Reflections from Outgoing Student Representatives

by Walusungu (Walu) Mtonga and Stella Ziegler, IPPNW Student Board Members

IPPNW’s student network will hold elections for International Student Representative (ISR) during the upcoming Student Congress in Nagasaki, Japan. Learn more here.

Walu

It’s been an absolute privilege to serve as Co-International Student Representative (ISR) for IPPNW the last 2 and a half years alongside Stella Ziegler, representing the voices of IPPNW students on the international governing board and connecting with students from around the world. 

During this time, Stella and I have had the honor of contributing to policy discussions that guide our federation and representing the federation at high-level meetings, including the World Medical Association and United Nations gatherings, making various presentations and statements on behalf of IPPNW. These experiences have broadened our understanding of global health and peace issues.

One of the highlights of our tenure has been coordinating virtual student meetings, which have provided a platform for students to learn about disarmament, peace and health,share their ideas, and take action on critical issues. We’ve also had the pleasure of working closely with like-minded movements, amplifying our collective impact and advancing our shared goals.

Working alongside Stella has been a true privilege. Her dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit have made our work together seamless and highly effective. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have learned from her and worked together to advance the student movement.

As I step down from this role, I’ll truly miss representing students across the world on the International governing board and the opportunities to work closely with them and like-minded organizations working towards a more peaceful and equitable world. However, I’m excited to pass the torch to the next set of representatives, who will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the role.

To those aspiring to take up this role, I offer my warmest welcome and best wishes. I have no doubt that you’ll take the student movement to new heights, building on the foundations laid by your predecessors. I’m eager to see the plans you have in store and the impact you’ll make in the years to come.

To the outgoing board thank you so much for your unwavering support and guidance during our tenure. To the IPPNW Students, I’m truly grateful for having elected me into this role. It’s been an honor to serve you and the broader IPPNW community. I’m confident that our organization will continue to thrive and make a meaningful difference in the world.

Thank you!

Stella

How time flies! I cannot believe our term as ISRs is coming to an end. I have to say it has been the most vibrant and active time of my activist life so far, and I am eternally grateful for the experiences and opportunities it has provided me with. I have had the chance to learn about the inner workings of a big organization, the struggles and visions that come with it, and have deepened my understanding of global politics and policy making, although there is still so much to learn! Additionally, I have met the most kindhearted, driven and hopeful people I now look up to. We have met with students and peace leaders worldwide online and in person to share ideas and connect, and we’ve been invited as speakers in prestigious forums regarding youth movements and nuclear disarmament. 

Starting from being nothing but overwhelmed with this new world we now dive into, we have developed and grown into educated peace-makers and advocates ourselves! I am very proud to look at all the things we have accomplished together as a student movement, and even more moved to have had the chance to support students worldwide in their endeavors. It really does feel like family, and at some point, it is time to let the next ones take over our beloved ISR positions. 

But first, let me take you through a little walk down our activism memory lane…

It all started with being elected at the last World Congress in Mombasa in April 2023 at the Student Congress on the first day. We did not know each other yet, and were both new to the international IPPNW sphere. But right from the beginning, we knew we would work well with each other and shape the next years for the better. It took a little while to get to know all the background structures and workings behind the stage, but soon we were presenting our student work at the monthly board meetings with ease and were always met with structural and emotional support from all board members. Without this steady wind in our backs, we would not have come so far.

Continuing with several online medical student sessions, we aimed to connect the international students again, teach and learn from each other and introduce important topics revolving around peace, health and disarmament. We were invited virtually to speak at student events worldwide, such as the annual meetings of the Kenyan or the Philippine student chapters, as well as connect with other young movements such as IFMSA, ICAN or HSAPW. We had the extraordinary chance to accompany experienced IPPNW members to important international conferences such as the Meeting of States Parties in NYC, the World Medical Association meetings in Kigali, Seoul and Helsinki, a peace and disarmament event in South Africa and other happenings such as the Global Health Summer School in Germany. In these forums, we shared our points of view, gave statements in front of state officials, formed new connections and echoed youth voices from all over the world. On our online platforms, we tried to share our experiences via blogs, social media and reports.  

We facilitated different online exchanges among students, had strategy meetings for cooperation and new ideas, and organized international events such as Bike Tours for peace. During our term, a lot has happened in the international landscape that shaped the urgency for our work, and of course, there is always more to do. More wars, violence and the need for (medical) peace work have profoundly motivated me to keep going and not lose hope. I learned that in this network, it is alright to feel downhearted sometimes, because there is always someone who finds new strengths even in the most desperate situations. 

If it weren’t for the inspiring individuals who paved the way before us, and all the wonderful new students coming after us, all this would not have been possible. It was a lot of work for sure, a lot of hours we spent together on screens, and it was worth every minute. All this alongside medical school is a tough choice, but it gave me perspective and allowed me to focus on the things that will matter in the end. 

I wholeheartedly thank everyone who has shaped the last 2 and a half years, showed me patience and support, opened my perspectives, taught me and listened to me. Everyone who believes in young people to make a difference, if they get the chance. Especially big thanks to you, Walu, for being the best and kindest ISR colleague I could have wished for. 

Now enough with all the sentimental blabla! All the best to the new ISRs – choose your fights wisely, but then dedicate yourselves to them. This surely is the right place, and you are needed. I am very much looking forward to working with you and handing over the scepter!