Question: Ever wondered where critical discussions on global issues take place? Right here at informationszentrum 3.welt in Freiburg. It emerged from the Aktion 3. Welt which was founded in 1968. The informationszentrum 3.welt has become a vital hub.
The informationszentrum 3.welt addresses critical global issues. It focuses on the relationship between the Global North and South. Despite recent shifts, this relationship remains central. It influences political, economic, and cultural developments.
The iz3w publishes a bi-monthly magazine. It is one of Germany’s oldest independent development policy magazines. You can find it in libraries and bookstores. It is also available online. Each year, six issues are released. The magazine covers globalization and racism. It also examines development policy and ecology. Media and cultural policy are also discussed.
The iz3w does not claim to be neutral. It critiques the existing world order. The iz3w sees a world with enough resources. Yet, billions still live in misery. It challenges the marginalization of those deemed unnecessary. The magazine uncovers global inequalities. It resists harmonizing terms like “One World”. It also challenges “Multiculturalism”.
iz3w partners with the internet portal Linksnet. The informationszentrum 3.welt also maintains an archive. It collects magazines, newspapers, and brochures. This archive is accessible to the public. Since 1998, FernWeh has operated within the iz3w. It focuses on Third World tourism. It studies the social, economic, and ecological consequences. Since 2005, freiburg-postkolonial.de has explored local colonial history. It offers background texts on German colonialism.
The projekt fernsicht offers project days for schools. These cover topics from the iz3w magazine. Past topics include human rights and women in war. They also discussed life in South Africa. The iz3w publishes books and special editions. It hosts readings with writers from Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
The iz3w is funded by magazine sales. Donations and grants also support it. In 2021, a large part of the archive was moved to Duisburg. Other archives in Freiburg took over parts of the collection. The magazine and educational programs continue.
In August 2023, the magazine announced financial difficulties. Rising paper costs and falling subscriptions are to blame. The iz3w sees itself as an intelligent and undogmatic institution. It shapes opinions in the left-wing public sphere. It provides a helpful antidote to misinformation. It is an important independent magazine. The iz3w stands firm against global issues. It offers critical perspectives. It tackles the complexities of North-South relations. By supporting the informationszentrum 3.welt, you support a vital voice. You amplify a commitment to global justice. The informationszentrum 3.welt makes you think critically.