Duquesne Participates in One Young World Summit

The spot of the greatest concentration of young people in Downtown, Duquesne University, is involved in what has been billed as the G-20 of 20somethings.

About 1,300 participants from 196 countries are expected to be in Pittsburgh Thursday, Oct. 18, through Saturday, Oct. 22, for the One Young World Summit. The purpose is to gather young people committed to making changes for the good around the globe and to connect them to each other and to celebrity and high-level counselors to encourage and assist their efforts.

Duquesne will showcase both its historic legacy and its cutting-edge sustainability operations. Doctoral student Josie Badger will be among the speakers at the event.

The renowned Tamburitzans will perform at the Bridge Party near the Roberto Clemente Bridge after the summit’s opening keynote speech at Heinz Hall by former President Bill Clinton. The Tammies, America’s longest running multicultural song-and-dance troupe, illustrates the vibrant cultural community of Pittsburgh.

“We are excited to bring our Eastern European music, song and dance to the world and participate in the One Young World Summit 2012 with other members of Pittsburgh’s Arts Community,” said Paul G. Stafura, managing director of the Tammies. More information about the performance is available from Karen Prykull by calling 412.396.5185.

Badger, a doctoral student in the healthcare ethics program, will contribute to the richness of this experience for attendees as an ambassador and as one of four local speakers. Badger, who was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy and was named Ms. Wheelchair America 2012, will talk about work toward empowering the disabled to be independent. She served as a delegate at last year’s One Young World Summit in Zurich.

Duquesne, along with 100 other individuals, corporations and institutions, will host delegates at small group dinners at the close of the conference. President Charles J. Dougherty and other University leaders will gather for dinner with some of the delegates in the board room of Des Places Hall. The new $38 million residence hall, which opened to upperclassmen this fall, utilizes many sustainable options and is under consideration for LEED Gold certification. Sustainable development and education are topics on the summit agenda.