The annual Round Square International Conference is the most anticipated event on the Round Square Calendar! Student and adult delegates from 250+ schools across 60 countries converge from around the world to share in the week long conference that can only be described as ‘a transformative experience, that leaves an indelible mark on each participant’.
This year, at the 56th Round Square International Conference, hosted by 5 host schools in Bogota, Colombia – Colegio Anglo Colombiano, Colegio Gran Bretaña, Colegio Los Nogales, The English School and Gimnasio Campestre – 662 students and 242 adults created lasting connections, shared diverse perspectives, and witnessed the blooming of a new generation of leaders committed to positive change.
The Theme: "Blooming from the Past" – Building a Better Future
The theme for the 56th Round Square International Conference was “Blooming from the Past” and urged us to understand that, in order to build a better future, it is crucial to acknowledge history. Colombia has worked hard to change its image to ensure that the country and its people are able to harvest a prosperous future. By focusing on theme, “Blooming from the Past,” the aim was to create an experience whereby students can reflect on their roots, learn from the past, and channel those lessons into personal and collective growth.
Keynote Speakers: Inspiring Change through Knowledge and Experience
Riveting Keynote speakers provided food for thought and gave us insights into Colombia’s challenges -both past and present.
Juanita Gobertus, the Director of the Americas Division of Human Rights Watch, has become a prominent figure in Colombia – recognised not only for her legal expertise but also for her unwavering commitment to human rights advocacy, peacebuilding, and environmental sustainability.
Mauricio Cárdenas Santamaría is a renowned Colombian economist, policymaker, and public intellectual with a distinguished career in academia, government service, and international organisations – he spoke about at
Colombia’s financial growth in the 21st Century and discussed the importance of policy reforms to address economic and social issues.
Round Square IDEALS in Action: A Holistic Approach to Learning
The Round Square International Conferences also incorporate the Round Square IDEALS of internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership and service into the wide array of activities planned for student delegates.
Exploring Boyaca: Embracing Local Traditions and Adventure
The middle three days of the conference were spent in Boyaca, up in the Andes mountains, where students and their adults learnt about local traditions – wool workshop, local tradition bell making, gastronomy session making arepas and also built 180 chicken panels for local farmers using the Baharesque technique!
Sustainability and Service: Learning from the Land and Local Communities
Adventure was provided by the 3 km hike (mostly uphill! ) and ziplining activities. The hike provided a glimpse into the mining activities that are degrading the rich flora and fauna of the region. Day 3 was about more environmentalism with demonstrations of goat farming and cheese making while planting 800+ trees to enrich the soil and offset the damage caused by acacia trees.
A Life-Changing Experience: Cultivating Leadership and Global Perspectives
The RSIC challenges students intellectually and experientially, fosters camaraderie that encourages sharing cultural ideology and beliefs and ignites a passion for positive change. It is a life changing experience – one that builds character, confidence and a wider world view!
Yeshwanthpur