The University of Westminster hosted the eighth annual Democratic Education Network (DEN) International Student Conference along with the Seven Days Summer School for international students. These events saw students from local colleges, universities, alumni, academics and partners from around the world discuss the impact of education as a way of breaking down barriers and supporting communities.
The events took place on Westminster’s Little Titchfield Street site on 9 May. The Conference, titled Inclusive Education for Global Change: Student Engagement in Sustainable Development, aimed to celebrate youth innovation, global perspectives and inclusive education in action, empowering students to help solve pressing global issues.
Students led a series of presentations and panel discussions tackling issues such as climate justice, gender equity, decolonisation, technological innovation, sustainability, social justice and migration. These sessions critically examined systemic inequalities and offered original, student-driven solutions.
The Conference also fostered meaningful connections among students, colleagues and international partners. These interactions promoted cross-cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange, laying the foundation for ongoing global collaborations.
As part of the broader programme, the Seven Days Summer School served as an extension of the DEN Conference, providing international students with four days of workshops, field trips and cultural activities during their time in London. This immersive experience complemented the academic discussions with real-world engagement, offering students a deeper understanding of London’s diverse communities and the practical applications of inclusive education.
The Conference also organised a range of cultural activities featuring live poetry, storytelling, music performances and visual exhibitions which brought lived experiences and diverse perspectives to life. These cultural expressions highlighted the power of art in preserving memory and driving social change.
The main event of the day was the launch of the seventh annual DEN Book, a student-led publication co-created by Westminster students and its global partner institutions such as Westminster International University in Tashkent, Kasetsart University in Thailand and Hanoi University in Vietnam. The book showcases diverse student research, poetry, personal narratives and visual art, demonstrating the network’s collaborative spirit and shared commitment to inclusive education.
The Conference represented a significant milestone for DEN as it brought together student participants from Vietnam, Turkey, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and numerous other countries. Their collective engagement created a dynamic learning environment, enriched by cross-cultural insights and global perspectives.
The DEN is a student-focused initiative at Westminster that empowers students to engage both locally and globally. It helps students build transferable skills and find work and promotes awareness of London’s diverse communities. The network is embedded in the curriculum and collaborates with the Centre for Education and Teaching Innovation (CETI) and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) programmes.
Dr Farhang Morady, the Academic Director of DEN, said: “This conference is more than an event; it is a living example of the power of education and students' voices when it is a collective journey. It was an incredible experience to watch young people from various parts of the world unite to speak, reflect and co-develop ideas for a brighter future.”
Michelle Mohaimen, a student on the Politics and International Relations BA Honours course, added: “The Summer School Conference was truly transformative. It helped me grow personally and academically. I gained confidence, became a published author and found strength in discussing issues that matter to my community. Most importantly, I built lasting friendships and discovered new academic and professional opportunities through DEN’s inspiring platform.”
Mai Que Anh, a student from Hanoi University, added: “My experience at DEN's Summer School and the Conference showed me how cultural collaboration and dialogue can lead to significant solutions for common problems. It provided me with a transformative opportunity to present my ideas to an international audience, which boosted my confidence in sharing my voice in global discussions.”
This initiative directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about the University of Westminster’s Global Engagement strategies.
Read more reflective blogs from students in the DEN’s online magazine, Inside Westminster.
