Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2019

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INTERNATIONAL YOUNG LEADERS FORUM

In November 2018, Brisbane Girls Grammar School hosted the 10th, and final, International Young Leaders Forum (IYLF). The School welcomed Principals and delegates from Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore, China and Brisbane to the Forum, the theme of which was Shared Futures . Founded in 2008, the one-week Forum encouraged student leaders to discuss relevant global issues prominent throughout the world, and to interact, work and develop new networks with delegates from other schools in the Asia-Pacific region. Girls Grammar’s delegates—Matisse Black (11H), Fiona Brown (11G), Gia Cayas (11G), Abbey Grice (11E), Claire Saggers (11O), Matina Samios (11W), Saee Sane (11O) and Isabella Sneddon (11E)— researched and shared their perspectives on sustainability, health and equality, presenting strategies and solutions on how to achieve a fairer future by 2030. All delegates enjoyed a week of collaboration, deep- thinking and cultural exploration, using the Design Thinking process to deepen their understanding of the Forum’s theme. With a focus on creating a sustainable future, students learned and reflected on changes of rapid regional transformation, the influence of technology on creating a healthier and more sustainable future, and the shared responsibility of creating a better future.

Origami cranes featuring the IYLF 2018 logo

Ms Caterina Sullivan, Founder of the Global Goals Australia Campaign and Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Sustainability Consultants, shared with students her experience of entrepreneurship and working to improve economic, social and environmental sustainability. Ms Sullivan worked with students to develop their passion for creating positive change by establishing a structured plan to realise their vision. The Forum also offered a unique and memorable learning opportunity for delegates, who fostered new friendships as they undertook and reflected upon presentations and explored Brisbane’s educational and cultural attractions. Girls Grammar delegate, Gia Cayas (11G), said the highlight of the Forum was being able to interact, work with and learn from a group of intelligent, forward- thinking and creative students from around the world. ‘Working with students from different backgrounds, with different perspectives, I learned that people’s views on global issues are strongly affected by their culture and working with the other students thoroughly helped in the development of my leadership skills,’ she said. IYLF 2019 would not have been possible without the significant contributions of staff, students and volunteers. Thank you to all who supported the Forum.

IYLF Delegates, Gia Cayas (11G) and Matisse Black (11H) at the Forum

All delegates to the IYLF 2018, principals and staff

GRAMMAR GAZETTE