It is with great sadness that IGU mourns the passing of a much loved colleague. Itzhak Schnell was full professor in the Department of Geography and the Human Environment at the Tel Aviv University. His research specializations included social space, notably spaces of human activity in a global reality and minority group inclusion, Arab citizens [...]
Professor Ioan Ianos, Emeritus Professor of the University of Bucharest, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Constanţa (Romania). This highest distinction of the institution was imposed by the Rector of the University, at the request of the Faculties of Science (where the Department of Geography is located), Philology and Mathematics. Professor [...]
The International Geographical Union (IGU) has awarded its prestigious Planet and Humanity Medal to the renowned conservationist, broadcaster and author Sir David Attenborough. The medal will be presented at the opening ceremony of the International Geographical Congress (https://igc2024dublin.org/) on Saturday 24th August 2024 in Dublin, Ireland. Founded in 1922, the IGU promotes the discipline of [...]
At its last meeting, the Council of the Academia Europaea (London) confirmed the election Prof. Dr. Benno Werlen, chair of the IGU Commission on Global Understanding and IGU Laureat d'honneur winner, as chairperson of the social science section "Human Mobility, Governance, Environment and Space". This section is concerned with interdisciplinary and internationally comparative studies of [...]
Following the recommendation of the IGU Honors and Awards Committee, chaired by former IGU President Professor Ron Abler, we are delighted to announce the winners of our 2024 awards. These will be presented to the awardees at the closing ceremony of the 35th International Geographical Congress on 29th August 2024 in Dublin. Congratulations to our [...]
The World Academy of Arts and Science (WAAS) is hosting an online webinar on natural geoengineering methods to mitigate climate change. Event details: Wednesday 28th February 2024 13h00 to 14h30 CET. Register here For further information on speakers etc. navigate to: https://worldacademy.org/conference-page/science-for-human-security-nature-based-climate-control/
It has become increasingly obvious that we cannot meet the timetable for the implementation of the SDG's if we do not make substantive changes in strategy. Indeed, this realization was what led to the launch of The Jena Declaration (https://www.thejenadeclaration.org/) three years ago. However, the urgency of the situation is now such that a more [...]
The International Geographical Union strongly supports the International Science Initiative for a World Science Day, celebrated this year on 10th November under the theme 'Trust in Science'. Find more details about the event and how to participate here
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of well-known Geographer and former United Nations University Rector Johannes Auguste (Hans) van Ginkel. Born in Banda Aceh, Sumatra, on 22 June 1940. Professor van Ginkel passed away on 27 July 2023 at the age of 83. He was a citizen of the Netherlands. Hans [...]
The IGU Thematic Conference on “Islands in Relations: Conflicts, Sustainability, and Peace” was held at the University Media Center of Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU, Osaka, Japan) on April 4-6, 2023, followed by the post-conference field trip to Okinawa Island on April 7-9, 2023 (see https://polgeog.jp/igu-tc2023/). The Conference’s Chief Organizer was Takashi Yamazaki, a Geography Professor [...]
