4th Annual Humanitarian Affairs Asia Global Peace Summit

Over the 15th to 17th January, I attended the 4th Annual Humanitarian Affairs Asia Global Peace Summit at the United Nations in Bangkok as a delegate representing UTS and Australia.

The summit included 400 University students from 43 different countries coming together towards the common goal of peace building, advocacy and effecting change. It was a privilege to collaborate with like-minded individuals worldwide, exchanging knowledge and uplifting one another throughout this transformative experience.

Upon arriving in Bangkok, I headed to the hotel where all the delegates were staying. Having everyone in one place made it easy to connect with the other UTS delegates and make friends with people from other countries and universities.

The first morning of the conference everyone was buzzing with excitement, all the delegates shared breakfast together as we mingled and introduced ourselves before boarding the buses to the United Nations conference centre. Arriving at the United Nations was indescribable, seeing the United Nations flag and logo, taking our seats at the desks and looking around to see hundreds of other people all united, knowing we were about to be part of a monumental experience. Throughout the conference we heard from influential change agents who empowered delegates to look inward and reflect on the role we can play as peace advocates in our communities, nations, and on the global stage.

Particularly moving stories came from first-hand testimonies, including, Neimet Ahmadi (Darfur Genocide Survivor), Claude Gatebuke (Rwandan Genocide Survivor), Loung Ung (Cambodian Genocide Survivor) who shared their journeys and Lejla Damon (Bosnian War Child) who shared her story and the stories of other children born out of sexual violence in war. It was incredibly emotional sharing the same room as these survivors and hearing their vulnerabilities and devastating truths.

I was lucky to speak with Steve Killelea, founder of the Global Peace Index, about an initiative I am passionate about and he put me in touch with valuable contacts to help implement change. The experience was helpful for networking and connecting with influential people.

One of the highlights was the friends I made, connecting with the fellow UTS delegates and friends from all around the world, Canada, China, Brazil and The US. After the conference we explored Bangkok together, tasting local cuisine, attending sporting matches, and immersing ourselves in the Thai culture.

Throughout this year, delegates hold the title of Global Peace Ambassador and are asked to go forth and bring about peace, justice and positive change. Many of the delegates are now working together on social justice projects and I look forward to seeing the differences we can make together.

Going into this experience I was passionate about social justice work and now thereafter it has confirmed to me that I want to pursue humanitarian work. I would encourage all students who have a passion for social justice to consider attending this conference it is a life changing, transformative and moving experience.

Monica Attia
Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) Bachelor of Laws
BUILD – BUILD – Peace Summit of Emerging Leaders (Thailand)
BUILD Global Ambassador Grant recipient

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