Our Last Workshops
Our third day at Rokko involved a lot of preparation for today’s General Assembly.
We began the day with the most difficult activity – a practise General Assembly. While this was not the most exciting way to start our day, we’re very proud that you managed to listen carefully and go through the process. Because there are many different aspects to the General Assembly, including the block debates, amendments, and voting, it’s important that we made sure everyone knew what was going to happen today. Our facilitators are very thankful for your patience and willingness to practise.
After that, our second round of workshops picked up the energy levels a bit, as we came together to discuss Artificial Intelligence.
In AI and Companionship, delegates discussed the boundaries between humans and AI – such as amputees with bionic limbs. They also discussed how AI would impact marginalised groups in communities.
In AI in the Workplace, our delegates discussed these 5 debate questions:
• Will AI promote social interactions/communication in the workplace?
• Should companies limit their use of AIs to replace
• Can we really accept AIs in jobs that have a humantouch (doctors, care-givers)?
• Will AI improve the future of education?
• Should companies be trusted with AIs, given cybersecurity issues?
Which ones do you think we’ll see today?
In the afternoon, our Mental Health workshops were up! Mental Health in Education discussed who should be responsible for student’s mental health in the education system, and how each of us can support student’s mental health.
And in Mental Health and Stigma, delegates talked about how different people can work together to tackle mental health stigma.
Experience Japanese Culture
One of the highlights of the day was our session on Japanese culture.
We began our Japanese culture with the heart-thumping Kouryo Kinmei Daiko group, who performed on their traditional Japanese drums. In such a small room, the beating of the drums were awe-inspiring. Then, to everybody’s surprise, the performers invited our delegates to have a turn playing the giant drums. What an amazing cultural experience!
After being blown away with the loud and exciting beat of the drums, our next performer settled down to tell a story.Rakugo is a story-telling experience, told by a single person. It takes great skill to perform Rakugo, and not only did Katsura Asakichi perform, but he did so in English – not his native language!
After starting with a few jokes, Asakichi told a story about Momotaro, a baby born from a giant peach. His journey to success included the ability to be a leader, to have knowledge, courage and to continue trying. These are great qualities we can all work towards.
Lastly, we were introduced to a famous Japanese artist, Mon! Mon creates live art – which is where the process of creating the art piece is seen as being a part of the artwork itself. While many people think of street art as being an outside art, Mon has done many street art pieces inside onsens and other buildings.
We were then given the opportunity to do some painting with Mon, getting in touch with our creative side. During this time, we were given the opportunity to write a letter to ourselves, which will be posted in the mail to our homes in six months time. In the letters, we wrote about what we’ve learned about ourselves over the last few days, made a promise to ourselves to look after our physical or mental wellbeing, and also wrote about something we will do for a loved one.
In keeping with our global theme (it is a global youth conference after all!), we came together to support the YMCA branch in England, who are focusing on improving mental health in youth. As such, we participated in their IAMWHOLE campaign, by drawing a whole circle on our hands.
Campfire Fun
Last night was the last evening at Rokko-san together, and we were ready for the greatest show.
After dinner, we all gathered onto the main ground, to enjoy a campfire. Is it even a real camp if there isn’t a campfire?
Introducing each team to The Greatest Showman’s main theme, we were indeed set for a great show. Delegates were in for a night of singing, dancing, and a lot of fun.
With silly and fun Repeat After Me songs about the friendships we’ve made and how the distance between us won’t stop our new friendships, the campfire was a wonderful event – as was roasting the marshmallows afterwards!
After our campfire, we were lucky to light fireworks and sparklers. DJ Dave kept the party atmosphere going, with his incredible beats. It was such a fun night enjoyed by all.