BD students achieve success at IOELL in Vietnam

The Global Innovation & Leadership Center (GILC), a youth leadership and empowerment organisation headquartered in Bangladesh, in collaboration with its parent organisation, GEIST International Foundation, joined forces with Phenikaa University, one of Vietnam's premier universities, to organise the highly anticipated third edition of the International Olympiad on Empowerment, Language & Leadership (IOELL). The event took place recently on the scenic campus of Phenikaa University in Hanoi, Vietnam.

IOELL serves as an annual gathering of young minds from across the globe, providing them with a platform to showcase their leadership skills, language proficiency, and commitment to sustainability. This year's edition revolved around the crucial theme of climate action and empowerment, aligning with the UNFCCC's mandate of Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE).

The Olympiad brought together participants from 16 countries, who enthusiastically participated in a series of intensive yet rejuvenating assessments. Divided into four groups based on their grade levels, students from grades three to 12 demonstrated their critical thinking, creative thinking, and problem-solving abilities in the context of climate change and climate action. To ensure a well-rounded experience, the organisers also incorporated a gala dinner, cultural exchange festival, yoga sessions, and traditional Vietnamese games into the schedule.

The highlight of IOELL was the exceptional performance of the participants, particularly the outstanding achievements of the Bangladeshi students. Among the winners, an impressive group of six Bangladeshis emerged victorious, alongside five Vietnamese, one Korean, one Malaysian, and one Indian student.

Notably, the winners from Bangladesh excelled in various categories across different age groups. The individual winners from Bangladesh include ASM Rowza, Arshya Chowdhury Ayra, Mahdin Ahmed Tehamee, Raisa Ahmed, Lamia Anzum Tasheen, Tahiyat Tabassum, and Maisha Iqbal Hridita- who received honourable mention. Additionally, the group activity winners from Bangladesh showcased their talent and innovative ideas in the Climate Empowerment Session and Sustainability Idea Challenge Session for Group 3 and Group 4, respectively. The team comprised Lamia Anzum Tasheen, Tajreeyan Hasib, Madhurzo Rahman, and Mohammad Abdul Hasib Zehad. The achievements of these young Bangladeshi leaders reflect their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to creating a sustainable future.