THE GLOBAL STUDENT CONVENTION

Day 1 of the Global Student Convention opened with the first panel, “Governance and Policy”, moderated by Ms. Blessings Chilekati, a student leader from Zambia. The panel brought together Mr. Francis Azubuike, AIoL (President of the CSA), Ms. Nalishebo Sinyama (Political Activist), Ms. Princess Acolatse (CSA Vice President — Communications & Research), and Mr. Dennis Chipili (President of ZANASU). The panel explored global governance models that have demonstrated effectiveness and sustainability. Speakers unpacked the complexities of governance within university systems, discussed how young people can transition from advocacy to meaningful policy influence in mainstream politics, and highlighted the role of innovative digital platforms in shaping governance and policy outcomes.

The second panel brought together brilliant minds to explore the intersection of education and sustainable development — examining how learning fuels sustainable development and how students are driving that charge. Discussions centred on how today’s students can drive tomorrow’s solutions, spanning areas from green innovation to social impact.

The final panel of Day 1 explored the theme of Leadership and Activism, focusing on how student voices can move beyond campus conversations to shape policy, governance, and social change at national and international levels. Speakers emphasised that activism is most powerful when it is structured, evidence-driven, and collaborative — turning passion into lasting and meaningful impact.

Day 2 opened with a secondary school debate featuring students from Matero Boys High School and Lusaka Girls Secondary School. The two teams faced off on the motion: “This House would prioritize investment in digital infrastructure over physical classroom expansion.” Both teams delivered compelling, evidence-based arguments, exploring the benefits and challenges of each approach to modern learning and powerfully defending their respective sides of the motion.

The university debate segment featured students from across the higher education space engaging on topics ranging from funding priorities to continental youth parliaments and the future of artificial intelligence in education. The final showdown was contested between Mukuba University and Copperbelt University, debating the motion: “This House believes that Artificial Intelligence should be incorporated into national education curricula.” The debates showcased exceptional insight and innovation from the participating student representatives.