Global Voices, One Virtual Stage: The 2025 Virtual Student Leadership Conference
Screenshot of a presentation during the Virtual Student Leadership Conference.
In partnership with the Qatar Scholarship for Afghan Students (QSAP), the Institute of International Education (IIE), and the Bard College Centre for Civic Engagement (CCE), GHEA21 organized the Virtual Student Leadership Conference (VSLC): From Local Action to Global Influence, which took place on October 25 and 26 with ~400 students participating. The VSLC created a unique and diverse space for building knowledge across borders through skill-based workshops, keynote speakers from marginalized communities, and purpose-driven civic engagement. This rich setting included students from 30+ institutions operating in 13 countries.
The conference kicked off with powerful remarks from Jonathan Becker, GHEA21 Vice Chancellor, and Erin Cannan, Vice President for Civic Engagement at Bard College, who encouraged students to think about their personal contribution to society and the gaps they commit to bridging. The conference also featured skill-based workshops facilitated by project staff and global engagement fellows, where students learned about resources to start and to upscale civic engagement, and the importance of integrating theory with practice to initiate community-based projects that ranged from access to education, climate action, storytelling, human rights advocacy, and more. This year's conference also introduced a new peer-to-peer networking segment to deepen connections among students working on similar challenges in different regions and contexts. Here, participants exchanged strategies, shared project setbacks, and discussed opportunities for cross-border collaboration. This intentional networking space strengthened the sense of community and helped students identify potential partners for future initiatives.
Given the current landscape of global instability, the 2025 Virtual Student Leadership Conference played an important role in launching an eye-opening platform for all students, especially those experiencing displacement or threatened by conflict, crisis, or political repression. Students hailing from Afghanistan, Palestine, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Ukraine, Haiti, and others, were invited to identify local societal challenges, contextualize global tools to address them, and utilize action plans to inspire action.
Students noted that the conference created a safe space, where all voices were heard, amplified, and celebrated.
“I have learned that civic engagement is not always about solving very big issues. It can start from small initiatives.” Sediqa Askari, American University of Afghanistan
“During the discussion about “small daily check-ins,” the facilitator encouraged us to take a few minutes each day to honestly ask ourselves how we’re feeling, rather than just pushing through stress. This simple practice of pausing and checking in felt like a practical way to maintain balance and prevent burnout, and it reminded me that taking care of myself helps me show up more fully for others, too.” Palwasha Amin, the Institute of International Education (IIE)
Post Date: 12-01-2025