Lessons in Diplomacy and Ethics: 2024 Global Vision Summit Highlights
The Pacific & Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) is thrilled to highlight the success of the 2024 Global Vision Summit (GVS), where over 130 high school students from across Hawaiʻi gathered to tackle the pressing global challenge of fast fashion’s impact on human lives, the environment, and ethical labor practices.
A Day of Immersive Learning
Participants engaged in a dynamic diplomacy and negotiation simulation inspired by the Rana Plaza tragedy. Taking on roles such as government officials, factory workers, corporate executives, and NGO representatives, students delved into complex discussions to develop actionable solutions for global supply chain ethics, workplace safety, and sustainability.
About the Summit
The 2024 GVS focused on the Rana Plaza building collapse, a devastating 2013 event that claimed over 1,130 lives and exposed the harsh realities of unsafe working conditions in the garment industry. Students immersed themselves in mock countries, companies, and organizations to bring this issue to life, simulating real-world negotiations.
Through keynote presentations, group discussions, and hands-on activities, students explored the complexities of corporate accountability and the global interdependence of supply chains. To learn more, access the simulation materials here.
Understanding Rana Plaza
The Rana Plaza disaster marked the deadliest garment industry tragedy and sparked global reform efforts. Here are some key facts:
Loss of Lives: Over 1,130 deaths and 2,500 injuries.
Ignored Warnings: Cracks in the building were reported a day before the collapse, but workers were forced to return.
Global Reform: Agreements like the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh emerged to improve safety standards.
Catalyst for Change: Agreements like the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh emerged as responses to improve safety standards.
Expand your understanding by exploring these resources:
Documentary on Rana Plaza (Trigger warning: graphic content).
The Rana Plaza Arrangement and the International Accord on Safety.
Event Highlights
Keynote Address
Consul-General Greg Wilcock of the Australian Consulate in Honolulu opened the summit with powerful stories from diverse perspectives, including a garment worker’s struggle, a CEO’s reckoning with ethical dilemmas, and a leader navigating national economic challenges. These narratives set the tone for the day’s immersive activities.
Simulation Outcomes
Students collaborated to draft a Global Vision Summit Contract that mirrored real-world agreements. Highlights included:
See our Key Findings document here for detailed simulation outcomes.
Overall rating of this event
“This was such a fun and educational experience! Thank you for helping us grow as global citizens.”
Facilitators and Sponsors
Mahalo to the experts from organizations such as the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, East-West Center, the University of Hawaiʻi, and others who guided students through this experience. Their expertise made this summit an enriching educational journey.
Participants also shared their gratitude:
“This was such a fun and educational experience! Thank you for helping us grow as global citizens.”
“A special shoutout to my facilitator, who made everything clear and helped me better understand my role.”
My facilitator helped me better understand the situation
Key Learning Outcomes
Students walked away with valuable insights and skills that extend beyond the summit. Here’s what they shared:
Leadership and Advocacy
“At school, I can lead what I believe in and turn my interests into impactful projects.”
Communication Skills
“I feel more confident articulating my ideas and listening to others.”
Conflict Resolution
“Learning to find common ground and compromise was invaluable.”
Critical Thinking
“The simulation deepened my problem-solving skills and understanding of global issues.”
Collaboration
“This experience reinforced my appreciation for teamwork and relationship-building.”
Personal Growth
“It taught me patience and the importance of understanding different perspectives.”
Career Applications
“As someone interested in law, these skills are critical for my future.”
Final Reflections
In Hawaiʻi, our values of mālama—to care for and protect—guide us to prioritize balance and sustainability. These principles, alongside the lessons of this summit, remind us to honor the earth and its people by supporting ethical and sustainable practices.
As philosopher, Henry David Thoreau wrote: “Simplify, simplify, simplify.” And as Coco Chanel wisely noted: “I am not rich enough to buy cheap things.”
By embracing simplicity and sustainability, we can foster a future rooted in fairness and respect. Mahalo to everyone who participated in the 2024 GVS for your commitment to making a difference!
