December Issue
By Maria Eirini Liodi
March
Babel Initiative makes The Menton Times headlines once more, featuring an even more fascinating story than last month – Babel’s Cyprus Trip 2024!
A week bustling with business meetings, rigorous research and cultural enrichment.
Before diving into that, I will provide a brief introduction for those who do not already know. Babel Initiative is a student-led initiative at Sciences Po Paris, Campus de Menton, founded in 2007 and evolving impressively to this day. It is the only recognized student organization offering funded research opportunities in countries in the Mediterranean and Middle East region. It aims to make academic research accessible, as a means of breaking down stereotypes and building bridges of cultural awareness and understanding – something of utmost importance for students pursuing political science degrees specializing in this region. This level of accessibility is deeply ingrained in Babel’s values, however, planning and organizing a fully-funded research trip is by no means an easy feat.
Starting in May of last year, Anna Russin was elected as president of the Babel Initiative, alongside Ioanna Christodoulides as vice president. Part of the transition marked the beginning of the research focus on Cyprus, having previously focused on Jordan the year prior. The election of board members and heads, under the poles of research, finance, logistics and culture, ensued, with the completion of the team with the researchers being selected in November. The five teams selected are researching on the topics of ‘Public Intolerance Towards Migrants’, ‘LGBTQ+ Collaboration in the Buffer Zone’, ‘The Lebanese Community in Cyprus’, ‘Globalization of Higher Education’ and ‘Cypriot Sign Language’.
Following months of demanding planning, coordinating and orchestrating by the Babel team, we embarked upon our trip last month, aboard with 14 Board Members, 15 Researchers and 20 ‘Shadows’ (non-researching Sciences Po Menton students, who attend the trip on individual costs).
Our first day was marked by an expansion of awareness of the Cypriot social and political environment. We began with a tour of Old Nicosia – both the Southern Republic of Cyprus areas, as well as the northern territories under occupation by Turkey. In seeking to make this trip holistic and immersive, our guided tour led by two representatives of the Association of Historical Dialogue and Research, allowed our members insight into the core of Nicosia within the Venetian walls; an opportunity to explore the landscape within the only divided capital in the world. Following that, the team was able to discuss with multiple NGOs, including Home 4 Cooperation, Cyprus Peace and Dialogue Centre and Cyprus Inno at The Base” all of which brought different perspectives of the socio-political landscape of Cyprus.
On the second day of the trip, the Board and researchers were able to meet with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, where they were able to get important insight on the historical context shaping Cyprus’ social, political and economic landscape, as well as ask questions relating to their research topics.
In the following days, there were additional visits, including meetings with the French Ambassador to Cyprus, Salina Grenet-Catalano, officials from the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, a discussion with Board Members of Invest Cyprus, and a meeting with Total Energies. All of these meetings enabled the Babel team to develop a deeper understanding of various aspects of Cypriot culture.
It is important to note that during this week, all five teams had their individual set of packed schedules, filled with meetings with important stakeholders, academics and NGOs relevant to their field of inquiry.
Outside the demanding schedule of the week, the Babel team was able to provide holistic cultural experiences to its members, with ample suggestions for the best locations to visit, organized hikes, museum-tours and bus-rides in multiple cities across the island. If one thing is certain, it is that the one week trip was one rich in acquisition of knowledge and unique experiences. On a personal note, and reflecting the views of many of my colleagues, Babel Initiative, is an extraordinary organization. I’m grateful for this incredible team of dedicated and capable young minds that were able to come together and create something remarkable. What’s even better, there’s more to come!
Back in Menton, the researchers are hard at work utilising their on-ground research to produce their academic papers. This year the research teams were able to attend various workshops organized by the Research Pole, aiming to guide the researchers along the process, both providing context of on-ground research considerations, as well as shining light on the writing process for academic papers. Furthermore, the Board was able to secure Research Mentors for each of the teams, which have been working closely with the researchers since December and until today, providing guidance and support in their research and writing. The end result? Holistic papers that are reflective and destigmatize issues within the Cypriot society.
We eagerly await the release of our five teams research papers very soon, as well as the hosting of our Colloquium! Those are expected to be released in mid-April, after which Babel will proudly host its Colloquium on April 20. This grand event aims to wrap-up a year of rigorous effort, collaboration and creation. We aim to have a host of academics and professionals at the Colloquium – more on this soon! Stay tuned for Babel updates!