The Democratic Education Network (DEN) at the University of Westminster hosted the seventh International Student Conference named Just Futures: Sustainability, Inclusivity and Education on 10 May 2024.
This International Student Conference has the unique feature of being organised by students and staff for students, focusing on themes that matter to their realities and the global contexts that they live in. The conference is also an excellent opportunity for undergraduate and postgraduate students from the UK and abroad to present their research and analysis.
This year, the conference included a series of panel sessions on International Relations and Political Economy; Development, Gender and Equality; International Diplomacy, the European Union and NATO; Democratic Engagement in an International Context; Family, Gender and Social Studies; Social Movements and UK Politics. More than 70 students from a wide range of academic disciplines attended.
During the event, 30 students from the University of Westminster, Hanoi University in Vietnam, Kasetsart University in Thailand, Morgan State University in the USA, Westminster International University of Tashkent in Uzbekistan and City Islington College also presented their research and received feedback from their peers.
As part of the International Student Conference, the University of Westminster organised a week of cultural activities featuring lectures on the University's history and field trips to explore London for visiting international students.
The conference also coincided with DEN winning an award for Exceptional Collaboration from City and Islington College. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the outstanding collaboration between the Network and the college and reaffirms DEN’s dedication to upholding high diligence, respect and cooperation standards in their endeavours.
Alina Maksakova, a student on the Law LLB Honours course who participated in the International Student Conference, said: "The conference has prompted me to reflect more deeply on my responsibility as a democratic citizen and how I can play a part in reinforcing democratic ideals."
Dr Farhang Morady, the Academic Director of DEN, said: “This event was a remarkable success in uniting students from the local community college and international universities to demonstrate their collaboration and innovative ideas.”
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability Professor Dibyesh Anand said: “Our ethos as a global university sees students as co-producers of knowledge. We are delighted to see so many students come from different parts of the world to share their ideas and be in conversation on issues like sustainable development, diversity and inclusion, education and global challenges.”
This initiative directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about the University of Westminster’s Global Engagement strategies.
