For PhD student at UKZN’s School of Management, Information Technology and Governance (SMIG) Ms Siddharthiya Pillay, working for an organisation that oversees civil society on a global scale is a lifelong aspiration.
Pillay’s current research on the inclusion of informal waste pickers is steeped deeply in social justice and advocating for more compassionate socio-technical systems. So, she was quick off the mark when advised by her supervisor, Professor Thea van der Westhuizen, to apply for the 11th University Scholars’ Leadership Symposium at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok.
Now reflecting on the positive outcome, Pillay said: ‘I am grateful to Professor Thea van der Westhuizen, who understands that I am interested in improving community engagement with marginalised groups, and also to Professor Stephen Mutula and the School of Management, IT and Governance for supporting my nomination.’
The prestigious symposium, hosted by the Humanitarian Affairs Asia, an affiliate of the United Nations, hosted more than 350 delegates from 46 countries with Pillay one of five students representing South Africa. The symposium ran from the 1- 4 of August and featured presenters from a range of backgrounds. Speakers focused on building ethical and mindful leadership, addressing issues of volunteerism, and advocating for human and animal rights.
‘Many of the issues speakers addressed are known and, unfortunately, still persistent. But one that is newer in the last couple of decades is that of digital inclusion,’ said Pillay. ‘If we don’t address it, many people who are already marginalised will face further socio-economic and political exclusion. Another issue, which is a focus of my research, is the harmful effects of volunteerism or tokenistic charity instead of mindful grassroots collaboration.’
Of all the activities they participated in, Pillay’s favourites were the Kindness Day activity during which they painted a rural school, and the informative workshops with the UN agencies, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
‘We watched a UNHCR video based on Jenifer Toksvig’s poem What They Took With Them,’ said Pillay. ‘All of it was heart-breaking, but one part that stands out is an elderly man saying he took a cup because he didn’t want to suffer the indignity of always asking to borrow one. We don’t think about these things because we have the privilege not to. But we should.’
Pillay hopes that other students get the opportunity and support they need to attend such symposiums in the future. She said the networks made with students across age groups and disciplines, as well as staff from various universities and UN agencies, were also an invaluable part of the experience.
Words: NdabaOnline
Photograph: Supplied