Lead a better future at the 2024 University Scholars Leadership Symposium

Through the USLS, I gained a deeper understanding about the work of the United Nations. We had the opportunity of participating in workshops hosted by various UN agencies such as UN Women and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. This was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the work done by each agency and about any internship opportunities they offer. As a law student interested in potentially working with the UN in the future, I really valued this kind of information.

I would highly recommend the USLS to any student who is committed towards making the world a better place. I started off my USLS journey not knowing what to expect; but I can certainly now say that it has become one of the most memorable experiences of my entire university life.

Being able to meet so many compassionate people from all around the world was extremely rewarding. Hearing about their interests, passions, struggles and culture broadened my perspective and challenged my existing perceptions. 

Embracing the opportunity to branch out may be a little daunting, but it is extremely rewarding when you immerse yourself in it. Connecting with people who share similar passions to you at the USLS allows you to explore numerous avenues that you may not have even considered exploring if you hadn't taken the first step in applying for such an amazing opportunity. My advice to anyone interested in applying is to apply. There is so much to see and learn.

With all the conflicts and challenges we face as the younger generation, it's easy to feel disenfranchised and powerless in our capacity to make a difference. USLS provided an environment in which young people could come and talk about the issues that we are passionate about, as well as learn the skills that are needed to turn our ideas into a reality and make a tangible difference.

One thing I would tell future participants is don't shy away from getting to know students from other disciplines, who can offer unique perspectives and ways of thinking. And be vocal about your own ideas! Everyone at the symposium was incredibly supportive and encouraging.

It was a unique experience being in the company of hundreds of driven, dynamic and intelligent young people – it made me realise the world is in good hands if we just tap into this resource!

One of the major strengths of the USLS is in the diversity of the participants and experiences – networking with people from across the globe highlighted the need to view complex issues like poverty, inequality and global warming collectively, otherwise we will fail to make the meaningful, urgent, change required on this planet we all share.

The USLS is an opportunity to explore the things that matter to you, and to discover how people can work together for positive impact. I went in not knowing what to expect and ended up gaining more than I anticipated.

For me, a key takeaway was the importance of engaging in intercultural dialogue and collaboration. The USLS brought together delegates from dozens of countries to discuss some of the most pressing global issues.

I particularly enjoyed the presentation by Jack Growden, founder and CEO of LiteHause International. Jack demonstrated how an Australian with a simple idea can make a substantive positive impact. As someone who hopes to one day be the founder of a not-for-profit, Jack's story strongly resonated with me.

The USLS conference was a pivotal stepping stone in my professional and personal journey as it gave me the opportunity to be inspired by remarkable speakers and delegates. I was particularly moved by the impactful narratives of speakers like Ifrah Ahmed, whose endlessly emotional fight against ritual female genital mutilation was unforgettable. Her journey and strength will forever stay with me, serving as a constant reminder to be agents of change despite the challenges we encounter.

I found the USLS to be a powerful reminder of the capabilities our young generation has. It was fantastic getting to meet so many passionate people who were truly committed to tackling different societal and environmental problems.

Being able to contribute to the local community during Kindness Day at the USLS was truly a life-changing moment for me. I helped paint the floors and walls at a local school. The school children were really excited and gave us hand-written cards that I brought back home. This experience really made me realise how a little kindness goes a long way.

My advice I would give to students considering applying is, be open! I had little knowledge about sustainability issues before I attended the symposium, but I still learned valuable lessons from this journey because I was willing to learn and ask questions.

The USLS provided a transformative experience, particularly through the insights gained from keynote speakers leading social organisations. Their narratives underscored a fundamental realisation: these individuals, once ordinary like us, embarked on journeys from humble beginnings. Their enduring commitment and hard work, over the years, facilitated tangible societal change. This revelation reinforced the belief that with unwavering determination, the prospect of creating positive change becomes attainable when one dedicates heart and mind to the cause.

I highly recommend the USLS to fellow students for its unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded peers globally. The networking possibilities are immense, with diverse activities fostering connections that transcend borders. Moreover, information desks and workshops provided valuable knowledge about the United Nations, and opened doors to various opportunities post-graduation.