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Joshua Lee, an Okanagan College Associate of Arts student, had a special opportunity this April. He attended the Human Security in Southeast Asia Conference, which was a big step for him as it was his first serious trip outside of vacationing.

The conference wasn't just about attending talks. It was a chance for Joshua to learn firsthand about global issues like human security. He was so interested that he wrote a detailed rapporteur's report about what he learned, which he's excited to share with everyone at Okanagan College. His achievement not only underscores the opportunities available to students but also highlights OC’s dedication to fostering academic and research excellence.

Joshua didn't know what to expect at first, but he found the conference welcoming. Besides the talks, he enjoyed dinners with other scholars. These meals helped him see how people from different backgrounds can work together on common goals to advance human security.

During the conference, Joshua took lots of notes to soak up as much information as possible. He was particularly impressed by speakers like Paul Evans and Vina Nadjibulla, who talked about diplomacy and how countries work together on big issues like human security. Their insights gave Joshua new perspectives on these complex topics.

Originally from Burnaby, BC, Joshua has moved around before settling in Penticton. He chose Okanagan College because it offered a smooth transition from his previous career. Now, he's working towards both an Associate of Arts Degree and a Business Certificate in HR Management. After finishing his Business Certificate, he plans to continue his studies at UBCO for a BA in Political Science.

Reflecting on his time at Okanagan College, Joshua appreciates the flexibility of the programs. He can study subjects he's interested in while meeting the requirements for his degrees through conferences that enrich his understanding of societal issues. One of his favorite class memories was a debate in POLI 240 about government's role in creating equality. It challenged him to understand different viewpoints and make strong arguments.

Joshua's advice to future students? "Ask questions." He encourages aspiring learners to tap into the wealth of knowledge offered by professors and to seize opportunities. His journey shows that opportunities are available for those who are curious and motivated.

Joshua Lee's story exemplifies Okanagan College's commitment to nurturing students' academic growth and fostering a community where curiosity and ambition thrive.

Human Security in Southeast Asia Conference - Rapporteur's Report

By Joshua Lee

On April 25-26, the University of Victoria hosted a conference in partnership with the Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives (CAPI) and the Canada and the Asia-Pacific Policy Project (CAPP).  The Conference, partially supported by a MINDs (Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security) network collaborative grant of which OC is a member institution, featured roundtable discussions, keynote speakers and panels discussing human security in Southeast Asia.

Human security is evolving beyond national and military concerns to include environmental, social, economic and personal security which requires innovative thinking and interdisciplinary cooperation. A panel moderated by OC Political Science professor, Rosalind Warner, addressed health, gender, and development in the region.

Speakers discussed the need for collaboration between state and non-state actors when advocating for and promoting human security in Southeast Asia, a region with growing economic and political ties to Canada. Multiple speakers noted the need to maintain positive relationships in the region, citing the ongoing tensions between China and the West which inhibits addressing common challenges such as climate change, the threat of AI, and the fentanyl crisis. “We need to focus on not speaking past each other,” Vina Nadjubulla, VP of Strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation noted, echoing the sentiment of Toronto Metropolitan University professor, Sorpong Peou who stated “prosecution is a form of threat” to state sovereignty.

Sean Burke from HOPE International offered a positive example, which provides support to local populations to create and maintain their own institutions without imposing rules and regulations as opposed to having western organizations come save communities in distress, then leave when the funding runs out. Jason Nickerson, from Doctors Without Borders, shared on the ground experience citing “climate change is a crisis multiplier” when dealing with zoonotic illnesses such as malaria. Keynote speaker, Siobhan Byrne from the University of Alberta said “the world can never be at peace if people don’t have security in their daily lives,” noting how general insecurity disproportionately affects women who fall victim to gender-based violence when the social fabric of society is in disarray.

As a middle power country with strong ties to countries like Japan and South Korea, Canada has an opportunity to take a leadership role in collaborative efforts in a world that is becoming increasingly nationalistic and protectionist. Professor Emeritus at UBC, Paul Evans highlighted the need to focus where we allocate resources, “does it go to defense budgets and the securitization agenda or to development and climate issues?”

As an Associate of Arts student at Okanagan College, I participated as a panel rapporteur which gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in a field of interest and establish a basis of knowledge and connections for future development. Canada’s leadership in financing and green infrastructure provide economic opportunities to promote cooperation in the region. By achieving results on common interests, state governments can develop mutually beneficial relationships that promote the idea of interdependence, reducing the need for competition and antagonism.

This conference, enabled by the participation of Okanagan College, brought together a community of solution-oriented experts to focus on positive outcomes for Canada on the global stage, reinforcing the importance of education, collaboration, and the role of civil society.