This year’s Humanitarian Affairs Asia Global Peace Summit brought together 400 young leaders from around the world — including three students from Trinity Western University.
Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand earlier this year, Zach Galloway, Gabrielle Goh, and Marko Zolotarov from TWU joined delegates from 45 countries gathering under the conference theme, “A World Together.”
Galloway explains that the conference was for young emerging leaders with the purpose of equipping them to lead positive social change.
At the conference, they learned from a host of inspiring speakers—including founders of think tanks, human rights activists, former government advisors, and champions of peace and reconciliation working in some of the world’s most challenging conflict situations.
Through learning from what their predecessors have been doing in the areas of peacebuilding and social development, conference attendees were able to appreciate the progress made and envision what more could be done.
“It is very encouraging to see young people who care where the world is going, because as young Christian leaders we are called to make a difference in this world.”
Shared hopes bring global delegates together
Galloway recalls the energy of meeting like-minded others who share his commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices. As the founder of an independent newspaper, he works to create platforms where students can share their unique stories.
“It was inspiring to see that so many other people are doing what I’m trying to do as well,” says Galloway, who is pursuing a major in psychology with a certificate in human services.
One of Galloway’s most memorable experiences at the conference was speaking with a former U.S. government advisor to the Obama administration, whose experiences provided affirmation and inspiration for some of Galloway's own work.
Most of all, Galloway experienced firsthand that people around the world were far more similar to himself than media portrayals of global conflicts often suggest. "I met so many people who are just like me," he reflects. "Their lives aren't defined by conflict. It was humbling to realize that they were simply wonderful human beings, sharing the same hopes and concerns as anyone else."
“Everyone had different perspectives... and our discussions were vibrant because of the dynamic.”
Faith informs global relations
Zolotarov, a two-time delegate to the Global Peace Summit, is passionate about making a difference in the world. The conference provided him the opportunity to speak about peace from his perspective as a Ukrainian living in Canada.
As a political studies major at Trinity Western, Zolotarov integrates Christian values into his approach to diplomacy. His academic journey has included parliamentary internship experiences at the Laurentian Leadership Centre, equipping him for his interests in the diplomatic field after graduation.
Zolotarov lives out his philosophy by speaking on his experiences with peace and conflict, initiating conversations with students from around the world, and taking up opportunities to make a positive difference.
“We were proactive in connecting with people, seeking to 'be the light' in practical ways,” Zolotarov shares, noting that the openness of TWU students attracted interest and positive responses from other delegates.
Networking across viewpoints
Goh, who is majoring in international studies, experienced the value of networking among people from diverse backgrounds. “Everyone had different perspectives,” she recalled. “No one had the same point of view, and our discussions were vibrant because of the dynamic.”
With plenty of opportunities to interact, Goh connected with students from many countries including Greece, Italy, and Australia. She was impressed by witnessing how people from nations traditionally opposed could make cooperative connections, adding, “It was beautiful to see, and it shaped my perspective on peace.”
Coming out from the conference, Goh is continuing to develop a mindset of peacebuilding.
“It only takes a few of us to really make a difference,” she recalls learning. Together with 400 young summit delegates and the many inspiring conference speakers, several of whom were survivors of war and trauma, they heard the message, “There can be reconciliation. It’s not just about power and politics. Humans have this other side that is capable of peace.”
“The future could be different."
Becoming global peace ambassadors
Returning from the Global Peace Summit, delegates have begun a year-long internship as global peace ambassadors.
Zolotarov believes that their work can inspire other students.
“We hope to encourage students to take steps and be curious about how they can make a positive social impact for the causes they care about,” he remarks. In addition to attending conferences, students at TWU have the opportunity to travel, take up internships in Ottawa, or conduct research under faculty mentors.
“It is very encouraging to see young people who care where the world is going,” he concludes, “Because as young Christian leaders we are called to make a difference in this world.”
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.