On this page, you will find reflections from DEN’s Conferences over the years, written by our students and academic partners. They speak about what they have learnt, what they presented at the conference (if they did) and what they hope to see in future conferences. Have fun reading!
At the beginning of May, I took part in my second DEN conference, and it turned out to be nothing like I had expected. When I participated last year, my role had been relatively comfortable. I guided guests around, helped with reception, and presented alongside a few friends about our trip to New York. I...
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...
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...
When I first received the email inviting students to the 9th DEN International Students Conference and calling for abstracts, the pressure of looming assessment deadlines led me to overlook the opportunity. However, two days later, I revisited the email, still uncertain about my decision. Seeking clarity, I reached out to Dr. Farhang to better understand...
Upon entering the ninth DEN International Student Conference at the University of Westminster, I was struck by the diversity of its participants. Many of the students come from places that I would never have dreamed of sharing a conference space with, such as Central Asia, Eastern Europe, etc. When entering the conference, you could feel...
On the 8th of May 2026 I had the pleasure to take part in the Ninth Annual DEN International Student Conference. I had taken part in the 8th conference last year, it feels like a lifetime ago and I have grown so much as a person since. Part of that progression I attribute to Farhang...
As a fresher at university at the time, I was lost. I had no friends and knew no one at school, nor did I know where I lived. I thought that was normal because I was new in the UK, thinking my social life would get better over time, but it got worse even then....
My first journey to the United Kingdom has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Arriving in a new country, surrounded by unfamiliar cultures and people from diverse backgrounds, was both exciting and overwhelming. At the beginning, I felt nervous and uncertain—it was my first time traveling so far from home. However,...