It was an honor to be a representative of the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong at the 12th University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) organized by Humanitarian Affairs Asia from August 6th to 9th 2024 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. The 4-day USLS experience in Bangkok was a truly memorable and meaningful lifelong experience since I was exposed to various global issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through inspiring sharing sessions by speakers. These were beneficial in cultivating my potential as a future leader with global insights. USLS provided me with valuable opportunities to engage in community service for environmental conservation and to network with delegates from various countries.
Throughout the symposium, I had the invaluable opportunity to gain deeper insights into global issues that I had never encountered before. The sharing sessions delivered by different speakers were not only informative but also deeply inspiring, broadening my perspective on critical challenges facing our world today.
One of the most impactful sharing sessions was presented by Sangduen Lek Chailert, founder of the Save Elephant Foundation in Thailand. Chailert’s passion for protecting Asian elephants was palpable as she shared her experiences in establishing the foundation. Her sharing shed light on the pressing issues of elephant safety and population decline. That awakened in me a newfound awareness of the urgent need for wildlife conservation. The dedication and perseverance she demonstrated in her work left a lasting impression, inspiring me to consider how I might contribute to similar causes in the future.
Another sharing session that profoundly affected me was about fighting the circumcision by Ifrah Ahmed, founder of the Ifrah Foundation in Somalia. Ahmed’s powerful narrative about her mission to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) was both heart-wrenching and motivating. Her courage in addressing such a sensitive and culturally entrenched issue opened my eyes to the complexities of global human rights challenges. This presentation not only educated me about FGM but also emphasized the importance of grassroots movements in effecting social change.
Enlightening sharing session, which was hosted by Morgane Roussel-Hemery, Associate External Relations Officer at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the global refugee crisis. I learned about the distinctions between refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons and stateless individuals – concepts that I had previously found confusing. Roussel-Hemery’s insights into the scale and severity of the refugee situation worldwide were sobering, prompting me to reflect on the role of international cooperation in addressing such complex humanitarian challenges.
The USLS experience extended beyond theoretical knowledge, offering hands-on opportunities for community service through its Kindness Day activities. Among the four options available, including river cleaning for elephants, school painting, refugee camp visits and mangrove planting. I chose the Mangrove Planting initiative at Bangpakong Mangrove Forest. This experience was both physically engaging and deeply rewarding. Working alongside fellow delegates, we collectively planted 800 mangroves. That contributed to biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation efforts. The act of planting each seedling fostered a sense of connection with nature and reinforced the importance of individual actions in addressing global environmental issues.
The reflection session that followed the planting activity was equally enriching. It provided a platform for participants to share their experiences and insights gained from their respective service activities. An unexpected highlight was the cultural exchange that occurred during this session, where we shared words from our native languages through learning their meanings and pronunciations. This cultural interaction added a delightful dimension to our cross-cultural understanding and bonding.
One of the most valuable aspects of USLS was the unparalleled networking opportunity it provided. With 500 delegates from 40 countries in attendance, the symposium was a melting pot of diverse cultures, perspectives and experiences. I had the pleasure of forming connections with fellow delegates from Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and Australia, among others. Our dinner gatherings became a cherished networking filled with lively discussions about our respective countries, cultures and aspirations. These interactions not only broadened my global network but also deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity and the power of international collaboration in addressing global challenges.
In conclusion, my experience at the 12th University Scholars Leadership Symposium was truly transformative. It expanded my understanding of critical global issues which consisted of wildlife conservation, feminism and human rights to refugee crises. The combination of insightful sharing sessions, unforgettable community service and cross-cultural interactions provided a holistic learning experience that has significantly shaped my worldview. This symposium has not only equipped me with valuable knowledge and skills but has also ignited a passion for making a positive impact on the world. As I reflect on the USLS slogan, “Be the change,” I feel inspired and empowered to take meaningful action in my own community and beyond. This experience has undoubtedly been a catalyst in my journey towards becoming a compassionate and globally-minded leader.