The Global Young Leaders Conference

When thinking about GYLC a few words spring to mind; memorable, unforgettable and inspirational. Sure these words may be thrown at everything, but they fulfil their true meaning at GYLC as it justly deserves them.

GYLC, which stands for the Global Young Leaders Conference, is a life-changing event where a group of scholars from around the world meet to experience the roles of world leaders in many areas, ranging from humanitarian issues to territorial claims, so that they may further understand the importance of leadership and use this skill in their native lands. In addition to this, our leadership opportunities were blended with visits to major historic and entertaining sites to further enrich our experience over the 2 weeks involved.

The conference began in Washington DC where we stayed for a week. Upon arrival at the luxurious Sheraton Hotel, we were assigned countries which we would later represent in motivating challenges where our leadership skills were tested and met our new group members, who would later become our best friends.

During our stay in Washington DC, we met leaders at the commanding heights of their fields such as Ms. Silvero from The World Bank, Mr. Clements from the US Department of State and representatives from UNICEF, the Mercy Corps and other aid organisations. Moreover, we were given the chance to see numerous historic sites such as the White House, Union Station, the Pentagon and several museums and memorials.

Not forgetting, though, the reason that we were there, this first week involved three challenges to show our capabilities. The first was to express our own culture and country by means of objects, photos and music. The second was the first of our group assignments, where we set up our own World Trade Organisation (WTO) in each group and debated the use of fair play among large civil aircraft. Our third project was the first to involve the country we represented, where we made a resolution about who should have authority of the Spratly Islands. All of these tasks helped us demonstrate our ability to think decisively and constructively in a formal and productive manner.

Upon departure of Washington we set out to New York with a pit-stop in Philadelphia. Whilst in Philadelphia we discovered the very important Independence Hall, which is where the USA was first ‘designed’.

New York was an incredibly different but still enriching city. Here we saw the modernisation of the world with visits to the United Nations, Ellis Island and the Guggenheim Museum alongside going to Times Square, 5th and 7th Avenue and a Broadway show.

During our week in New York we embarked on one massive task, a simulation of a real UN general meeting in the UN itself discussing ten extremely different topics whilst representing our assigned country! To finish it all off we spent an awesome time on a night cruise down the Hudson River. It was a time to truly reflect on the great times we had with our new friends whilst seeing the Statue of Liberty lit up.

This is a trip which I would certainly recommend to anyone in Year 11 or 12 to take, whether you want to work in business, finance, politics, media or just simply want to expand your horizons, this is a must for you.

By Pejhmon Kamaie