The Power of Storytelling: A Journey as a UTS Peace Ambassador

In the heart of global diplomacy, at the 3rd Global Peace Summit for Emerging Leaders held at the United Nations conference centre in Bangkok, Thailand, I found myself amidst 350 delegates from 47 countries. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and little did I know that the power of storytelling would unfold as a transformative force during this remarkable event.

The summit featured a lineup of influential speakers, each sharing their unique narratives to foster understanding and unity. Among them were two individuals whose stories resonated deeply with me, Hassan Akkad and Loung Ung. Their narratives, while diverse, shared a common thread of resilience and courage that struck a chord with the audience.

Hassan Akkad, a Syrian refugee and award-winning filmmaker, brought the stark reality of conflict to life through his personal journey. His firsthand account of fleeing war-torn Syria and seeking refuge in the UK painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced by millions around the world.

Loung Ung, a survivor of the Cambodian genocide, captivated the audience with her poignant tale of loss, survival, and eventual triumph. Her ability to convey the unimaginable hardships she faced, combined with unwavering hope, left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone present. As an Assyrian woman, the echoes of displacement and persecution felt all too familiar, and I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the historical persecution my community has endured over centuries.

What made these narratives truly powerful was their relatability. Despite our diverse backgrounds, the stories of Akkad and Ung transcended cultural boundaries, emphasising the universal nature of human struggles. I felt a profound connection to the speakers and their narratives, realising that our stories, though different, were intertwined by a shared resilience in the face of adversity.

The summit highlighted the transformative potential of storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding among diverse communities. It served as a reminder that, regardless of our origins, we are bound by our collective humanity. As a peace ambassador, I left the conference centre with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired to amplify the voices of those who, like me, hail from marginalised backgrounds.

In the end, the summit became a testament to the enduring power of storytelling – a force capable of transcending borders, connecting hearts, and fostering a global community united by the strength of shared narratives.

A sincere thank you to the UTS BUILD program (Beyond UTS International Leadership Development) for granting me the opportunity to represent the university as a delegate in the 3rd Global Peace Summit. The program’s commitment to fostering international leadership development has been instrumental in expanding my horizons, fostering personal growth, and refining my leadership skills.

I would highly encourage students and future leaders to engage in such transformative experiences, UTS BUILD is making a profound impact on shaping the leaders of tomorrow. The summit served as a platform for me to witness the power of diverse narratives and develop a global mindset, instilling in me a deeper understanding of the importance of cross-cultural collaboration.

Elina Isaac
UTS Business School
Faculty-Led – BUILD – Peace Summit of Emerging Leaders in Bangkok, Thailand
BUILD Global Ambassador Grant recipient