The 2024 Issues Forum
“Responsible consumption”
Senior Regents Cora from Denmark and Femke from The Netherlands will proudly host this year’s Issues Forum. They have some information to share with you, before you attend ISLI.
What is the Issues Forum?
The International Student Leadership Institute is all about how to prepare yourself for leadership. That’s why every year our Senior Regents host the Issues forum. During this session, all ISLI participants will be able to share their opinion on its topic and go into debate with each other. Via this page, you will learn more about this years topic.
“To what extent is the customer responsible for their consumption and to what extent is it the industries or government’s responsibility?”
This is the main question of debate. We ask you to think about this question. In order for you to be able to find out which point of view you share, you will find some subquestions below. These are related to the main question and can help you to figure out how you think about the Issues Forum.
General subquestions
Who should lead in educating consumers about the environmental and social impact of their consumption : is it governments, manufacturers, or both working together? How could they possibly do so?
Should there be a global or local responsibility to address issues of overconsumption and environmental impact, and if so, how should nations collaborate to ensure a collective effort toward sustainable practices?
Consumer
To what extent do cultural values and societal values influence consumption patterns?
How can cultural shifts be used to promote more responsible consumer behaviour?
Government
What policies and incentives can governments implement to encourage manufacturers to prioritize sustainability in their production processes?
Should there be financial rewards or penalties to drive a shift towards responsible manufacturing practices?
Manufacturers
To what extent should manufacturers be held accountable for the environmental impact of their products throughout their lifecycle, from production to disposal?
Should manufacturers be obligated to implement more sustainable packaging, or is it a shared responsibility with consumers and governments?
Prepare yourself for debate.
Use the articles, video’s,… shared below to inform yourself about the Issues Forum topic.
They are divided in some categories. We advise you carefully to read at least one article/video per categorie. Of course, reading more will give you an advantage.
Sustainability
Consumerism
Consumer Responsibility
Consumption and the Consumer Society (bu.edu)
note: This article explains different layers of consumer behaviour and motives. Interesting chapters are:
Chapter 4 (p. 18-23),
Chapter 5.2 (p. 26),
Chapter 6.3 (p. 32-35)
Manufacturing responsibilities
About current policies
USA: Advancing a Circular Economy to Meet Our Climate, Energy, and Economic Goals
note: It might be interesting for both Europeans and Americans to read both perspectives as this broadens your view.
Governmental responsibilities
001-002-999-16x23eng.fm (oecd.org)
note: This is an extensive article, but the government options for regulation and manipulation are explained very well. It might be interesting for you to read the table of contents (p.5) and read the corresponding chapters of your interest.
How can governments promote sustainable consumption? | TutorChase
Extra considerations
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
about the Issues Forum
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That’s what this page is all set up for: all the articles, video’s and other content shared with you above are meant to help you with the Issues Forum. Every year, our Senior Regents make a selection of some informational content that they use to make their presentation with. It is higly advised to read/watch as many of the information shared above to better understand the topic of this year’s Issues Forum.
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Yes, it is. All sessions are obligatory for all participants. The Issues Forum is the highlight of the International Student Leadership Institute’s forum. During this coming together, you will be able to excel in the leadershipskills that have been taught to you throughout the week.
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The Issues Forum historically takes place on Wednesday at ISLI. During this forum everyone will come together to share their leadership experiences with all their colleagues.
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No, it is not obligatory to write anything as a task for the Issues Forum. We only ask you to come prepared to ISLI and to its Issues Forum. All the articles, video’s and such above are meant to help you to understand the topics better. Of course, if you wish to write something down, we are happy to read it and you may always share it with internationalstudentleadership@gmail.com.
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Every year the debate is different. It is important to know your opinion about the topic so that you are able to go into discussion with others about it. During the Issues Forum you are supposed to have arguments on why you think how you think. The articles shared with you are supposed to help you find your voice.
MORE ABOUT THE ISSUES FORUM •
MORE ABOUT THE ISSUES FORUM •
