There are very few events in the world that will land you in as many places as I found myself during the course of the Oslo Freedom Forum, especially in so little time.
As part of the Oslo Scholars program at the Institute for Global Leadership, I, along with another Tufts student, was given the opportunity to attend the Oslo Freedom Forum (OFF) in Norway.
I stepped off the plane in Oslo, Norway excited to attend the Oslo Freedom Forum, a gathering of the world’s most notable human rights activists, journalists, policymakers, technologists, and artists who share the goal of making the world a more democratic and peaceful place.
This summer I am working remotely for the Albert Einstein Institution as an IGL Oslo Scholar. I am working for Jamila Raqib, the executive director of the institution who was an Oslo Freedom Forum Fellow. The Albert Einstein Institution works to advance the worldwide study and strategic use of nonviolent action.
“As Salam Alaykom” I greeted my mentor, Dr. Nada Dhaif, excitedly over a skype call in early May. We chatted briefly about the expectations and responsibilities interning remotely for BRAVO (Bahrain Rehabilitation and Anti-Violence Organization).
Every week, the interns at the Center for Applied Nonviolent Action and Strategies (CANVAS) write a report that summarizes recent world news. Between a new outburst of global terror attacks and the draconian responses of governments, it has been a grim effort.
Oslo Scholars from Tufts University and Mcgill University outside the City Hall with last year's OFF speaker, Suleiman Bakhit, right before entering the Monday evening reception hosted by the mayor of Oslo.
