the democratic participation and inclusion of informal citizens through research and the writing of case studies.

Kibati Femi-Johnson is in his final year at the University of Toronto Scarborough, completing a double major in International Development Studies and Political Science. Kibati is interested in understanding history, especially how past events can help us understand political relations today and possibly in our future. Most of all, Kibati is a firm believer in community/individual agency and loves meeting new people/bringing people together.

Kate Forrest (She/her) is a 3rd year Co-op International Development and Human Geography student at the University of Toronto Scarborough. When she is not in school, Kate works in Environmental Services for the City of Peterborough and loves to participate in community art events. Kate is excited to discuss what she knows about the social economy and to enhance her knowledge through this forum.

Amber McNeil is a third-year International Development Studies student at the University of Toronto. She is a curious person who seeks to understand more about social, political and environmental issues. Within international development, she is specifically interested in sustainability, food security, and access to education.

Afshana Miah is a final year student at the University of Toronto doing a major in Global Development Studies and Psychology interested in studying the ways in which poverty impacts the health of marginalized populations and mechanisms for poverty reduction to improve health and well-being.

This event was a collaboration between the Miami Institute for the Social Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, and the SSHRC and CRC in Africana Development & Feminist Political Economy.