MONTGOMERY BELL ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

Fostering global dialogue and understanding amongst students, educators, and the community is at the heart of life at CGS, shaping our vision of developing true Citizens of the world. This year, we were honoured to host the Montgomery Bell International Symposium (MBIS). This gathering unites schools from around the globe to reflect critically on a new topic each year. The 2024 symposium in Canberra provided a fitting backdrop for this year's theme: the Future of Democracy.

In the lead-up to this event, participants—including our CGS student representatives, Madison Wedding (Year 11, Burgmann House) and Aarush Mahajan (Year 11, Garnsey House)—embarked on a journey of academic exploration, delving into the triumphs and tribulations of democracy within their own nations. Their insights blossomed into four formal essays woven through rich exchanges with peers across continents.

Central to the symposium was a profound respect for Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. We opened our gathering with a poignant Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country by Wiradjuri elder Uncle Duncan, which set the tone for the importance of Indigenous history and culture in Australia. Later, our students delivered a formal presentation on the future of Australian democracy in the wake of the Voice to Parliament Referendum. Delegates were also treated to a Bushcraft experience led by Gamilaraay man Aaron Chatfield, where they learned about native flora and fauna and embraced the art of boomerang throwing.

Throughout the week, participants toured Parliament House, witnessing Question Time in both the House of Representatives and the Senate and hearing keynote presentations with politicians from across the political spectrum: Independent Senator David Pocock, Nationals Senator Perin Davey, Labor Senator Raff Ciccone and Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick. Not only did this enable participants to gain diverse perspectives on the operation of democracy within Australia, but each representative highlighted the importance — while often overlooked — of collaboration and bipartisan support in Australian politics.

The days were further enriched by esteemed speakers and thought leaders who ignited minds. Professor Michael Jensen from the University of Canberra spoke of the intersection of democracy and technology in the digital age, while Brigadier Rupert Hoskin encouraged thoughtful discussion on the role of defence in maintaining democracy. This was rounded out with a visit to the Museum of Australian Democracy. Dr Stephanie Smith provided historical insights into Australia's Democracy, and Melanie Mackenzie from the Department of Home Affairs discussed the practical elements for promoting democratic resilience.

Each of these experiences nurtured an increasingly nuanced understanding of democracy's complexities, enhanced by continuous collaboration among students. This collective journey culminated in the drafting of a formal Accord on the future of democracy around the world, a testament to their shared vision, which they presented to the delegation at the symposium's close. This transformative experience instilled in our students a newfound appreciation for the rich tapestry of perspectives that shape democratic processes, empowered them to become more informed citizens, and inspired them to cultivate dialogue and collaboration within their own communities.

We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in MBIS this year. Over six months, we worked together to write four essays on a variety of topics relating to this year's theme of democracy. During the second week of the Term 3 holidays, the symposium was hosted for the first time at Canberra Grammar School. It involved 15 other students from Tennessee, Philadelphia, the Czech Republic, Colombia, Lithuania, South Africa, Pakistan, and India.

In addition to engaging in discussions about democracy around the world, we were able to visit key democratic landmarks in Australia, such as the Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the War Memorial. We had many amazing speakers throughout the week, providing valuable insights into the democratic landscape of Australia and beyond.

However, the symposium provided more than just political knowledge; it enabled us to meet people our age from around the world and form longlasting friendships. While staying together at the CGS boarding house, we bonded over games, shared meals, and talked about life in our different countries. The connections and experiences we shared made this opportunity truly memorable. CGSMBIS was an amazing experience we will carry long into the future.

– Madison Wedding, Year 11