Groupworks

Working Groups

Group work is the heart of ISWI. As of now we offer 15 working groups, each dealing with a certain aspect of the main topic of “Sharing Power, Giving opportunities and Enabling participation.” There are thematic groups and art groups. Within the group sessions, participants will have the possibility to share their experiences and views, discuss in detail and work towards solutions for current problems.

 

Education should be accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, financial background, location, or neurodivergent needs. How can we break down these barriers to ensure inclusive learning? As students, we know the importance of equal opportunity in education and the need to bridge gaps that prevent many from reaching their potential. Moreover, the modern alternatives like online platforms and AI-powered tools offer new ways to learn outside traditional schools, but what are their strengths and weaknesses? How can we improve these platforms to make them both accessible and credible? Finally, we need fair assessment systems that recognize each student’s unique strengths and focus on real personal growth. How can we challenge rigid grading methods that limit potential and redefine success to include all forms of achievement? Together, let’s reimagine an education system that values diversity, accessibility, and meaningful assessment for all.

Have you ever felt that avoiding conflict only makes things worse? We invite you to explore how engaging in open, respectful dialogue can break down barriers and foster true understanding. Together, we’ll discuss at how addressing disagreements head-on can prevent deeper divides and build stronger, more integrating communities promoting active engagement. This groupwork will dive into the art of compromise, open dialogue, the power of inclusive decision-making, and the ways we can move beyond the “might is right” mentality to create environments where every voice matters. Through shared insights and practical strategies, we’ll see and develop within ourselves, how viewing conflict as an opportunity for growth can transform relationships and empower collaboration. Join us as we learn to turn conflict into dialogue and discover the power of peaceful resolution.

Mental health is crucial for everyone, yet it’s often ignored, leaving many to struggle in silence. How can we create a compassionate environment where everyone can recognize signs of mental health challenges and offer support in a non-intrusive way? For those who are secretive about their struggles, how can we encourage them to break the silence and seek help before it’s too late? Even when troubles are recognized, why do some hesitate to seek help? Is it due to stigma, lack of resources, or fear of being judged? Or is Mental Health only for the rich and priviledged people? Let’s discuss how we can create safe spaces for expression, raise awareness, and make mental health care more accessible.

To create a more inclusive environment, we must address barriers such as language, accessibility, psychological challenges, and cultural differences. How can we remove these obstacles to ensure everyone can participate meaningfully? Fostering a sense of belonging requires strategies that make participation feel impactful for all which also leads us to question ourselves what policies or programs can be implemented to ensure diverse community members feel empowered? Additionally, designing accessible group activities that encourage everyone’s contribution strengthens the community. How can we promote a culture where participation solves collective challenges? By setting goals that highlight the value of each member’s role, we can create a stronger, and more engaged community.

This group discussion focuses on wealth distribution and how advancements like AI can benefit society as a whole. How can we ensure AI-generated wealth is shared more equally? Should there be a global standard for wealth taxation, particularly for multinational corporations, to address inequality? This is the platform to discuss how societal status affects access to resources during crises and how we can break the poverty trap by changing systems or creating new opportunities. What role should wealthier nations play in addressing global inequality? Are current social safety nets effective in preventing generational poverty, or do we need stronger support systems?

Migration and globalization raise important questions about labor rights, social benefits, and the challenges immigrants face. Why do people leave their homes and migrate, whether for political, economic, environmental reasons, or to escape conflict? With over 173 million international migrants today, many are seeking better opportunities in foreign countries but often face discrimination, low wages, and lack of basic rights, especially in low-skilled jobs. This can cause pressures on megacities, like soaring rents and overcrowding. How can we ensure migrants have access to equal labor rights and social benefits, and what steps can governments take to address the challenges of forced migration, refugee assimilation, and social integration? How can we create more accurate and fair representations of migrants, and promote policies that support their inclusion and well-being in both their new communities and countries of origin?

