December 11, 2023 — The ASK-Y 2023 sessions have emerged as a cornerstone for engaging discourse on pivotal global issues. This week, the cohort engaged in a reflective examination of previous sessions.

Alissa Yanik-Woods initiated the dialogue, emphasizing the transformative potential of education. Participants delved into the intricate interplay of education, conflict, and e-learning, emphasizing the digital divide and the imperative to safeguard teachers' rights. François de Navacelle provided a nuanced summary, elucidating the complex dynamics between technology and conflict in the digital era. Building upon prior discussions, he presented diverse perspectives on conflict, dissecting the intricacies of inevitability, tactics, and legal justifications.

Shifting focus to the critical theme of sustainability in the third and fourth sessions, participants highlighted invaluable mentorship opportunities that facilitated networking and offered insights into sustainable practices. Ignacio Barroso Gómez recapped the enlightening agenda with Professor Daniel Pinkston, addressing challenges and proposing action steps for a renewed approach to sustainable development. Edwyna Kurniawan shed light on the session featuring H.E. Michelle Winthrop, who captivated the cohort with an in-depth exploration of the imperative of sustainability. With COP28 on the horizon, her discourse on gender equality and individual responsibility underscored the contemporary urgency of sustainability.

The ASK-Y sessions were complemented by a thought-provoking podcast, where Jevon Dixon introduced Professor Mason Richey and delved into the expansive realm of diplomacy in the digital age while addressing both its opportunities and challenges. Zumaro Zumaro brought attention to the cutting-edge topic of quantum computing and its intersection with diplomacy, emphasizing its transformative potential for security cooperation and communication. This discussion underscored the urgency for informed data analysis, international collaboration, and the development of secure quantum computing infrastructure.

The sessions of ASK-Y 2023 showcase the strength of collaborative exploration and the pursuit of knowledge in shaping a more knowledgeable and interconnected global community.

2023 Panel Sessions and Topics