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Commonwealth Student Governance Summit 2024

The Role of Student Government in Achieving SDG 4 in the Commonwealth

1. Background and Objectives

The Commonwealth Students’ Association (CSA), in collaboration with the Commonwealth Youth Innovation Hub and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, is excited to announce the upcoming Commonwealth Student Government Summit (CSGS) to be held from November 15 to 17, 2024. This three-day summit will serve as a platform for fostering collaboration and dialogue on student governance among student leaders hailing from the Commonwealth nations. 

With a network spanning 39 national student organisations (NSOs) and student unions (SUs) worldwide, the CSA is committed to advocating for the recognition of student representative bodies and their crucial role as stakeholders in education. As part of this commitment, the CSA endeavors to promote student governance, bolster leadership capacities, and amplify student advocacy efforts.

In line with these objectives, the CSGS aims to gather student leaders from across the Commonwealth realm for a dynamic weekend to be held at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Selangor, Malaysia. Through workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities, the summit seeks to empower youth voices, strengthen student governance structures, and catalyze positive change within the Commonwealth community.

1.1  Objectives

The objectives for the CSGS are:

  • Facilitate conversations that will lead to the inclusion of students in overall decision-making and policy implementation in the Commonwealth.
  • Provide networking, capacity development and leadership training opportunities to participants.
  • Address issues that hinder organized student representation in the Commonwealth.
  • Promote cross-cultural and intra-regional cooperation on cross-cutting student issues.

1.2 Outcomes

Following the summit, these are the outcomes the summit will achieve:

  • Publication of a joint declaration outlining shared commitments and action plans.
  • Identification of key projects or initiatives to be collectively pursued by participating student governments.
  • The commissioning of at least one Steering Committee to start a new NSO in a country where none exists.
  • Facilitate the review and adoption of the Commonwealth Student Government Integrity Declaration and the Commonwealth Student Safety and Security Agreement.

 

2. Participation and Organisation of the CSGS

To ensure inclusive representation of Commonwealth student leaders, the summit aims to bring together a diverse group of 200 attendees. This includes 100 students from Malaysia, 50 from other Commonwealth nations in Asia, and 50 from other regions within the Commonwealth.

The organizing team for the CSGS will consist of a combination of experienced professionals and student leaders from Malaysia, along with representatives from the broader CSA network.

The roster of speakers will include relevant government officials from across the Commonwealth, as well as representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international bodies.

The summit will be held in its entirety at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, located in Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

The organizing team will set up the student registration site by September 15, 2024.

Students will be responsible for booking their own accommodations. However, discounted rates will be offered at two recommended partner hotels. Shuttle services will be provided to and from the venue at three scheduled times each morning and afternoon during the period of the summit.

The organizers will also provide coffee breaks, lunch, and a gala dinner during the summit.

3. CSGS topics

During the four days, students are expected to actively participate in the summit and the subsequent plenary sessions. The list of topics below outlines the discussions to be facilitated at each plenary session:

  • Student Empowerment and Leadership:
      1. Exploring avenues to empower and amplify the voices of young leaders in digital advocacy and online activism.
      2. Discussing leadership skills, mentorship, and fostering a culture of inclusivity.
      3. Understanding legal frameworks and policies that can protect student representatives from external pressures.
  • Solutions to Issues in Education and the Labour Market:
      1. Proposing solutions to Brain Drain, Teacher Shortage, Skills Mismatch
      2. Examining the Business Processing Outsourcing, Textile and Tourism industries (wages, social protections and working conditions) 
      3. Addressing student mental health (SDG 3)
      4. Access to education for women and girls (SDG10); ending child marriage and gender-based violence
  • SDG16:
      1. Examining the role of student governments in promoting sustainable practices in peace building (SDG16)
      2. Collaborating on initiatives to address climate change, environmental concerns
  • Social Justice and Inclusion:
      1. Discussing strategies to address social inequalities and promote inclusivity, including the right to a safe and healthy environment.
      2. Examining the role of institutions of higher learning in combating violent extremism, racial and ethnic division, child marriage and gender based violence.
      3. Sharing experiences in implementing policies that champion human rights and justice.
      4. Promoting the Commonwealth Student Safety and Security Agreement and the Commonwealth Student Government Integrity Declaration.
  • Cultural Exchange and Understanding:
    1. Promoting cross-cultural dialogue to foster mutual understanding.
    2. Celebrating diversity and exploring the role of cultural exchange in shaping global citizens.