What happens when you convene global changemakers - from seven Fellowship programmes and over 80 countries - together in one room? 

For four days from 11 to 14 July, 2024, the Equity Initiative team, Fellows and our counterparts from around the world gathered at Oxford, United Kingdom for this year’s Global Atlantic Fellows Annual Convening. Here are 5 highlights from this rich experience: 

1. Forging connection & solidarity across borders

Multiple tours, workshops and conversations were curated to foster relationship building and connection amongst a diverse group of changemakers, here are just some of the sessions:

·      Pechakucha (the 7 Fellowship programs taking 7 mins each to introduce their approach towards equity)

·      Universal Healthcare and Global Health Inequities 

·      Group Reflection Through Music Workshop

·      Activating Realities: Worldbuilding through XR 

·      How to be an imagination activist 

·      Universal Healthcare and Global Health Inequities 

With these and so many more topics to choose from, it was impossible not to find something that fit each person’s interests! Suebpong (Paul) Charoenmechaikul (Thailand, 2023), who also represented EI to share about the EI Fellowship to the entire Convening, had this to say about his experience at the Uncomfortable Oxford tour and meeting the diverse changemakers from all seven fellowship programmes:

“I felt that the value of coming here and being together is to understand and then try to ask in a polite manner if people want to share, and really deeply listen to why these injustices happen and what they feel is important to them. And when we have these type of difficult conversations, then we can really address the problems at the roots. 

All the problems we have about inequity, it's all about the intention and the paradigms we have. And clearly if we're going to solve these problems, we need new paradigms, right? 

But at the end of the day, we have a safe space and we have a safe community. And I believe this community is going to make and do amazing things together.”

2. Unearthing hidden talents within our Fellows

But it wasn’t all serious! We had lots of fun during the Convening with Fellows from each programme performing something for everyone. From Fellows introducing how their respective program tackles inequity…

Equity Initiative Fellows performing their Pechakucha

to a very special performance by Equity Fellows Wikan, Farida and Nadirah, for which you have to enjoy for yourselves below:

3. A fond farewell… 

The Convening also marked a farewell to Atlantic Institute’s Executive Director, Evie O’Brien. Evie was appointed Acting Executive Director in 2020 and soon took up the role permanently in 2021. Her time leading the organisation focused on “accelerating the eradication of global inequities through bringing together extraordinary leaders who are unlike-minded but like-hearted in their pursuit of equity”.

Thank you to Evie for all your hard work and we look forward to seeing you continue shining in future roles!

4. …and a warm welcome

Every ending is a new beginning and we took the opportunity to welcome both the Atlantic Institute’s new Executive Director, Lysa John, as well as the newest Fellows from all the Fellowship programmes!

Lysa has been an advocate for equity and the power of international collaboration for over two decades, bringing her previous experience creating impact at CIVICUS, Save the Children and the United Nations. Her welcome speech was well-received by everyone and we wish her the best of luck in her new role.

At the same time, Fellows from all seven Fellowship programmes – including our very own - were formally inducted into the Global Atlantic Fellows community after completing their Fellowship. Through smaller Home Groups made up of diverse backgrounds, the Convening is always a special moment of celebration and reflection for the newest Fellows. 

Adisorn Juntrasook (Thailand, 2023), who has been working tirelessly as an advisor for the Thailand National Committee on same sex marriage to successfully get the marriage equality bill passed [PC1] right before the Convening, captured this special experience beautifully:

“I love coming here. It is always a great place to hang out with people who are like-minded and who also share common experiences – our struggle to get our society to become a better place for all human beings. 

So this is a place where we share our passion, we share our crying, we share our laughter. And this is the place that I would encourage people to join and to get these special experiences.”

 

5. Regaining courage to act & grow together  

In the welcome booklet, the Atlantic Institute team shared their hope that the Convening would “provide courageous content that will inspire and expand your horizons and spaces for calling to action…accelerating your ability to change the world.”

Clive Tan’s (Singapore, 2022) heartfelt words summarised this courageous moment for many as he stepped into an uncomfortable zone to read a poem he wrote to the entire group on Slam night. Below is a short excerpt, the with the full version to be published soon!

 

Let’s Weave

Let’s weave those threads of connect
that will make us stronger together
Do you feel like we now have a compact
but do you really think it will weather
the sands of time
or when another pandemic chime

If there’s something I can say with certainty
that is bad things will always happen
lost in the valley, hungry in the alley
who cares about your potential, you are not special
You’re writing your story but what can you see
Look up, you’re not alone in your journey

Hello! I’m an Atlantic Fellow
Following the erratic, enigmatic Feeney way
of giving while living and constantly dreaming
understanding politik, striving to be pragmatic
We are now threaded and woven
Strong men and women
and LGBTQ
we are stronger, because of you

Fellows and staff discuss potential future projects during the Collaborations in the Community session