Celebrating the Success of the 2024 GCI Summit

Dear GCI Community,

I am thrilled to report that the 10th GCI Summit at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, July 20–28, 2024, was “phenomenally successful,” which was echoed by various stakeholders including Fellows, Teaching Assistants (TAs), faculty, speakers, parents, donors, and GCI team members. Many of the 35 Fellows voiced that they had “a magical and transformative experience of a lifetime.” For some highlights, please click here. The Fellows were deeply engaged as they felt safe to be vulnerable, opened their hearts for authentic conversations, and were comfortable enough to converse in civic discourse around the Harkness® academic sessions. This was all possible due to the collective effort of many, but especially due to your support and belief in GCI. Thank you!

Aya and Aaron were selected by their classmates to represent the class and spoke at the Celebratory Dinner. Their speeches were moving, bringing tears to my eyes. When you have a moment, please enjoy reading both speeches. 

Reach Speeches

The GCI team dedicated themselves tirelessly with many late nights, and combining this effort with the support of our high-caliber TAs, faculty, donors, consultants, vendors, and Board of Directors, we executed the program smoothly and successfully. There was an extra serene and peaceful atmosphere in the air this year, which the video below captures well. It is always all worth the effort as we literally see our Fellows’ lives being transformed. The Fellows are now equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resources to make change in their local communities, and we look forward to them rolling out their Glocal Service Projects, guided by their mentors. 

Again, thank you for your continued support and faith in GCI as we continue to expand our impact and mission of empowering young global change-makers around the world.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Yumi Kuwana

GCI Founder & Chair