Global Vision Summit- Nuclear Diplomacy and Peacebuilding- Let the Youth Lead the Way!

Monday, December 4, 2023
Held on Saturday, December 2nd, at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's Campus Center Ballroom, the Global Vision Summit (GVS) 2023 brought together 177 students from 21 schools across three Hawaiian islands for an immersive exploration into the realm of "Nuclear Diplomacy." The event aimed to empower students with the knowledge and skills required to comprehend and navigate the complexities of nuclear power and multi-lateral negotiations.
 
Participants had the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of diplomats, journalists, activists, or peacekeepers, engaging directly with seasoned professionals such as former U.S. Ambassadors, Foreign Service diplomats, and faculty from the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. The summit also welcomed print and television media professionals, providing students with diverse perspectives on the intricate issues surrounding nuclear diplomacy.
 
 
Roya Dennis, PAAC’s High School Global Education Program Director, expressed the organization's commitment to preparing Hawaiʻi's youth for a globally interconnected world. "Our aim is to empower students with the knowledge and skills to understand and navigate the complex world of Nuclear power and multi-lateral negotiations." 
 
The summit featured a rich lineup of speakers and facilitators, including journalists, local news anchors, diplomats, advocates, and esteemed faculty from the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies and UH Mānoa Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs. The presence of staff and fellows from the East-West Center and Pacific Forum added depth to the discussions, providing valuable insights into the geopolitical landscape.
 
Two distinguished keynote speakers graced the event: Harrison Kim, Associate Professor at the University of Hawaiʻi, shared deep insights into East Asian studies, while David J. Ranz, Senior Foreign Policy Advisor at the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, brought a wealth of knowledge in international policy-making. Their addresses captivated the audience, offering profound perspectives on the themes of the summit.
 
In alignment with PAAC's mission to foster global-minded leaders, GVS 2023 was made possible through the support of generous sponsors. The event, open to high school students from public, private, and charter schools, was offered free of charge. Optional donations were welcomed to support PAAC's mission, ensuring that future generations of young leaders have the opportunity to attend the Global Vision Summit. 
 
Our Global Vision Summit remains a cornerstone of PAAC's efforts to equip Hawaiʻi's youth with the global perspectives and skills needed for leadership in an interconnected world.
 
Check out this fun write up by Hawaiʻi Technology Academy, Waipahu, students about what they learned and scroll down to see the mahalos an learnings from our students.
 

Mahalos and Learning from our Students!