KDI School’s forums play an important part in the academic and social life of our community. They provide a platform to discuss and promote regional issues, showcase their regions’ shared and diverse cultures, engage in inter-forum dialogue, and support students from their respective regions.

I sat down with 3 forum leaders to find out more about the forums.

Each forum represents a rich and diverse region—how does your organization ensure that the voices, stories, and concerns of your region are authentically represented on campus?

Richmond Kwadwo Fosu (2024 MPP, Ghana) - Forum Leader, African Development Forum

At the African Development Forum, we are intentional about showcasing the diversity of the African continent in both our programming and leadership. We represent over 20 African countries at KDI School, and we ensure that our activities reflect a wide range of cultures, history, and perspectives. Through cultural showcases, policy dialogues, and personal storytelling sessions, we create safe spaces where African students can express their lived realities. We also advocate for the inclusion of African perspectives in academic discussions.

Sohel Chakma (2024 MPP, Bangladesh) - Forum Leader, South Asian Forum

We have students both in PhD and master’s programs, so along with exchanging cultural activities, we gain motivation and academic experience from the senior students, which is very useful for the new students. The guidelines and the real-life stories of previous students help new and upcoming students to motivate and make some important decisions.

Laura Camila Perez Guavita (2024 MDP, Colombia) - Forum Leader, Latin America and Caribbean Forum

At the Latin American Forum, we are committed to making sure that the voices and contexts of our region are part of the academic and social spaces that take place on the campus.

We bring Latin American perspectives into classroom discussions, whether through research, comparative analysis, or personal narratives. We also share the diversity of our cultures in informal spaces, like cross-cultural events, showing that Latin America is not a monolith but a region full of opportunities and challenges. 

By doing this, we aim to make our region visible not only during cultural weeks but in everyday academic and academic conversations. 

What has been one of your forum's most impactful initiatives so far, and what did it teach you about leadership, collaboration, or community? 

Richmond Kwadwo Fosu (ADF)

One of our most impactful initiatives has been our Embassy Engagement Program, where we actively connect with African embassies in South Korea to build partnerships and amplify student voices. This initiative has not only opened doors for collaboration and mentorship but also reinforced the importance of diplomacy, strategic communication, and persistence. It taught us that leadership is not just about organizing events—it's about building bridges, listening to feedback, and working collectively toward shared goals.

Laura Camila Perez Guavita (LAC)

One of our most impactful initiatives has been organizing discussion events with Latin American embassies and consulates in Korea, fostering direct exchanges between students and diplomats; alongside this, we offer Spanish and Portuguese classes on campus to build language skills and cultural appreciation—efforts that reflect our belief in leadership as creating inclusive platforms for academic, cultural, and personal growth.

Sohel Chakma (SAF)

As a newly registered forum from Fall 2024, the South Asian Forum launched its impactful Share & Care Program this semester, where graduating students donated essentials like bedding and kitchenware to incoming peers—support that proved especially helpful during their first days at KDI School.

In what ways do your forum's activities promote cross-regional dialogue and collaboration with other regional forums on campus?

Laura Camila Perez Guavita (LAC)

The Latin American and Caribbean Forum actively engages with other regional forums by participating in their events and opening our cultural activities to members beyond our region. We’ve invited students from other forums to join in Latin American celebrations, language exchanges, and cultural spaces, thereby creating shared experiences of learning and appreciation. Currently, we are planning joint networking events with other forums to deepen cross-regional dialogue and foster long-term collaboration. 

Sohel Chakma (SAF)

We recently celebrated Eid—the most significant festival for Muslims—here at KDI School, in collaboration with other student forums. We had several activities, such as exchanging cultural things, sharing food, and having fun. We've shared our traditions with other forum members, reflecting KDI School’s cultural diversity.

Richmond Kwadwo Fosu (ADF)

ADF actively seeks collaboration with other student forums to promote intercultural understanding and global solidarity. We hope to organize discussion events with the different forums, exploring shared histories of colonization, development challenges, and community resilience. These collaborations create room for mutual learning and allow us to identify common policy interests and exchange ideas on sustainable development, governance, and cultural preservation.

Many regional issues are deeply interconnected—how does your forum help students engage critically with global challenges through a regional lens?

Richmond Kwadwo Fosu (ADF)

We design our policy roundtables, discussion forums, and research initiatives to reflect the interconnectedness of regional and global challenges, such as climate change, mental health, trade, and innovation. Our upcoming student writing center at KDI School will further encourage critical inquiry by empowering students to investigate African development issues while connecting them to broader global policy frameworks.

Sohel Chakma (SAF)

The South Asian Forum consists of only 8 countries. The main objective of the forum is unity in diversity. Though we have some diversity in tradition and culture, we always try to be united by sharing and respecting each other’s traditions and cultures. We try to celebrate each country's biggest religious or cultural festival, such as Eid, Diwali, etc.

Laura Camila Perez Guavita (LAC)

We try to connect what’s happening in Latin America with global trends—whether it’s climate change, migration, or inequality. We encourage members to bring regional perspectives into class discussions and group projects, and we’ve had great conversations where students realize how similar some struggles are across regions.

Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope your forum will leave behind for future student leaders and members?

Sohel Chakma (SAF)

According to me, when you have a forum with your neighboring countries, it’s like a family. So, unity in diversity is the strength of this forum, and it should always be at any cost. Cooperation and respecting each other’s culture should be maintained here.

Laura Camila Perez Guavita (LAC)

We hope the forum continues to be a space where students feel proud to share and represent Latin America—its culture, languages (especially Spanish and Portuguese), and diversity. A space where people feel comfortable expressing themselves in both Spanish and English and where students are empowered to take the lead in meaningful discussions about our region. If future members feel confident to speak up, organize, and connect Latin America to global conversations, that’s the legacy we want to leave.

Richmond Kwadwo Fosu (ADF)

We hope to leave a legacy of resilience, relevance, and representation. We want future ADF leaders to inherit a forum that is not only well-structured and vibrant but also deeply connected to the African continent’s aspirations. By establishing a student writing center and building sustainable partnerships with embassies and institutions, we are laying the groundwork for long-term impact. Our vision is for ADF to be a home of community, advocacy, and excellence, where African students at KDI School can thrive, lead, and influence the world.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Our deepest appreciation to our forum leaders for the sacrifice to bear the burden of nations on their solitary shoulders. The steady keel of the forums is anchored in the unwavering passion and far-sighted vision of their representatives.