This week, Columbus State University reiterated our commitment to global education and civil discourse by hosting a unique study-abroad opportunity and evening panel presentation. A team from Israel's renowned Arava Institute, affiliated with Ben Gurion University was joined by Columbus State University Environmental Science Professor Dr. Troy Keller and former CEO of the Columbus Water Works and honorary doctorate holder Billy Turner for a fascinating discussion on "Trans-Boundary Water Issues". The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES) is the premier environmental education and research program in the Middle East, preparing future Arab and Jewish leaders to cooperatively solve the region's environmental challenges.
Hosting this in Columbus provided a unique parallel to the water issues between Georgia, Florida and Alabama in the U.S. and between Israel, Jordan and the Palestinians in the Middle East. A Palestinian civil engineer was joined by her colleague, an Israeli scientist, both alumni of Arava. Additionally, David Weisberg, Executive Director of Friends of Arava participated. The discussion was lively and engaging. It involved global socio-political-economic issues and while opinions varied, the consensus belief was that solutions must involve all parties.
Attendance was terrific and questions from the audience were probing. This is truly reflective of a supportive and challenging university environment.
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