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.
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.
Inside the Secret World of Zara
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. They grounded the simulation in the reality of human lives and diverse perspectives, reminding participants of the complexity and urgency of the issues at hand.
Simulation Outcomes
Students collaborated to draft a Global Vision Summit Contract that mirrored real-world agreements. See our Key Findings document here for detailed simulation outcomes. Special Mahalo to Carol Li for her excellent work as the rapporteur, capturing student ideas, and drafting this summary. Student work demonstrated a remarkable grasp of the challenges faced in real-world diplomacy and negotiation.
Highlights included:
Event Feedback
“This was such a fun and educational experience! Thank you for helping us grow as global citizens.”
Overall rating of this event
My facilitator helped me better understand the situation
Facilitators, Volunteers and Sponsors
We extend our deepest gratitude to the professionals who guided students through this experience. Experts from the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, East-West Center, The Pacific Forum, The University of Hawaiʻi, Shanti Alliance, The Australian Consulate in Honolulu, Maui Council, and esteemed Board Members and retired U.S. ambassadors lent their expertise in navigating conflict and finding pathways to cooperation. Review our program here and learn about our amazing facilitators, volunteers, and the sponsors that brought this event to life.
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.”
Key Learning Outcomes
Students walked away with valuable insights and skills that extend beyond the summit. These responses showcase the broad impact of diplomatic and negotiation skills, highlighting their value in leadership, communication, problem-solving, and personal development across various contexts.
Here’s what students 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
“Learning to listen really helps problem-solving skills and allows for deeper thinking."
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. Limited resources instill an understanding of balance and sustainability, values we can apply to our lives and industries, including fashion. 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.”
These insights remind us to prioritize quality, fairness, and sustainability over excess and materialism. By embracing simplicity and sustainability, we can foster a future rooted in fairness and respect for people and planet.
Mahalo to everyone who participated in the 2024 GVS for your commitment to making a difference!
