JAMMU, Oct 3: The 58th Round Square International Conference 2026 was held at Barker College, Sydney, Australiafrom September 28 to October 3and brought together approximately 1,200 students representing 153 schools from 30 countries for a celebration of internationalism, cultural exchange, leadership and the Round Square IDEALS. The theme of the Conference was ‘Vision of the Future from an Ancient Land’. The conference provided delegates with opportunities to engage in cultural experiences, keynote sessions, collaborative activities, service initiatives and meaningful discussions, thereby fostering global friendships and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.
On Sep 28, the conference commenced with arrivals and a warm welcome. The day was dedicated to ‘Australia Fair’ at the Alyssa Healy Fields on the campus. The day featured the Australian Stockman Presentation followed by iconic ‘Great Barker Race’ which was conducted as a spirited event fostering teamwork and leadership.
On Sep 29, the theme for the day was Australian Story. The morning began with an optional Prayer and Worship visit to Barker Chapel, followed by the official Opening Ceremony of the Conference at the Rosewood Centre followed by activities such as International Bingo, Pin Swapping and Mural Painting.The afternoon featured inspiring keynote presentations by Benson Saulo, Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lisa Sthalekar at the Rosewood Centre, followed by a Panel Discussion.Evening activities included baraza group discussions in which students developed resilience, adaptability, communication and leadership skills.
The 3rd day of the conference on September 30 was dedicated to ‘An Adventure Across the City of Sydney’. Delegates split into groups navigated the city using train, ferry and light rail, making decisions, solving problems and working together. They explored iconic locations including The Rocks, Circular Quay, Barangaroo, Darling Square, Chinatown, Sydney Harbour and Opera House, experiencing the diversity that contributes to Sydney’s identity today.
The 4th day was dedicated to Service and Environment. Delegates in groups departed by bus to Hornsby Park Quarry for a Quarry Park Walk and Bush Regeneration service activities such as tree plantation
On the last day of the conference on Oct 1, a keynote presentation by Samantha Gash took place at the Rosewood Centre. The conference culminated in a grand Closing Ceremony at the Rosewood Centre, followed by a traditional Aussie-Style BBQ Dinner and Bush Dance which turned out to be a joyful celebration of new friendships and the Round Square ideals of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service.
The event was attended by Raju Chowdhary, Chairman of KC Educational Society, Arti Chowdhary, Managing Director and Manoj Kapoor, Round Square Coordinator along with student delegates Aseemta Gupta, Mahira Mahajan, Medhavi Arora, Samrat Singh and Garv Sharma.