Duke of Edinburgh Conference Delegates Visit Vegreville

Duke of Edinburgh Conference Delegates Visit Vegreville

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

A group of delegates from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conference, (CSC) visited the Town of Vegreville. Of course, the world famous Pysanka was one of their stops as well as Inno Tech Alberta.

Mayor Tim MacPhee, far left, and members of Vegreville Town Council ‘Pick Up The Pysanka’ with members of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Global Leaders delegation.

(Town of Vegreville/Submitted Photo)

Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee said, “Vegreville Town Council was humbled to be granted an opportunity to host this delegation of young business and community leaders from around the globe. This was a chance to showcase not only our town but also the exciting lifestyle and business opportunities that exist outside of major cities. It’s essential to take advantage of every chance we get to spread the word that you don’t have to be in Edmonton or Calgary to be successful in this province and that communities like Vegreville offer a level of affordability and connection that major cities can’t compete with.”

The group of delegates from throughout the Commonwealth were part of a larger group of nearly 300 of the world’s most promising and emerging leaders from business, government, labour and the community sector. Over the course of two weeks, CSC exposed each member to new experiences and perspectives.

According to CSC, since the first conference was held in 1956, more than 8,000 young leaders have been though the global program and its national and regional affiliates. CSC President is Princess Anne, who wrote: “The first Commonwealth Study Conference was convened in Oxford in 1956. It initiated a new process of dialogue and personal development among people who are likely to have increasing leadership responsibilities in business, government, trade unions and the community sector.

The founder, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, my father, has written that the structure of the conferences has remained constant since then because it has been shown to work. Participants from around the Commonwealth come with a wide variety of relatively narrow experiences. The principle of learning by observing and discussion was established from the very start and every opportunity is provided for opinions and assessments to be debated forcefully, but objectively.

Each conference exposes the participants to new experiences, new arguments and diverse perspectives so that the quality and relevance of their decision-making is improved through a broadening of their exposure to different approaches.

The CSC participants also learn about their world. The Commonwealth represents the shared heritage of nearly one third of the earth’s population. For its 53 member nations it is a source of special opportunity and connection. At each study conference, the commonwealth itself becomes a classroom where each participant will engage with and learn from 300 others.

Mayor Tim MacPhee stands next to delegate Fazia Farik from Fiji during the photo op.

(Town of Vegreville/Submitted Photo)