How DEN altered my university experience for the better Katie Bracci, BA graduate, University of Westminster (2021–2025), United Kingdom Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. How did you first come into contact with DEN? I had no idea about DEN in my foundation year, but in...
Exploration. Growth. Confidence. Global. Friendship. These are my takeaways from the incredible trip to Uzbekistan for the Tashkent International Model United Nations Conference (TIMUN 2026). Although the lack of sleep and the new environment required adaptation and resilience, it was a fun and special experience thanks to the Westminster International University of Tashkent (WIUT) Students...
I am beyond thankful that I got to visit Uzbekistan with DEN. This trip was fulfilling, inspiring, and unforgettable in every possible way. I feel incredibly fortunate to have made lifelong friends not only in Uzbekistan, but within DEN too. The memories, conversations, laughter, and experiences are things I’ll carry with me forever. But before...
I was excited from the very start of the preparation process, both before and during the visa application. It was my first time applying for a visa on my own, and even though it might seem like a small thing, it felt like a real personal win. It taught me about responsibility and what it...
And Other Things London Taught Me This year, I had the opportunity to attend the DEN Conference in London, invited by Dr Farhang Morady following the publication of my article on sustainable energy in DEN’s annual student book. I travelled alongside a group of SDG course winners from Westminster International University in Tashkent — we...
My name is Joshua Morton and I study English Language and Linguistics at the University of Westminster. On the 8th of May 2026, I attended the ninth annual international student conference organised by the Democratic Education Network (DEN). Having been a member of DEN since September 2025, this was my first annual conference. The conference...
Before travelling to the UK for the conference, I felt both excited and nervous. It was my first time visiting the UK, and although I looked forward to the experience, I was also worried about stepping into an unfamiliar international environment. In Thailand, I had previously participated in several Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, so...
Jamie Greenfield, a Politics graduate, University of Westminster (2019-2022), now working within corporate retail, reflects on field trips to Hanoi and Geneva, finding his research voice through DEN, and the friendships that started at the gates of Wells Street. Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. Q1. ...
Attending the 9th DEN International Student Conference in London was an amazing experience. The overall atmosphere was incredibly friendly and welcoming. Before the official sessions started, we were just university students from different parts of the world, chatting, laughing, and having a lot of fun together. However, as soon as it was time for the...
When people hear the word “conference,” they often imagine a formal atmosphere of professionalism and serious discussion. Before attending the DEN International Student Conference 2026, I had the same impression. To be honest, I felt quite nervous because I wasn’t sure I would be able to confidently participate in discussions with students from different countries....
If someone had told me a year ago that a university course would lead me to presenting at an international conference in London, I probably would not have believed them.” Yet through the “Our Sustainable Future Together” course, I discovered how education, teamwork, and shared ideas can open doors to unforgettable opportunities. I am Madina...
Attending the Ninth Annual DEN International Student Conference at the University of Westminster was an inspiring and meaningful experience that reminded me of the importance of student voices in shaping conversations around sustainability, education, artificial intelligence, inequality, and global change. The conference brought together students, academics, and researchers from different countries and disciplines, creating a...