12th University Scholars Leadership Symposium in Bangkok

During early August 2024, I was fortunate to represent the UTS as an Australian delegate at the 12th University Scholars Leadership Symposium in Bangkok run by Humanitarian Affairs Asia.

Over the 4 day program, we heard from numerous change makers that were living proof that we ourselves could do just the same.

Each speaker spoke on a topic that was true to them, bringing unique and authentic perspectives that sparked so many emotions. You could see how much their work meant to them and no matter how many barriers they have faced on their journey for change, they’ve never given up.

Having the symposium held in the UN Convention Centre was like a dream come true. I have always looked up to the United Nations and believed that I needed to be there to make great change. However, this experience revealed to me that you don’t just have to high up to make meaningful change. Grassroots organisations can be just as powerful in creating change even if it’s on a smaller scale.

The highlight of this experience was our ‘Kindness Day,’ a day where we gave back and carried out acts of service. We went to a school where the majority of the children there were either refugees or children of refugees. They were the Karen people who are a persecuted ethnic group from Myanmar. To know what their families had to go through was heartbreaking but this didn’t stop these children from smiling.

We played games with the primary school students, learnt dances, created art and had so much fun. We then went to the refugee camp and provided some resources to them. This was an eye opening experience and to see them so grateful made me reflect on how fortunate I am to have the opportunities I hold.

This whole experience is one I will never forget and I have made some new friends all over the world that I am so fortunate to have met.

Overall, having the opportunity take place in Bangkok was amazing! Exploring the city by tuk tuk, eating incredible food, going to markets and meeting incredible people was all so fun.

A big thank you to UTS for providing me this eye opening opportunity that allowed me to meet people from all over the globe who could offer up fresh and innovative perspectives of how we could make change in this complex world.

We were told each day to ‘Be The Change,’ and that’s exactly what I plan to do.

Monira Abubakar
Bachelor of Communications (Social and Political Sciences) Bachelor of International Studies
Faculty-Led – BUILD – University Scholars Leadership Symposium (Thailand)
BUILD Global Ambassador Grant recipient