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
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
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
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 .