(RE)Defining Equality 2025

(RE)Defining Equality is a UWC and Erasmus+ Short Course dedicated to the exploration of 'equality' in our multifaceted world and its implications in shaping a brighter future for all. Spending two weeks in the Austrian Alps, 40 participants will be engaging with the meaning behind this ever-present notion in different cultural, socio-economic and political contexts. Is equality always necessary for justice? Has our understanding of equality changed over time? These are just a few of the kinds of questions participants will find themselves grappling with collectively.

The course will discover different aspects of equality by looking at:

Anti-Racism

Despite numerous movements and efforts to combat this, members of the BIPOC community are still experiencing structural discrimination and inequality. Participants will be able to learn about the history as well as share the current status of racism and anti-racist movements in their home communities. By means of various different workshops, discussions and talks participants will learn about their own connection to racism and anti-racism and how to best become agents for change - especially in the form of allies in case of people not belonging to the BIPOC community.

Environmental Justice

Participants will reconnect with nature during various outdoor activities in the Austrian Alps including swimming in a wild river, cooking food on fire or sleeping in a tipi. After arriving back to the course location, the group will explore how environmental justice links to social inequality through a hands on simulation and movie discussion.

Gender & Sexuality

The status of women and acceptance of different sexualities varies widely across history and cultures. Through independent research, discussion and sharing of experiences in their home communities, participants will compare the ways gender & sexual identity are treated differently. Incorporating a theatrical approach, students will create their own responses to the discussion.

Economic & Social Equality

Economic and political ideologies vary widely when going from country to country. Participants will share their personal experience of different economic and social systems and reflect on their advantages and disadvantages. Workshops will take place to see how different approaches affect both the individual and the society.

Migration

Given the increasing far-right tendencies of European governments and ongoing conflict in the Middle East, this aspect of the program encourages the participants to explore inequalities across borders. This aspect of the course will encourage reflection on the variety within the participant group and find similarities despite different backgrounds and experiences.

Global thinking, local action

Lastly, the project aims to bring together young enthusiastic students and empower them to be globally thinking changemakers in their home countries. Participants will engage with the local community of the course location through an open day and learning about the region by visiting local organisations. The short course is further supported by the European Commission's Erasmus+ programme, bringing youths together for an exchange about the future of Europe and beyond.