The 20th International School Brunei Borneo Global Issues Conference (ISB BGIC) kicked off on Thursday with a press conference at the ISB campus, introducing this year’s keynote speakers and setting the stage for a significant event focused on Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.
The conference, which runs from October 24 to 27, brings together nearly 250 delegates from 23 schools, including 21 from Brunei Darussalam and two international institutions.
ISB BGIC is hosted by International School Brunei in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Education, supported by Green Brunei and the Prime Minister’s Office.
The four-day event will take place at the International Convention Centre in Berakas, featuring discussions on inclusive and equitable education to support sustainable development.
The press conference introduced keynote speakers Dr Stuart Lawrence, an award-winning public speaker, teacher, and younger brother of Stephen Lawrence, and Linda Cruse, a renowned humanitarian aid worker and founder of Race4Good.
Both speakers are committed to inspiring and empowering youth through their work. Lawrence is known for helping young people unlock their potential regardless of background, while Cruse focuses on disaster relief and sustainable community rebuilding.
Speaking on the significance of the conference’s theme, Dominic Morley, Executive Principal and CEO of ISB, said, “Here at ISB, we strongly believe in investing in human capital and quality education. Hosting BGIC for two decades has allowed us to benefit our youth, our society, and the wider community.
“This year’s theme highlights the role of quality education in improving the global economy, driving sustainable development, and empowering our youth to protect our planet’s future.”
Representatives from Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd, Dayangku Rodzi Pengiran Abdul Rahman and Amir Hamzah bin POKPSDP Haji Abdul Rahman also spoke at the press conference, underscoring the corporate sector’s support for the conference’s goals.
ISB management, ISB BGIC committee members and students were also present at the press conference.
The 20th edition of ISB BGIC holds special significance as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of ISB, a celebration of six decades of inclusive academic excellence.
Over the next few days, students will engage in a Model United Nations-style conference, debating and proposing resolutions on critical issues such as barriers to education, environmental awareness, and digital literacy.
