One World Week (OWW) is the "Largest Student-run International Event in the World" and is hosted annually at the University of Warwick. One World Week is a nine day extravaganza, which is the pinnacle of the international experience at the University of Warwick and one of the major events which ensures Warwick’s recognition as a world-class institution. With the ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds, One World Week embodies the spirit of our world’s cultural diversity. It started 16 years ago as a one day event, which has now grown into a nine day entirely student-run, non-profit event, uniting 120 nationalities. During the course of One World Week, the University of Warwick’s campus comes alive with debates and discussions, parades and performances and a large host of sports and games. The enthusiasm and commitment of over 200 volunteers and 20,000 participants has made One World Week the biggest student-run event on Warwick’s campus and globally. Though lasting only nine days, it strives to engage with the local community and have a lasting impact throughout the entire year.

OWW 2011 is comprised of four elements, Forum, Sports, Nights and Festival:

One World Forum was created in response to One World Week's aims of stimulating personal development and facilitating global understanding. Through panel debates and discussions, the Forum raises awareness of conflicting issues and provides insight into progressive new ideologies with the aid of high-profile speakers from across the world. Speakers ranging from Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu (1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner) to Stephen Tindale (Executive Director of Greenpeace UK) have addressed the like-minded and passionate delegates in past years. This year Forum will cover a more diverse range of topics compared to previous Forum events in an attempt to target students from various backgrounds.

One World Sports provides a unique opportunity to bring together a diverse range of people. In particular, sports promote unity through teamwork and communication whilst encouraging interaction and having fun. This year, One World Sports aims to bridge the gap between domestic and international students through a wide variety of tournaments ranging from Football and Hockey to Pro-Evo and Poker. With competitors from within Warwick University and, for the first time, surrounding universities the competition will be intense.

One World Nights is an explosion of vibrant cultural entertainment showcasing the talents of both international artists and Warwick students. At night, Warwick's campus will be transformed into an exhibition of global culture for all to see and hear. This year, some of the highlights include Busta' Move (an inter-university dance competition including everything from salsa to street dance), the Fashion Show (exploring the instability of our world and displaying a transition from Modern Day normality through to the ideal Utopia) and the sell-out Mystery DJ Night.

One World Festival aspires not only to display the variety of cultural experience, but to encourage the student body to engage actively with these. Through a diverse and wide range of student performances, workshops, exhibitions and stalls, Festival will encourage a greater multi-cultural knowledge among the vast student population as well as the local community. By creating "an atmosphere of cohesion and celebration" throughout the week, Festival aims to provide genuine insight into the various subcultures at Warwick University. Some of the highlights this year include a Eurovision Song Contest and a DJ Workshop.

The aim of OWW is to stimulate personal development and to inspire a view based on acceptance and appreciation of the world’s mosaic of cultures.

For more information about One World Week go to ... oneworldweek.net and Facebook