On May 12, DEN held its sixth annual conference centred around the development theme. This was my first time participating in the conference, and it was a truly enlightening experience as the speakers were intriguing and inspiring. Each speaker brought a unique perspective and shared their insights on topics from inequalities, geopolitics to sustainable development. The conference provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from speakers and witness conversations regarding how we can make our world more equitable and sustainable.
Meeting and interacting with students from Thailand, Uzbekistan, and other individuals from diverse backgrounds was a great pleasure. What I found most significant was that the conference emphasised the importance of diversity and inclusion as fundamental pillars of sustainable development. It brought together participants from various backgrounds, cultures, and professions, fostering an enriching and inclusive environment. Witnessing individuals from different walks of life engage in productive conversations and collaborate on sustainable solutions reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of inclusivity.
One of the many highlights of the conference was the line-up of speakers who shared their expertise and experiences; their insightful talks and thought-provoking discussions expanded my understanding of these topics. In addition, these speakers exemplified the notion that actions speak louder than words as they discussed our challenges and presented real-world solutions and success stories.
As one of the panel chairs, I also had the chance to introduce a presenter in front of a large audience, which helped me step beyond my comfort zone. I had not done this in a very long time, so it was initially somewhat nerve-wracking. However, this experience has encouraged me to engage more at events, conferences, and conversations, as well as to interact with more individuals and to continue getting to know their passions and aspirations.
DEN’s conference was an informative and engaging event that was well-organised. The event was interactive and allowed for meaningful engagement with the material. Overall, I had a great experience and would love to participate again.
Saba Malik