This is a transcript from a presentation that Rebecca Preen gave at the AGM.  She is the Deputy Director Chair of the ESU Commonwealth in the UK representing the international arm of the organization.  She is a successful lawyer in the UK from Thailand.

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Presentation by Rebecca Preen at the 2024 ESU-US Annual General Meeting

It’s an honour to stand before you tonight, not only as one of the Deputy Chairs of the ESU Commonwealth but as someone whose life has been profoundly shaped by the work we all hold so close to our hearts.

Seven years ago, I was a 16-year-old student, far more comfortable writing essays than speaking in front of an audience. My world was about constructing arguments on paper, not using my voice. Then, one afternoon, my English teacher asked me a question that changed my life: “Would you like to participate in a national public speaking competition, with a chance to fly to London, if you win?”

The idea felt daunting. Public speaking seemed far beyond my reach. But I took the leap – and that decision set me on a path I could never have imagined.

Oracy required me to develop new skills – presence, adaptability, connection. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it also opened doors I never thought possible. Learning to speak with confidence didn’t just enhance my abilities; it brought me into rooms and opportunities I would have never accessed otherwise.

As I progressed through the competition in Thailand – regional rounds to the national final – each stage was a challenge, but also a revelation. Standing on stage at the final, delivering my speech titled “To define is to limit,” I reflected on how defining people solely by their culture or background limits our understanding of who they truly are. Growing up part Thai, part English, and attending an International school, I learned that we are far more than the labels placed upon us. When we listen, when we truly seek to understand, the whole becomes far greater than the sum of its parts. In these competitions, we didn’t just share ideas – we shared pieces of ourselves.

Winning the National Final was a moment of pure joy, but with that joy came a new responsibility: representing Thailand at the International Final in London. Suddenly, I was on TV, in newspapers – my community on the small island I grew up on knew my name. It was overwhelming, but in the best possible way. I wasn’t just a competitor anymore; I had become a voice for something larger: bridging cultures, fostering empathy, and creating dialogue.

But as I reflect on that journey tonight, I realise that this story isn’t just mine. It’s the story of hundreds of young people, like those of you in this room, who experience the same transformation every year. They find their voices, they build connections, and they make a difference. We are all part of something much larger than ourselves, bound by the opportunities that the ESU creates.

When I think back to my time as an IPSC participant in London, it’s not the competition that stands out – it’s the friendships that transcended borders, the way our paths crossed at just the right moment. We’re still in touch today – through group chats, video calls, and even meetups in different countries. The moments I remember most aren’t the speeches—it’s the late-night conversations in hotel lobbies, the shared laughter, the bonds that turned us from competitors into lifelong friends.

And here is this year’s IPSC cohort. As Head Judge for the 2024 competition, alongside figures like Lord Boateng (who judged my cohort), it was a full-circle moment. I witnessed the energy in the room – participants cheering for each other with handmade posters, looking more like fans at a concert than competitors. That’s the kind of connection we foster here at the ESU.

The bonds we build through speech and dialogue transcend nationalities. They ripple out like waves, touching lives in ways we may never fully understand. And it’s that same bond I see forming here tonight, among all of you, who continue to carry forward the vital work of the ESU.

We are not just an organisation that runs competitions or events. We are facilitators of something far greater. We create connections that span continents, foster empathy and understanding, and help young people realise the incredible power of dialogue. This is the heart of the ESU, and it’s a mission we must continue to nurture.

When we nurture these connections, we tap into something powerful – something that grows far beyond any one moment. And this brings me to an underutilised resource I invite you to think about: our alumni network. Many participants – like myself, like Bella from Mongolia (IPSC participant 22 years ago, now newly-elected ICM chair) – are eager to stay involved. In my cohort alone, many have returned to judge, coach, and volunteer their time and expertise.

Imagine the potential if we fully re-engage our alumni globally. We could create a vibrant network where alumni not only share their expertise but mentor the next generation. The conversations we start through oracy don’t have to end when the competition does – they can grow into lifelong collaborations, shared visions for the future.

After my IPSC experience, I too wanted to stay involved. I attended the Debate Academy at 17, which deepened my connection to the ESU’s mission. Eventually, it led me to move to the UK for my studies, where the ESU remained a constant in my life. I judged local competitions and stayed engaged with this incredible organisation.

And now, today, I find myself in a role I never imagined holding so early in my career – helping guide the ESU Commonwealth through pivotal changes, while keeping our mission of building bridges through dialogue at the forefront.

As I look around this room, I see the same passion, dedication, and commitment that first drew me to the ESU. The stories we share, the connections we build, the lives we touch- they all have a profound impact. And that impact doesn’t stop with us – it carries forward, generation after generation.

Dr. E. Quinn Peeper (ESU US Chair) opened the ICM this morning with a quote from Abraham Lincoln: “Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.”

And as we close, I leave you with the words of Anne Frank: “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

That’s what we do here at the ESU. One conversation at a time, one connection at a time, we are making the world more understanding, more empathetic, and a lot more connected. And with the power of our alumni, we can continue to make that impact even greater.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are creating a brighter future for all those whose lives we touch.