IPEN is awarded the Student Peace Prize 2025 for their work in protecting Nicaraguan students that have been met with persecution and oppression. The prize is awarded on behalf of all Norwegian students and is a collaboration between The International Student Festival in Trondheim (SFiT), The solidarity organization of students and academics in Norway (SAIH) and The National Union of Students in Norway (NSO).
The organization emerged after the massive demonstrations that were met with violent reactions from the government in 2018 in Nicaragua. IPEN offers education for Nicaraguan students that have been affected by the political situation in the country. They also offer humanitarian and psychological help, and leadership/management training. IPENs work highlights how important education, academic freedom and democracy is, and that it is something we must work to create, protect and expand.
Program
Today's event will shed light on IPENs work, the human rights situation in Nicaragua and the importance of student activism and international solidarity:
- Short introduction by Selma Bratberg, SAIH
- Presentation of IPEN and the current situation in Nicaragua
- Panel discussion with IPEN, political scientist Vegard Bye and president of the Student Parliament Sondre Klungland.
Open to all. Welcome!