A fortnight of glimpses into leadership

In June 1998, I represented India at the Global Young Leaders Conference held in Washington D.C. and New York City. The focus of the event was to instil in us a sense of leadership and diplomacy, and evolve a generation of youth which will prefer to battle it out across the table, than to give launch codes to nuclear weapons from underground havens.

The conference was divided into two weeks. The first week, in Washington D.C., was centered on foreign relations. The second half, in New York, focussed on the United Nations, with a side- tracking drift towards trade, finance and economics.

If I had to name one thing that I learnt most, beyond all doubt, I would say it was the ability to listen. I have always had problems listening to others. However, at the conference, if you did not listen, there was no way you could offer a comment. Every person had different views and opinions. With over 350 countries being represented, it meant that there were 350 different views about everything from Margaret Thatcher to Manuel Noriega. One person from the Slovak Republic came up to me and asked me whether I played the game where two disoriented drunkards run between two rectangles with holes in between. That is by far the craziest description of cricket I have come across yet.

We attended lectures by prominent personalities. The most moving speech was that by Hafsat Abiala, daughter of the assassinated Nigerian Democracy activist. She told us her life story, and how her parents had been killed. It is funny how life can take not just twists, but complete hair-pin turns. She urged us to find a cause, not just any cause, but the one closest to your heart, and work towards achieving towards that cause.

As the conference drew to an end, the climax was building up - the Global Summit. Held in the U.N. General Assembly building, it was a simulation of the U.N. in action. We negotiated, argued, tabled and passed 12 resolutions ranging from human rights to intellectual property.

Apart from the intellectual stuff that went on, we had plenty of time to sight-see. Many of our smaller groups went on to different locations within the city. These groups served as a great way for us to interact and make lifelong friends.

The accommodation was extremely comfortable, and the food was wonderful. It was very surprising to see so many vegetarians!

Overall, I doubt whether I will get another experience like this. It was an opportunity I am glad I chose to take up.

VINAYAK NAGARAJ, XII C

Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan S S School, Chennai

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