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Unisa student leader joins global summit on sustainable leadership

The Unisa National Student Representative Council's Treasurer General, Nokuthula Mathonsi, recently attended the 2024 Student Leader Global Summit at the University of Pretoria. This momentous event, hosted by the International Association of Student Affairs and Services (IASAS) on the theme "Empowering tomorrow: Sustainable leadership for global context", brought together student leaders from across the globe to empower them towards exploring strategies for addressing global challenges, and to develop skills and knowledge to create a sustainable future.

IASAS is a global organisation formed to unite professionals who support students' success by providing housing, academic assistance, sports and cultural activities to create conditions for university life and help develop and harness each student's potential.

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Nokuthula Mathonsi


Leading in a rapidly changing world

The focus of this year's theme centred on adopting sustainable practices in decision-making processes that consider environmental, social and economic impacts while leading organisations towards a future where people and the planet coexist harmoniously, including storytelling as a means for effective leadership and communication, cross-cultural collaborations in addressing global issues, and, in addition, exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can be harnessed to enhance leadership capabilities, streamline decision-making processes and drive innovative solutions in student organisations, among other focus areas.

Mathonsi explained that besides being a significant eye-opener, "the summit was an experience filled with learning, growth and cultural exchange". She emphasised that this year's theme aligned with the challenges and opportunities student leaders face today in a rapidly changing world.

"One of the key topics discussed during the workshop was one presented by Sustainable Development Solutions Network Manager, Priscilla Morley, seasoned in socio-economic and community development practices," affirmed Mathonsi, adding that her presentations guided them through the intricacies of developing and implementing practical leadership skills. "This approach," she adds, "allowed us to reflect deeply on our personal experiences and understand how these narratives can shape our leadership styles. Analysing our journeys gave us valuable insights into how our backgrounds influence our decisions and interactions."


Strength in unity

Mathonsi remarked that a particularly impactful part of the summit was the training on sustainable student leadership, presented by Dr Kathleen Callahan, the founder of Student Leader Global Summit (SLGS). She states that Callahan emphasised the importance of being fully present and engaged at all times, adding: "She demonstrated that effective leadership is not about being the lone hero, working in silos, but adopting principles of sharing responsibilities and working cohesively as a team. This hands-on activity underscored the significance of collaboration and the strength that lies in unity. It was a powerful reminder that the victories we achieve are collective and that empowering our team members is crucial for sustained success and the importance of having values as leaders."

The highlight feature towards the end of the summit, says Mathonsi, was a thought-provoking presentation by AI Strategy and Integration expert Simone Zanetti, titled "What does the future hold? Bringing AI into leadership", This session, she adds, "delved into how artificial intelligence can be a transformative tool in advancing leadership practices. Zanetti underscored the potential of AI to enhance decision-making processes, optimise resource management, and provide innovative solutions to solving complex problems." Mathonsi states that Zanetti also stressed the significance of ethical uses in AI by reminding them that as future leaders, they must ensure technology integration serves the greater good and respects ethical boundaries.

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Participants of the 2024 Student Leader Global Summit

A sense of unity and respect

Towards her personal experiences, Mathonsi states that the summit was a melting pot of cultural diversity and an enriching experience, providing the opportunity to network with student leaders from across the globe. "We shared our unique cultural experiences, learning from one another and building a network of global mindedness. This exchange fostered a sense of unity and mutual respect, reinforcing the idea that diverse viewpoints can lead to more innovative and effective leadership solutions," she stated. 

In conclusion, Mathonsi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend the summit, affirming that it was a transformative experience. She concludes: "The knowledge and skills acquired, the cross-cultural collaborations, the global networks and friendships forged have all contributed to my leadership growth. As we move forward, we must apply these insights to empower and inspire those we lead and ensure our NSRC leadership is sustainable and impactful globally." 

* By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement

Publish date: 2024/08/01

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