EAST LANSING, Mich. — The U.S. government’s policy toward the Middle East, environmental sustainability and “green” films will be highlights of MSU’s International Education Week celebration.

In its eighth year, the event will run Nov. 17-21. MSU will host programs before and during the week – most of which are free and open to the public – to address hot-button issues and to promote global awareness.

MSU’s Muslim Studies Program will sponsor a one-day symposium, “Challenges Facing the Next President in the Greater Middle East” from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at Kellogg Auditorium. The free event is open to the public.

As President Obama prepares to take the helm, international experts will explain why the Middle East should be a priority of his administration. 

“The attempt to improve the American image in the Middle East will never improve unless sensitive issues are addressed,” said Mohammed Ayoob, University Distinguished Professor of international relations at MSU’s James Madison College. “We need fresh thinking.”

With seemingly endless wars in the Middle East, escalated concerns about international terrorism and nuclear proliferation, Ayoob said America should take a greater stock in the Middle East.

Among other experts on the Middle East, Ayoob has convened Husain Haqqani, ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, and Steven Negus, a former Iraq correspondent for The Economist and the Financial Times.

Other key events during International Education Week include:

*  The third International Trade Symposium, Nov. 11-13, at MSU’s Henry Center for Executive Development, 3535 Forest Road, Lansing. As China navigates environmental challenges caused by the country’s economic boom, Chinese business leaders, local environmental advocates and MSU faculty and researchers will discuss U.S.-China partnerships to foster environmental sustainability. For more information, visit www.gluna.org.

*  Green on the Big Screen, Nov. 13-16, at MSU’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences. In conjunction with the East Lansing Film Festival, the college and the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism will feature films from Africa, Cuba, Indonesia and India that showcase the importance of environmental accountability across the world. Tickets are $3 per film; $6 for three films; or $15 for a pass. For more information, visit www.cas.msu.edu/filmfest.

*  Public diplomacy discussions, Nov. 18-19, at MSU’s International Center. David Firestein, deputy executive director and senior advisor in the U.S. Department of State on Public Diplomacy, will discuss foreign perceptions of the United States and American perspectives of China and the U.S.-China relationship.

*  Global Fest, noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 16, at the MSU Union. MSU international student organizations and nationality groups will host cultural exhibits, dances, performances and shopping venues.

 “MSU considers international education and engagement to be cornerstones of its institutional mission,” said Stephanie Motschenbacher, director of communications for International Studies and Programs. “International Education Week is designed to offer a wide range of activities that foster a greater sense of our global community. We also hope to encourage a greater awareness of other peoples, other countries, world affairs and their influence on our lives.”

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education.

For more information about International Education Week and a series of events at MSU, visit www.iew.msu.edu.

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