Izah Azahari & Adib Noor
The 18th International School Brunei Borneo Global Issues Conference (ISB BGIC) continued yesterday with a big debate across two forums on resolutions passed during the committee sessions at ISB over the past two days at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.
In each general assembly, forums saw resolutions that came from the committees of Human Rights, Environment, Political and Economic-Social, ranging on topics regarding single use plastic in the medical industry, data privacy legislation, the pandemic infrastructure, mental health support for frontline workers as well as digitising frontline healthcare.
ISB BGIC Secretary-General Rafferty Grant-Perry said, “The core of ISB BGIC is the resolutions that delegates from around Brunei Darussalam work very hard to write. These are 85-line documents which outline methods to address the problems that we face, both at home and abroad. These resolutions answer topic questions relevant to the issues faced by citizens in Brunei Darussalam and around the world.
“During the ISB BGIC, we hope to build the character of the delegates by challenging them to debate and develop a global mindset and encouraging innovative and practical solutions to the problems that are highlighted.”
The resolutions passed with a majority vote in the general assembly represents the voice of almost 300 youth of Brunei Darussalam and these will be shared with the wider community for further discussions and action where possible.
Meanwhile, the ISB BGIC ended with a closing ceremony led by student leaders at the main conference hall of the ICC yesterday.
A total of 21 participating schools were presented with certificates for their commitment to 18th ISB BGIC.
Outstanding participants also received special awards, including most effective delegate.
There was also recognition for the Committee Chairs and the Secretary Generals for the host school, ISB
“A lot of focus at this year’s conference has been about compassion and empathy. Every delegate has shown the ability to not only wait to speak, but to actively listen to other representatives from all over the world; to really hear each other. As a student-led conference, students were assigned various roles to facilitate debate and the smooth running of the conference, such as assistants, press team, floor secretaries and tech leaders. These roles provide a hands-on learning opportunity to develop teamwork, collaboration and awareness of the responsibilities that are part of organising a conference,” said ISB BGIC teacher-in-charge Merrill Grant.
ISB Executive Principal Tony Macfadyen said that he was “absolutely delighted to see students demonstrate leadership, cooperation, and excellent conduct in their roles. They have enabled ISB BGIC to be a conference for students, led by students.
“We are extremely proud of all participants for representing their schools with such positive attitude and effort. We are also grateful to our conference partner, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, for their immense support, which enables ISB BGIC to showcase the youth of Brunei Darussalam in support of Brunei Vision 2035,” he added. The 18th ISB BGIC was sponsored by Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd, Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd, Gleneagles JPMC Sdn Bhd, Dynamik Technologies Sdn Bhd, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam and Butra HeidelbergCement Sdn Bhd, with support from TLT Enterprise, Interhouse Company, Air Cat Logistics Sdn Bhd, D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd, Brunei Press Sdn Bhd and Aewon Garment & Embroidery.
This event is also in support of the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition (Brunei MYCE 2022).
ISB BGIC is an annual student-led conference where participants (delegates) represent countries to address various current, real-world issues.
The initiative is aimed at the development of students’ understanding of global citizenship and critical skills in research, public speaking, diplomacy, and negotiation.
