University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) in Thailand

In August, I was privileged to attend the University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) in Thailand, held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok.

One of the most impactful aspects of the symposium was the opportunity to engage with inspiring and thought-provoking speakers. Figures like Sir Peter Mathieson, David (DJ) Begbie, Jack Growden, Shomy Hasan Chowdhury, and Lek Chailert shared their wisdom and experiences, challenging us to think critically about global issues and our role in addressing them.

A personal highlight of the symposium was participating in the Kindness Day activities particularly my visit to the Elephant Nature Park on behalf of Lek Chailert. This experience was eye-opening and deeply moving. We cleaned elephant pools at the park, prepared food for the elephants, and helped build stone fences. Here, I learned about the pressing issues Asian elephants face, including habitat loss and exploitation. The Save Elephant Foundation, led by the fantastic Lek Chailert, is doing incredible work to protect these majestic creatures, and being part of their efforts, even for a day, was an experience I will never forget.

Beyond the workshops and activities, what truly made this symposium special was the chance to connect with like-minded individuals from around the globe. The diversity of perspectives and experiences shared by the youth leaders enriched my understanding of global issues and reinforced the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change.

Representing the University of Technology Sydney as a Global Ambassador at this symposium was an honour I will carry throughout my academic and professional journey. The experiences and lessons I gained from USLS have strengthened my resolve to work towards the SDGs and inspired me to explore new avenues for impactful action. Issues such as No Poverty, Quality Education, and Gender Equality resonate deeply with me, and I am more committed than ever to contributing to these goals.

My time at the University Scholars Leadership Symposium was nothing short of transformative. It reaffirmed my belief in youth leadership’s power and global citizenship’s importance. As I continue my journey, I am eager to build on my understanding of developmental goals and work towards enacting positive change on a larger scale.

Thank you, Humanitarian Affairs Asia and UTS BUILD, for entrusting me with this extraordinary opportunity to #BeTheChange.

Domenic Romeo
Bachelor of Medical Science Bachelor of Business
BUILD – University Scholars Leadership Symposium (Thailand)
BUILD Global Ambassador Grant recipient

For more information about the UTS BUILD please visit: www.uts.edu.au/build