28/07/2026
We welcomed our first audience from outside Belgium! 🙌
A group of Irish students, winners of the debate competition, explored the topic of global citizenship through an interactive keynote by Yelena Bouckaert.
Having spent several months abroad, both as a student and as a professional, Yelena shared her personal reflections on what it means to be a global citizen.
She associated three key qualities with global citizenship:
1️⃣ Curiosity
Global citizenship starts next door, not far away. You don't have to travel to be curious about other cultures and life stories, the unknown is all around you. Sometimes it just takes the courage to talk to someone you see every day and to ask who they are and what they value.
2️⃣ Humility
The more you discover, the smaller you feel. Travelling taught Yelena how much is still out there and how small a part of it she is. But feeling small isn't about hiding from the world, it's what lets you reach out and connect.
3️⃣ Groundedness
Every global citizen needs a warm nest. Studying or working abroad is energising and enriching, but everyone needs to come home from time to time and feel connected to their roots. Being a global citizen means learning about others while also affirming your own identity and the values you hold.
To conclude, Yelena emphasised that human connection is essential to nurturing these three qualities and, ultimately, to becoming a global citizen.
