UUSU’s International Students Society Magee in collaboration with UU’s Global Engagement Office, Ulster University’s BAME+ Network, Choices Now and 360* Wellness Entrepreneur, hosted its second annual ‘International Diversity Celebration’ event at the Derry~Londonderry campus last month.
The event showcased different cultures, traditional delicacies, and talented artists, some of whom are past or current students at the University, and having booked out within 3 days of registration opening, it was a huge success. Colleagues and students along with their spouses, partners, and friends, joined the event with full enthusiasm, with several donning their traditional attire.
The ‘International Diversity Celebration’ event presented an opportunity to not only increase awareness about the cultural diversity at the University but also to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing and a sense of belonging in a diverse community.
Nomathamsanqa Tholo, Chairperson of UUSU’s International Students Society, said:
"As the outgoing Chairperson of the International Students Society and one of the organisers of the International Diversity Celebration event, I am immensely proud of what we achieved together. Seeing attendees from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate our differences and foster a sense of unity was truly heartwarming. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a success.
“Let's continue to champion diversity and inclusion in our community and beyond! I’m finishing up this semester with mixed feelings, I am looking forward to completing my studies but will miss all the friends I have made while I’ve been studying here. We’ve been able to organise such great events over the past year and we’d love to see the continuation of this work. Let's continue to celebrate diversity, make new friends, and embrace the world right here on our campus.”
Mehvish Ashfaq, Assistant Director and Head of Global Opportunities and Experience, said:
“Ulster University is home to over 1600 international students from over 70 countries. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is a lived experience, where students from every corner of the globe come together to learn, grow, and thrive as global citizens. Global Engagement has been pleased to work with the International Student Society, BAME+ Network and key University stakeholders in supporting this event. It is only through the active participation of our students, their clubs and societies as well as our staff communities that we’re collectively able to foster an environment where every voice is heard, valued and celebrated.”
Professor Malachy Ó Néill, Director of Regional Engagement and Interim Director of Development and Alumni Relations, said:
“This was a marvellous celebration of the cultural diversity of our University community and the positivity, colour and cuisine of this occasion reflected well on our institutional commitment to People, Place and Partnership. I was delighted to attend and speak with those present, and I sincerely congratulate all those involved in making this happen.
"Equality, diversity and inclusion are core values which we all cherish, and the platform provided by this event enabled a beautiful cultural exchange with a real family feel to it.”
Dr Priyank Shukla, Chair of Ulster University’s BAME+ Membership & Community Working Group, said:
“The idea of such events, organised by BAME+ Network in collaboration with other departments, centres, societies, and services of the university, and in partnership with external organisations, is to connect BAME+ international students and staff with local students and staff in the university and local community. Events such as this are very important as they not only facilitate in raising cultural awareness as we learn about different cultures and traditions, but they also help in building new friendships and collaborations. This is especially important for our international community who are away from their home countries.”