2023 Peace, Security, and Prosperity Conference

In February 2023, I was invited to volunteer at the Peace, Security, and Prosperity Conference in Catania, Italy. This conference aimed to gather diverse perspectives from nations on both sides of the war and marked the 80th anniversary of the World War II Allied Landings in Sicily. However, the palpable tension among attendees from various cultures and ethnicities, along with a language barrier for many Sicilian locals, highlighted the need for an inclusive, trusting environment where all voices could be heard.

As part of the hospitality team, I actively sought to bridge these divides. Firstly, I implemented the idea to display all participating nations' flags at equal height, visually symbolizing unity and a shared purpose in learning from this historic conference. This seemingly simple gesture sparked conversations and fostered a sense of belonging among attendees. Secondly, recognizing the language barrier, I used my knowledge of  Italian to assist local guests, making announcements and facilitating introductions. This enabled them to contribute fully to discussions and feel acknowledged within the predominantly English-speaking environment. My impact fostered a humble curiosity and intercultural interaction that enabled complete collaboration of diverse, lesser-known perspectives in a welcoming environment.

I plan to incorporate this experience into my personal life and career. I will foster a curious, creative, and innovative global community, championing initiatives that prioritize inclusivity. I see myself as an experienced, collaborative facilitator, building vibrant communities where all perspectives are valued, lesser-known stories are heard, and full collaboration yields new wisdom and innovations.