"ISWI" is the abbreviation for "Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau" (Initiative for a World of Solidarity Ilmenau). We are a student association, which was founded by students to foster tolerance, understanding among nations and an international attitude.

Our biggest project is the "International Student Week in Ilmenau" (shortened also ISWI).

Compared to similar projects, our international student conference is the biggest one in Germany. It takes place every second year at the "Ilmenau University of Technology".

During the 10 days of ISWI, young people from all over the world with different cultural backgrounds will get to know each other and share their points of view. The purpose of the intercultural dialogue is to improve tolerance and open-mindedness among guests and local people. The participants will have the opportunity to advance their opinions, to discuss about current issues and to develop ideas and possible solutions for the discussed problems. Of course, with this project we want to give a clear signal against xenophobia and racial hatred.

Approximately our organisation has 20 active members. There are also many inactive members, who were in our organisation and who continue supporting us. Furthermore in preparation of major projects many other people are helping us.

We are currently organising and preparing the 9^th International Student Week in Ilmenau (ISWI). The focus of the 2009 conference is set upon Human Rights. Our motto is "Right now!" and from May 8^th until May 17^th we will be happy to welcome again 370 participants from more than 70 countries worldwide.

Lectures, group work and workshops will provide a great platform for dicsussions and for the exchange of opinions and views. Together with our helpers and supporters we want to act for a rise of tolerance and mutual understanding and we want to enable and establish a fruitful dialogue of the different cultures of the world. 

Among many other public supporters, associations and initiatives we are kindly supported by the Ilmenau University of Technology. Since 1993 the ISWI is taking place on the campus of the Ilmenau University.

We are very happy that Ms. Hina Jilani agreed to take over the patronage of our 9th International Student Week in Ilmenau. She was the former UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders. We hope to welcome her and many other great lecturers here in Ilmenau.

In addition to the thematical work of the confernce there is a high-varied cultural programme. Besides the common opening and closing ceremony there will be an "International Brunch", an Open Air and an international street festival.  

We hope that you will find all the information you need on these pages.

But if there are further questions do not hesitate to ask us.