Hackley’s student delegation recently returned from a nearly two-week-long Round Square conference in Dubai. The annual conference brings together hundreds of schools and thousands of students, immersing them in a melting pot of cultures to discuss global issues. The conference aims to inspire the next generation of strong, empathetic, and cultured leaders. Students who have attended these conferences report a profound shift in their worldview.
This was the first Round Square International Conference in eleven years to be held in the Middle East, making it a special occasion. The conference was hosted by three schools: the Millennium School, Gems Modern Academy, and the Indian High School Dubai. Hackley students spent their first week in Dubai attending the conference and participating in various activities, including sessions led by experts in their field (such as a Dubai education leader, climate activist, and wellness coach), boating and hiking trips, as well as service initiatives. Following this, students spent a few days in Abu Dhabi.
Hackley drama teacher and global education leader Merideth Maddox speaks to the importance of the Round Square Conference and global education as a whole.
Mrs. Maddox said, “We need to push ourselves just slightly out of our comfort zone”, as well as build “cultural competency”.
The idea of encouraging students to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures is at the core of Round Square’s mission. Round Square conferences are built around the IDEALS – its main learning themes. Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. Each of these topics expands students’ worldviews in ways that aren’t possible in a traditional setting.
A major way Round Square aims to do this is through its baraza curriculum. Baraza is a Swahili word meaning council or meeting place. After learning something, delegates are placed in small groups where students lead open discussions to gain a deeper understanding of the material. Despite the clear importance placed on the unrestricted nature of these meetings, it can feel like certain topics are avoided, even if they might be relevant. Hackley sophomore, Shivan Thaker, weighs in on this observation.
Shivan said, “I felt pretty good about my freedom during Baraza groups. I think the topics during Baraza groups were chosen specifically to be uncontroversial to encourage collaboration.”
Sensitivity to difficult topics in Baraza groups limited potential student growth.
“I felt it was pretty surface-level because of the underlying tension. Perhaps if the conference were hosted somewhere else, we would be able to talk about more in-depth subjects”. Shivan said.
Still, despite this ceiling, delegates gained valuable insights and deepened their understanding by engaging with a variety of perspectives. Embracing diversity allows students to appreciate the viewpoints of people from all walks of life (religion, socio-economic status, nationality, etc.).
“The conference helped me grow as a student, as it showed me the different perspectives of people around the globe,” Dhairya said.
As one of Round Square’s missions, increasing cultural understanding (internationalism) is what global education leaders and Round Square attendees strive for. Hackley Senior Julian Mann reflected similarly as well.
I thought that making new friends from such a wide variety of places was eye-opening and deeply conducive to empathy,” Julian said.
The fact that this experience was shared by so many is representative of the special culture that Round Square fosters. There were countless once-in-a-lifetime activities, ranging from dinner in the dunes, riding camels, taking hikes, and service initiatives A student in 13th grade (students in Germany who attend college preparatory school have 13 years of school, in comparison to the American standard, 12) from the Landheim Ammersee School in Schondorf am Ammersee, Joseph Ehrlicher loved the boat tour along the Persian Gulf.
“My favorite part of the conference was the boat trip, … and partly because, toward the end of the trip, there was a real sense of togetherness that fascinated me deeply,” Joseph said.
What made this conference truly special wasn’t the location or even the transformative activities; it was the gathering of students from all corners of the world, and allowing them to form a community of smart, passionate, and driven peers. These relationships will last forever.
The post-conference trip to Abu Dhabi was memorable too. There, Hackley Students immersed themselves in traditional Emirati Culture. They visited both new and traditional mosques, unique light shows, and even a falcon hospital. At the award-winning Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, students were able to observe a live surgery where a veterinarian repaired a falcon’s feather – a procedure essential to flight. Students were also able to hold a royal falcon (previously owned by a member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi). Mrs. Maddox found this experience special and considered it one of her favorites of the trip.
Ms. Maddox said, “Not many people can say that they held a Falcon”.
There are countless amazing things to say about the conference itself and the post-conference trip to Abu Dhabi. Any Hackley student would undoubtedly benefit from a Round Square adventure. From speeches, discussions, and interactive activities to meeting countless new people, the Round Square 2025 International Conference was an unforgettable trip.
