A joint event of the International Vegetarian Union (IVU), and the Vegetarier-Bund Deutschlands e.V. (VEBU)
2008 International Vegetarian Union Congress is a special centenary event. In the years 1907/1908 several representatives of European vegetarian organisations had the idea of founding an international vegetarian organisation. 1908 saw a truly international event: A vegetarian congress, proposed by the French, organised by the British and held in Germany. During this meeting in 1908, the International Vegetarian Union (IVU) was founded.
It seems very fitting to return to Dresden for the centenary event. Sadly the building in which the 1908 Congress was held is long gone, but 2008 Congress is to take place at the Kulturpalast, an impressive festival hall in the heart of the city.
Dresden is perhaps best known for the scale of the drstruction that it suffered during World War 2. The city has been carefully rebuilt, and many of the beautiful buildings have been recreated ore restored. Today it is a thriving cultural city with plenty to see and do, pleasant green spaces and a good selection of accommodation available for Congress visitors.
The detailed programme of events for the week has not yet been finalised and there is still time to register your interest if you would like to give a talk or presentation. Daily themes include:
- Vegetarians, Animal Rights and Animal Welfare
- Vegetarian Diet, Health and Sports
- Vegetarians in Society and Poltics
- Vegetarianism and Ecology, Nature Conservation and World Hunger
- Vegetarianism and Ethics/Religion/Spirituality
If you would like to offer a speech or a workshop, please send your application via the internet: www.ivu.org/congress/2008/speakerform.html
An impressive range of speakers from vegetarian organisations worldwide are already bookes to appear. As well as the talks, the Congress will include a variety of evening entertainment, from pop concerts to classical performances and even a little line dancing for participants! Of Course, the Congress would not be complete without the Gala Dinner on Friday evening.
Wednesday is a half day, and participants will be able to tour Dresden with German and English-speaking guides, either on foot or by tour bus.
When the Congress ends, there will be opportunities to explore more of the region. On Saturday there will be day trips to the mountains, and to Meissen, which is famous for its porcelain. If you can stay longer, there will be a five day Post-Congress tour visiting Berlin, Potsdam and the Spreewald. What better way to explore than with a group of like-minded veggies?
The chief organiser for the Dresden Centenary Congress is Hildegund Scholvien. She is also Deputy Chair of the Vegetarier-Bund Deutschlands (VEBU), Treasurer for the European Vegetarian Union, and a member of the International Vegetarian Council responsible for liaison with Europe.
Hildegund Scholvien, Friedhofstr. 12, 67693 Fischbach, Germany, Tel. 0049-6305-99 31 08, [email protected]
For full details and to register visit www.ivu.org/congress/2008