Media influence, especially on social platforms, raises concerns about bias, fake news, and manipulation. How can we form independent opinions when tech companies control the narrative? Social media plays a role in radicalization and revolutions, but is it possible to avoid manipulation by algorithms and media owners with vested interests? With media owners shaping the news, how much control should governments have over social media while maintaining freedom of speech? How can we combat cyberbullying, hate speech, and create safer spaces online? Let’s discuss how media impacts democracy, mental health, and how we can protect journalists’ rights in this rapidly evolving digital landscape.

How are young people encouraged to contribute to society—are they genuinely empowered or simply taught to conform? Many systems create unequal opportunities, prioritizing those who excel academically while overlooking others, which limits meaningful societal engagement. Additionally, valuable experiences like volunteering and international programs often remain out of reach for youth from less privileged backgrounds. How can we ensure equal access to these opportunities for all young people, regardless of their background? By dismantling these barriers, we can build a more inclusive environment that empowers every young person to actively contribute to society.

Have you ever wondered if you can truly influence the political landscape? We want to explore with you how students from different parts of the world are amplifying their voices, breaking down barriers, and proving that engagement makes a difference. Together, with this platform – we’ll discuss how to overcome the stigma that nothing can be changed and redefine the impact we, as students, can have in our communities. Through shared ideas and concrete actions, we can show that our generation isn’t just watching from the sidelines. We believe we have the power to create change. Join us!

Relationships are complex, shaped by personal choices, family influences, and societal expectations. From the pressures around arranged marriages to stereotypes about gender roles, young people face a range of expectations, like the need to follow life timelines or conform to traditional roles. How can we foster healthy, respectful relationships that respect individuality and consent? Societal pressures also extend to issues like child marriage, the portrayal of relationships in social media, and the impact of industries like pornography and sex tourism. Inclusive relationships for minority communities are essential too, yet often overlooked. Let’s discuss and address how we can create a culture that respects personal boundaries, promotes inclusivity, and values each individual’s unique path in relationships.

Volunteerism connects people internally and globally, organized through large-scale networks and grassroots efforts, enabling individuals to contribute to meaningful causes. Yet, it often raises the main question as to how can volunteerism be made inclusive, engaging diverse participants in impactful projects? Often seen as only “privilege” accessible activity mainly to those with financial stability, volunteer work can appear to be meant more to privileged communities. Additionally, in capitalist societies, there’s also the issue of unpaid volunteer labor potentially replacing paid jobs, which can reinforce inequalities. Is volunteerism truly “real” work, or is it at risk of exploitation? This discussion together wants to explore the role of volunteerism, aiming to understand it’s potential and limitations in fostering inclusive, ethical community support.

 

The Documentation working group has a vital role in capturing and sharing the essence of this conference. By documenting discussions, ideas, and outcomes from each session, we together will ensure that all voices are heard and that valuable insights reach a wider audience. Participants in this group will have a unique opportunity to view the event from multiple angles—attending presentations, capturing interviews, and collaborating with ISWI’s public relations department to share live updates through social media.

In addition, the team will work with TU Ilmenau’s student radio (Radio hsf) and television station (iStuff) to produce coverage that reflects the diversity of ideas and promotes intercultural dialogue. Through their work, they’ll support a platform for emerging talent, connect different communities, and enable broader participation by documenting the stories that define ISWI 202. This is a chance not only to build skills in public relations, media, and journalism, but also to contribute to a collaborative narrative that extends beyond the conference, inspiring others and fostering global awareness.

If you enjoy expressing yourself through various forms of art or want to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, then performing arts is the right choice for you! Whether you sing, dance, act, or are simply an art enthusiast, this workshop gives you the opportunity to make an impact on society by delivering important messages through art. We believe in giving a voice to everyone, so we encourage you to step up and be the voice that helps address important issues on both local and global levels!

 

Within this workshop we will work together on how we can use videography to share stories that matter and bring people together. From choosing our video style to writing scripts and creating storyboards, we will work together on the basics of telling meaningful stories on film to share different perspectives on global issues.

This photography workshop is about more than taking pictures—it’s about using the camera to tell stories, challenge stereotypes, and inspire change by exploring how photography can empower marginalized voices and support citizen journalism. Lets explore together how capturing the right shot can drive community engagement, broaden career paths, and build empathy. Together, we’ll create something bridge divides, foster dialogue, and build a more connected world.