Prepping for the November 2024 Commonwealth Student Government Summit, the organisers – the Commonwealth Students’ Association (CSA) – paid a visit to Limkokwing University to exchange views on a number of topics surrounding student empowerment.
Discussions revolved around the importance of student governance, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and the development of leadership skills in an increasingly interconnected world. The Summit, to be held from 15-17 November 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, will bring student leaders from 56 nations across the Commonwealth to discuss key issues and explore the crucial role of student leaders and the Commonwealth in navigating a rapidly changing world.
Limkokwing University’s multicultural campus, known for its innovative education approach and strong international student community, provided an ideal backdrop for discussions on global student leadership and collaboration.
The Commonwealth team engaged in a series of meetings and interactive sessions with various stakeholders at the university. The CSA representatives shared insights into the upcoming summit’s objectives, emphasising the importance of student voices in shaping policies that affect their educational experiences and prospects. They also outlined the CSA’s mission to empower and encourage students to have a coordinated voice in decision-making processes within the Commonwealth.
The visit also served as a platform for discussing potential collaborations between Limkokwing University and the CSA. Ideas were exchanged on how the university could contribute to the upcoming summit, possibly by hosting workshops or providing logistical support. This collaborative spirit underscored the shared commitment to fostering a new generation of globally-minded leaders, a mission in which the university and the CSA are deeply invested.
The CSA was established in 2012 at the 18th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers in Mauritius, where student leaders convened to discuss pressing education issues and their role in the Commonwealth education sector. The organisation’s primary objectives are to promote unity among student organisations in Commonwealth countries, safeguard the rights of Commonwealth students, and contribute actively to developing student movements. The CSA strives to create an environment for student unions and movements to build their respective and collective capacities and to advocate for themselves freely.
The Commonwealth Student Government Summit, held every two years, represents a unified platform for student leaders and student-led organisations across the Commonwealth nations.
This visit highlighted the vital role that institutions like Limkokwing University play in nurturing the next generation of global leaders. The success of this visit bodes well for the Commonwealth Student Government Summit, promising a gathering that will be both enlightening and transformative for student leaders across the Commonwealth. As the world continues to face unprecedented challenges, cultivating strong, diverse, and collaborative student leadership has never been more crucial, and institutions like Limkokwing University are at the forefront of this mission.
