The School of International Studies’ Applied Workshops on Global Affairs

The “Applied Workshops on Global Affairs” aim at bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The Workshops introduce students to specific problems of international relations, European affairs and policies, and international security by adopting a practical approach and innovative teaching methods. Students are involved in simulations, debates, role-play, etc., by qualified instructors with direct knowledge in the relevant field.

Workshops take place each year in September and February, before the kick-off of the courses, and are open to a limited number of students, who would like to gain specific skills and experience, under the guidance of qualified practitioners, concerning the management and resolution of practical cases.

SAWGA Workshops are reserved to SIS students: only in the event of vacancies, Master's Degrees students from other UniTrento Departments and 3°-4°-5° year students from UniTrento Faculty of Law may be considered eligible to attend the Workshops.

 

February 2025 Edition

Workshops are scheduled according to the following timetable:

Digital Technologies in Humanitarian Action

Instructor

Short bio 

Andrea Düchting is an independent consultant and research associate at the Berlin-based think tank Centre for Humanitarian Action. She has around 15 years of experience working in the humanitarian system intersecting with development, migration and peacebuilding approaches. She worked with UN Agencies, the Red Cross Movement, international and national NGOs at global and local level. Andrea nowadays specialises on topics related to digital transformation of humanitarian action by looking at digital accountability and the operationalisation of data protection and digital rights in humanitarian assistance. She published several papers and blogs on this matter.
In the past, Andrea worked as a partnerships officer in charge of onboarding new partners onto digital platforms. She also managed and coordinated integrated food security and nutrition programmes in the Sahel Region and South Asia. Andrea is a geographer by profession and holds a M.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies from the Philipps-University of Marburg.
 

Abstract of the Workshop

Today, humanitarian action is increasingly digital and increasingly complex in nature. Digital technologies are used in many different ways and for various purposes: To improve supply change processes, communicate with peers and affected populations or optimise humanitarian assistance. Mobile phones and tablets have long since replaced paper-based surveys, satellite-based geoinformation is used for disaster preparedness and early warning systems, not to speak about digital identities and mobile money providing people with humanitarian cash assistance. This expansion of technologies is massive and brings with it an exponential increase in the volume of data to be processed, an acceleration of speed at which information travels, and a huge responsibility of humanitarian actors to handle technology and data in a responsive and ethical manner.

The workshop will introduce the role of digital technologies in the humanitarian system by providing an overview of different use cases, mapping out key actors and their ways of working, alongside relevant frameworks and accountability mechanisms. We’ll review practical examples and scenarios from humanitarian cash and voucher assistance (CVA) and community engagement and accountability (CEA) approaches to discuss opportunities and risks of using digital technologies in humanitarian action. Participants will develop strategies how to ensure the responsible use of technologies in protracted crises and fragile contexts including but not limited to the design of inclusive humanitarian operations, digital rights in conflict settings, and the operationalisation of data protection with local actors. The workshop will provide insights and hands-on experience to better understand the digital humanitarian ecosystem and digital dilemmas. By the end of the workshop, participants know about the level of digital transformation in the humanitarian system and are knowledgeable about responsible approaches to use technologies in volatile contexts and on vulnerable people.

Calendar

  • Monday, 17 of February, 14:00 - 17:00, Room Laboratorio multimediale 2, Palazzo Prodi
  • Tuesday, 18 of February, 14:00-17:00, Room 001, Palazzo Prodi

Advocacy tools and strategies to safeguard media freedom in Europe

Instructor

Short bio

Serena Epis holds a master’s degree in European and International Studies from the University of Trento. She joined OBC Transeuropa in June 2021 as a researcher and advocacy officer. Her work has focused on research, training, advocacy, and project management in areas such as media freedom, the rule of law, civic engagement, and the EU's enlargement toward the Western Balkans.

Abstract of the Workshop

The workshop is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of advocacy in the non-profit sector. Participants will participate in hands-on exercises focusing on public advocacy directed at institutions in EU member states, candidate countries, and the EU itself.

The workshop will focus particularly on the work of NGOs committed to safeguarding media freedom. A cornerstone of democratic societies, free and independent journalism guarantees citizens the fundamental right to be informed on matters of public interest. Students will learn about key developments in the Italian and European media landscape, focusing on recent EU tools designed to tackle key challenges to media freedom and pluralism. They will also explore how civic coalitions can leverage these tools for advocacy initiatives.

Working on recent cases of international advocacy for the protection of media freedom in Italy, the workshop will showcase tools for tracking and monitoring press freedom violations and highlight advocacy strategies tailored to engage diverse stakeholders, depending on specific objectives. Students will actively participate in activities designed to help them familiarise themselves with the tools and strategies discussed, including context analysis, stakeholder mapping, and the production of advocacy materials such as statements, letters, press releases, and communication campaigns.

This workshop has been designed in the context of the Jean Monnet Module EU-Prox - Innovating European Studies: Geopolitics and Sustainability of Enlargement.

Calendar

  • Monday, 17 of February, 14:00 - 17:00, School of Innovation (SOI)
  • Tuesday, 18 of February, 14:00-18:00, School of Innovation (SOI)

PODCAST: Elements of design and production.

Instructor

Short bio

Entrepreneur and Sound Artist, Emanuele Lapiana has always been involved in sound and communication. After several musical adventures in the pop music field, he worked in the international large-scale distribution sector. In 2014 he founded oSuonoMio, one of the first Italian sound communication agencies and podcast production house. He has produced several Podcasts, some of which have earned nominations for the Italian podcast awards (ilPod). He is the creator of Sete Festival, the sonic themed park named FRUSCIO, the SENSO card game and much more.

Abstract of the Workshop 

Podcasts have become increasingly one of the principal modes of communicating research and policy. This workshop aims to help students develop practical skills related to the successful design and production of a podcast. The workshop is structured to provide a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a podcast. This includes how to write the script, how to select the soundtrack, how to play with soundscapes and audio separators, how to include graphic elements, as well as questions of distribution and promotion to effectively reach an audience.

Calendar

  • Wednesday, 19 of February, 9:00-12:00, room 114, Palazzo Prodi
  • Thursday, 20 of February, 10:00-13:00, room 114, Palazzo Prodi

 

Application (deadline: Feb 3rd, 2025)

on-line form to apply

Each workshop is limited to 25 participants, and registration is mandatory. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. If we receive a high number of applications, we will prioritize each student's participation in at least one workshop.

Please note that, as registration is open to a limited number of students, joining the workshops implies the assumption of a commitment to participate. Acceptable justifications for absence only include illness or other compelling reasons.  Please note that participation in workshops does not constitute a valid excuse for absence in other teaching activities. Students engaged in simultaneous and incompatible teaching activities (e.g. crash courses, compulsory language courses) are requested not to attend the workshops.

Participation in each workshop will allow SIS students to gain one virtual micro-credential for each workshop (further information available on that webpage).