Young Leaders Aspiring for Change

On Friday 23rd April, Inspired students all around the world organised the ‘Student Leadership Conference’, with a focus on cultivating the young minds that will soon become the world’s future leaders. With preliminary preparation on Thursday 22nd of April 2021, a series of webinars were made available for all students to attend, with various high profile keynote speakers including Roberto Martinez, manager of the Belgian National Football team. The main conference on Friday was packed with seminars, discussions and debates on a plethora of significant issues that play a role in the lives of youth today, and in the future. In hopes of expanding our horizons and developing new perspectives, we were pleasantly surprised with the overall insight that the weekend provided.

On the first day, we were able to sit back and listen to talks, from those who came before us, on topics of deep importance. While Michael Mann discussed Arctic Sovereignty, giving us key insight into diplomacy and international relations, Lisa Illingworth outlined “How To Life” with ten key tips that make ‘adulting’ easier. Additionally, we heard from Adepeju Jaiyeoba who outlined the importance of selflessly leading and giving back to the community, as well as Sofia Shamsunahar who discussed her gap year in South Asia and what that taught her about conservation. She delved into the realities of conservation and how, in many cases, sustainable living is a luxury. The first day of the conference taught us significant lessons about sustainability, development and contribution to the world, preparing us perfectly for the second day of the conference, which allowed us to take a more hands-on approach.

On the second day, we listened to and asked questions about the in-depth lectures presented by extremely influential people. We began the conference early with Jonathon Gravernor as he gave an anecdotal presentation and guided us through the importance of making selfless promises to society, and helping others in need. He connected with us on a deep level, engaging the hundreds of students with emotive stories about his journey with cancer. Lars Sudmann gave a Ted-Talk worthy seminar on leadership, outlining the important styles and techniques needed in The Art of Leadership. Although we thought our keynote speakers could not get any more high-profile, we were honoured to be able to hear from the inspiring Fuencisla Clemares, CEO of Google for Spain and Portugal, as she spoke on the intersection between technology and leadership in a growing world that needs both. Although we sat listening attentively, there was plenty of time dedicated to discussions after each webinar, which enabled us to collaborate with our fellow Inspired students from countries as far as South Africa, Vietnam, and Mexico. Sixth Formers Kaviesh Kinger, Rose Salib, Farah Alaradi, Emanuella Erhunmwunsee and Charlotte Rodney were given opportunities to speak in front of the hundreds of attendees, representing their respective groups’ points of discussion.

While there were many highs to the eventful weekend, perhaps the highlight of the conference was the Inspired Committee's Workshop on how students can bring positive change to their schools. This enticing activity offered us the chance to have an hour-long discussion, in small teams composed of other Inspired students, brainstorming ideas regarding what we would be able to bring to student-led committees including UN Sustainable Development Goals, Health and Wellbeing, Human Rights, and much more. At the current moment, all attendees of the conference have been offered the opportunity to permanently join any of the committees present at the conference, in order to begin a more permanent role in implementing the change that we so avidly discussed, and we couldn’t be more optimistic for what this opportunity brings!

Notable ideas proposed by our Sixth Formers included new committees, international communication channels and even an art newsletter, which was proposed by Farah Alaradi. Kaviesh Kinger, along with his discussion group, delved into the topic of human rights. They proposed an inspired-wide committee that organises international events for human rights days, such as World Refugee Day, or Black History Month. Tamara Almoayed was given the chance to meet an array of different students from across the globe to discuss her new pen-pal committee. This committee will enable students from inspired schools across the world to exchange emails in a safe and educational manner, which will allow them to broaden their understanding of different cultures and lifestyles. With the knowledge gained from this conference, students like Kaviesh, Farah and Tamara are now able to recognize the leadership qualities that will aid them in the implementation of their plans.

After a jam-packed weekend full of thought-provoking questions, adamant listening and inspiring collaboration we were able to finish off the conference with a more laid back approach as we listened to student talks, or enjoyed an engrossing debate holding discourse on values and types of leaders. Once completed, we watched the closing ceremony with smiles as we saw student leaders bid goodbye to a conference they worked so hard on. The content of the conference taught us unforgettable lessons on youth contribution and leadership, but more than that it was the leaders of the conference (the youth themselves) that further emphasised our powerful abilities as young leaders. When looking into the bright futures ahead that all the attendees have inspired, we can be certain that the world is in good hands.

By Kaviesh Kinger 12A, Charlotte Rodney 12E, & Tamara Almoayed 12F