Friendship
When I volunteered to help organise this year’s DEN Conference, my stomach was full of
excitement, nervous energy and some chai from breakfast. The responsibility of co-managing an
academic event as students felt simultaneously empowering and daunting. Little did I know this
experience would reshape my understanding of global education while forging friendships that
transcended borders.
The morning began with an empty stomach and racing thoughts as I prepared to take notes
during the opening sessions. Nevertheless, as the day unfolded at flying speed, something
remarkable happened my nervous energy transformed into focused engagement. When I stood
before the sustainability panel, I discovered a well of confidence I never knew I possessed,
buoyed by the supportive nods from DEN colleagues and the thoughtful questions from both
local and international attendees.
Three presentations particularly reshaped my perspective. The Thai team’s exploration of human
security and development revealed how policies tangibly affect everyday lives. The Vietnamese
presentation on ending child marriages demonstrated grassroots activism at its most powerful
and personal. Most profoundly, the Uzbek students’ project on cultural identity sparked
reflections about my heritage long after the panel concluded.
Behind the scenes, our student team operated with remarkable cooperation, adapting to every
challenge with creative solutions. When merchandise supplies decreased, we placed pens on
every table and distributed them at entrances and vigilant volunteers quietly resolved technical
glitches. Most inspiring was witnessing presenters supporting one another, offering
encouragement and during Q&A sessions building upon each other’s ideas with genuine
enthusiasm.
The conference’s impact extended far beyond academic exchange. I will forever cherish the
warmth of sharing traditional Palestinian and Lebanese food with new friends, the atmosphere of
our quiz night and the unexpectedly emotional farewells that transformed into promises for
future collaboration. These human connections elevated what could have been just another
academic event into something truly extraordinary.
Reflecting on this experience, I am grateful to our international presenters who shared their
outstanding research, my DEN colleagues who became family, the catering team who filled us
up with cultural dishes and every volunteer who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Special
thanks to our Vietnamese (Cảm On!), Thai (Khob Khun!) and Uzbek (Rahmat!), friends and
colleagues who enriched us with their perspectives. Nevertheless, thank you for generously
sharing snacks such as coconut flavoured sunflower seeds, dried mango, nuts and chocolates.
These delicious snacks made us eager to enjoy these treats in your home countries someday!
Dr. Farhang Morady’s closing remarks were very reflective! Thank you again for this incredible
opportunity. The conference was not just an end, but proof of what students achieve with trust.
Beyond global education, it showed me the power of collaboration and lasting cross-cultural
bonds. Grateful for the lessons and friendships forged.
As I look ahead, I carry forward new knowledge and a massive influx of belief in our collective
potential to shape DEN’s future. When next year’s conference arrives, you will find me at the
front of the queue, ready to help create new memories that blend academic opportunities with
global experiences to create lasting friendships and memories.
Thank you to everyone who made this week possible, whether you joined us in person or in
spirit. This incredible experience would not have happened without each of you. Though our
conversations were cut short, this is not goodbye. Consider this an invitation to continue our
dialogue and collaboration cross-culturally. After all, our forged connections deserve a part two
to continue this journey, under the idea of perhaps #DENGoesGlobal2026…?
Layla Abdulle