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UWC Congress 2024: Shaping a new world for education

By Communications Department
7 June 2024

How will UWC help to shape the future of education amidst the backdrop of rapid global change?

Taking place once every six years, the UWC International Congress 2024, was held from 29 February to 2 March 2024, in Phuket, Thailand. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of the UWC movement. As part of the 60th-anniversary celebrations, this Congress played host to educational and governance leaders, partners, supporters, and representatives from the UWC global community and was the first of its kind to be held in a hybrid format.

The theme of the conference was ‘Education as a Force’, which was unpacked and explored through a series of keynote sessions, panel discussions, workshops and impact talks. Speakers and guests explored their ideas for the future of education and how UWC can work to re-align educational models and meet the ever-changing needs of our time.

“My advice to young people is to listen to their hearts, it doesn’t go wrong very often. Embrace failure as a pathway to success, growth cannot happen without taking risks.”

Nadiem Makarim ’02, UWCSEA alumnus and Indonesia’s Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology

UWCSEA Alumni NADIEM_MAKARIM

Turning dreams into possibilities

Among the keynote speakers was Nadiem Makarim ’02, UWCSEA alumnus and Indonesia’s Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology. Nadiem opened Congress in an onstage interview with Danlan Xu, a UWC Thailand student from China. The topic was ‘Education as a Force: A Timeless Mission for Complex Times’ and Nadiem addressed the need for education to adapt in the face of today’s unprecedented convergence of political, social, economic and ecological instability referred to as a state of “polycrisis”. He spoke about how collectively, we can amplify UWC’s Mission through revised educational models and innovative strategies to better prepare our students for the global challenges both now and in the future. 

“My experience at UWCSEA offered me a unique perspective on leadership and prepared me for solving complex challenges at government levels. Those four years as a boarder were undoubtedly the best years of education I’ve received, fostering independence as a boarder and nurturing my social and emotional wellbeing alongside peers facing similar situations. The values instilled in me by UWCSEA led me down a path towards leading educational reform in Indonesia. Through hands-on experiences in my favourite subject, Higher IB Theatre Arts, I developed confidence, public speaking skills, collaboration and a sense of accountability.”

Follow Grade 11 UWCSEA East Scholar, Eugénia, as she shares her journey to Thailand for the UWC Congress 2024.

I’m Eugénia, a scholar from Timor-Leste and a member of the UWCSEA community. I grew up on an island known as East Timor near Singapore. Attending the Congress was an eye-opening experience. I got to engage with UWC representatives from around the world, exchange perspectives and participate in discussions about how we can improve education to better prepare our students for future complexities. I feel honoured to be a part of this community where my voice is heard and I have the chance to represent others like me.

Day 1

UWCSEA East scholar Eugenia at UWC Thailand

Arriving at UWC Thailand and meeting other UWC Congress go-ers 

UWC Thailand did an incredible job in bringing the UWC communities together and they made us feel so welcome. It was my first time in Thailand and visiting another UWC campus! When we arrived, I sat down for a bit and reflected on the goals I wanted to achieve during the three days. After that, I got a chance to socialise with other students, we also went on a student-led tour around UWC Thailand where all of us got to mingle with each of the representatives.

 

 

Day 2

UWCSEA East scholar Eugenia at UWC Thailand kayaking

Activities with UWC students from around the world

I took part in student activities such as mindfulness sessions which involved sitting down, leaving any thoughts behind, and focusing on the moment in order to bring our inner power back. This was something significant to the culture of Thailand which I found really helpful and engaging—it’s no wonder UWC Thailand students are head over heels practising it! 

We went kayaking and I was so excited that I had the chance to be in touch with nature again, the air was fresh and reminded me of home. We also had gift-exchange with one another and I’ll remember the bonds I’ve made even after the Congress. The day included a College Fair where together with other students, I presented the amazing sustainability and Service projects I’m so proud of.

Day 3

UWCSEA East scholar Eugenia at UWC Thailand with Nadiem Makarim

Feeling inspired about learning 

I had the fantastic opportunity to meet UWCSEA alumnus and keynote speaker, Nadiem Makarim ’02 as well as Faith Abiodun, Executive Director of UWC International.

I loved it when Mr Nadiem Makarim said, “Being academically successful does not define value in the real world.” Indeed it is very true. I want my peers to know that it is okay to fall sometimes, what matters is how many times you try to get back up. 

Mr Faith Abiodun also inspired me when he said, “Don’t do things for people to notice, just do good things.” He truly lives by his words. Everything he said made me reflect deeply, and that is more than enough.

Day 4

UWCSEA Delegates at UWC Congress 2024

Farewell to fellow attendees

All of the delegates felt the Congress had been a success in connecting with others who are motivated by the UWC Mission, in building relationships and in the productivity from the sessions and workshops. It was an excellent opportunity for others in the Movement to meet and we are looking forward to the outcome in the new strategy.

I love learning about people and their cultures. I am glad that I have built another long-lasting relationship with people from other UWCs. Deep down we all know that this is not goodbye, UWC will connect us again.

 

Shaping a path into the future

What small steps can we as a community take to drive change?

In his closing remarks, Faith Abiodun, the Executive Director of UWC International, reflected on the diverse range of ideas and initiatives shared throughout the Congress. Faith encouraged us to dream big while reminding us of the importance of taking action. “Transformation is a journey of perseverance and unity, and there is no better way to embark on this journey than by recognising the significance of each individual's contribution to the broader success of the Movement.”

With our student changemakers, alumni worldwide, and the rest of our UWC community leading the way, we look forward to where our UWC Movement takes us in the next six years and beyond!

At our latest Kishore Mahbubani Speaker Series session that took place on Thursday, 16 May 2024, Faith was also a featured speaker alongside Grade 11 student panellists, Deng, Harshini, Maria Clara and Besufikad. Together, they discussed ‘Education as a Force: The Future of the UWC Movement’ envisioning a future where empowered youth can drive positive change in their communities. Watch the session here .

This article was published for Dunia June 2024.

Read the full issue here!