Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Leaders in the making
By Ishani Ranasinghe
A room filled with a group of students who would usually be joking around teasing each other takes on a different stance; each student is a dignitary tasked with representing the best of his/her nation. Now imagine that you face a global crisis affecting the citizens of your country as well as citizens of the countries represented by each of the individuals in the room. You have the opportunity to set aside your differences and understand what is at stake, using teamwork to overcome this global crisis. As the future leaders of our world, it is the duty of these youngsters to do so. As their website stated this is precisely what the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) was created to do. As they put it, “Inspire today’s young leaders to become tomorrow’s stars.”

GYLC students represent the world’s best in academics and leadership. This year the Congressional Youth Leadership Council brought exceptional young men and women to Washington, D.C. and New York City, where they prepared for the global challenges and responsibilities of the future.

Nineteen-year-old Fadhil Bakeer Markar was one of the three chosen from Sri Lanka to be a part of this year’s GYLC. A past student of Ananda College and Asian International School, Fadhil simply says the whole experience was excellent. During the course of the twelve days at the GYLC, he explains, they had different simulations with regard to the commissions they chose to be in. “I was in the Human Rights Commission talking about the refugee crisis.” He was also one of the eight students chosen for the Global Summit, which was held at the UN.

Admitting that this kind of exposure was really good for individuals his age, he felt that the exchange of ideas that took place during the conference was very productive. Planning on continuing his studies along the lines of International Relations he feels that this experience will definitely help him. “I met a lot of people and made a lot of contacts, which I know will be good for me,” he says adding that he has made life long friends. As for his experience, “The culture there was amazing and I really loved the tour we got on Amnesty International.”

Chintaka Perera another delegate who was part of the conference interjects, “I liked the tour we got of the Holocaust Museum.” Recalling his visit he says the best thing was the comments book, which was at the end of the museum. When asked to tell us a bit about himself he looks thoughtful for a moment and says, “Myself…hmm… that’s a bit tough. I don’t know.” After a while he tells us that he was a past student of S. Thomas’ Preparatory School and Asian International School. He admits he was more of an academic person who was also a bit into drama.

On a serious note he says he can see most of the participants ending up as diplomats or politicians in their respective countries. Representing United Kingdom, his focus at the conference was ‘Peace and Security’. “This is what I was interested in and I feel that our vision of peace broadened.” Having met a lot of people he recalls how at first there was a bit of a culture shock, but “I did end up making quite a few friends.” He adds laughing that if he ever goes anywhere in the world, accommodation is the one thing he won’t have to worry about.

Reluctant at first to attend the conference, Chintaka now feels glad that he did end up going. “At first I was doubtful because of the money involved. Fadhil and I are very grateful to our sponsors.”

Having celebrated his birthday during the conference, and as a result suffered a bit of embarrassment thanks to his friends, Chamindra Goonawardena was the Vice President of the Political Commision. “Because of this I was able to go around and listen to everyone’s views,” he says adding that there were interesting perspectives and opinions coming together. He believes this kind of thing helps people to get used to any sort of a negotiation situation and learn how to handle things. Admitting that it was nice to see people from different backgrounds coming together he adds, “At the end of the day you learn how to respect someone’s opinion while you have your own opinion about things.”

The GYLC encourages diplomatic skills daily, builds confidence and enhances decision-making skills in an exciting atmosphere of challenge and fun but most of all it also offers unique opportunities to explore cultural diversity first hand. “We really did experience different cultures,” they all say. “I learnt to do the Salsa,” adds Chamindra while Chintaka has learnt the Macarena. “I also sang ‘My Heart Will Go On’, for the first time in my life,” he says and looking at my bemused expression he explains, “It was the theme song for my group.”

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