Global
Global – Voices Across Borders
DEN Global connects students across borders as co-producers of knowledge. Through international collaboration, students engage in research, present at global conferences, and contribute to debates on sustainability, AI, and global development.
“From Tashkent to London: My Journey to the DEN Conference”
Negina Esanova thought back to the time she spent at the DEN Conference in London representing Westminster International University Tashkent. She shared her research findings, which not only boosted her confidence in speaking but also gave her opportunities to engage with the other students from various cultural backgrounds. This particular encounter highlights the significant role played by the DEN in fostering student collaboration. The examples such as this highlight the SDGs in particular, targeting goals 4 (quality education), 16 (peace and justice) and 17 (partnerships) by creating networking opportunities and leadership prospects for students hailing from Uzbekistan, the United States of America and countries like Thailand and Vietnam.
“Performing in front of quite a large audience, I did not feel nervous — I knew I came here with a definite purpose to enlighten other scholars.”
Read Nigina’s blog here
“From Hanoi to London: My First Journey Abroad with DEN”
Vu Huong Thao, a student from Vietnam, describes her initial experience of presenting at DEN’s Annual Conference in London. Thao describes how DEN created an environment where she gained confidence to express herself through her circular economy presentation while learning to overcome stage fright before connecting with international peers. The student demonstrates how students can connect their local work to worldwide sustainability targets through SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
“DEN is where you can say whatever you think – without fear of being judged.”
Read her blog here
“Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone: My DEN Experience in London”
Punyaphorn Ratanakitpaisan, a student from Kasetsart University in Bangkok, describes her first DEN conference experience in London. She was able to develop herself academically, together with international friendships and cultural understanding, and created lasting memories. Through her journey, Punyaphorn demonstrates the authentic global essence of DEN, which uses learning and courage to achieve SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Through her experience, she developed both self-assurance to express herself and determination to study diplomacy and global politics, and skills to transform obstacles into positive aspects.
“This experience gave me not only knowledge, but also friendship, courage, and unforgettable memories.”
Read her blog here
“Finding My Voice Through DEN – Mistee Barrett”
Mistee Barrett, who studied Politics and International Relations at university, shares how DEN supported her during her academic years. Through DEN, Mistee found a nurturing community that allowed her to grow as she co-edited publications, travelled to Thailand, and managed her health issues.
The experience helped Mistee develop self-assurance to discover her voice while she built determination to study diplomacy and global politics and learned to convert obstacles into personal strengths.
Mistee demonstrates the core values of SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
“DEN changed everything. It gave me a supportive academic and professional community and made my university experience richer, more meaningful, and more connected.”
Read more: Mistee’s interview – Resilience, Belonging, and Reimagining Education
