“Todos, Todos, Todos”: Edmund Rice Student Leaders Unite Across the Globe

Hosted by Edmund Rice Education Australia, the global dialogues brought together over 300 students from more than 60 Catholic schools to explore leadership, faith, service, and global solidarity while building a worldwide community of young leaders committed to making a difference.

More than 300 students from around the world gathered online this week for the EREA/EREBB Student Leaders Global Dialogues, hosted by Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA). The event brought together young leaders from across the global Edmund Rice network in a powerful experience of connection, faith, leadership and global solidarity.

Representing more than 60 Catholic schools across 13 countries, students explored leadership, service to others, faith as a force for good in the world, and the importance of global collaboration. The dialogues form part of an ongoing initiative that connects current and future student leaders, giving them the opportunity to share ideas, discuss global issues, and learn from one another through the message and life of Jesus and the lens of the Edmund Rice charism. 

Students were formally welcomed by Dr Michael Slattery KSG (EREA President) and Dr Liam Smith (EREA Executive Director), who encouraged students to embrace their role as global leaders and to use their leadership to make a difference in the world.

The dialogue began with Mose’ Taiatini, College Captain of St Edmund’s College, Canberra, reminding student leaders of the importance of global connection for young people today.

“Today, more than ever, it is important that young people connect beyond borders. We live in a world that faces shared challenges — including inequality, conflict, war, climate change, and division — but also shared opportunities for hope, leadership, and action. When students connect globally, we begin to understand one another better, learn from different perspectives, and recognise that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.

My hope for these global connections is that they help us grow not only as leaders within our own schools, but as leaders for justice, compassion, and service in the world. I hope we leave these conversations with stronger friendships, deeper understanding, and the confidence to work together to make positive change in our communities.”

A special guest for the event, joining from Rome, was Br David Silva, Deputy Congregation Leader of the Christian Brothers. Br David spoke to students about the example of Jesus and Edmund Rice, and how their lives continue to inspire young leaders to make a difference in the world today. He reminded students that they are not simply the leaders of tomorrow, but passionate and engaged leaders of today. He also reminded the young leaders of the powerful words of Pope Francis: “Todos, todos, todos!” — Everyone, everyone, everyone — encouraging students to embrace inclusion, belonging, and global solidarity.

One of the highlights of the dialogue was the participation of several unique and inspiring schools from across the global network, including Reuben School (Nairobi, Kenya) — the largest school in the Edmund Rice network with more than 3,600 students — St George’s School (Kolkata, India), an inclusive school serving young people on the margins, and the Edmund Rice School (Kibera, Kenya), which supports students with special needs.

21 Australian schools joined student leaders from the United States, New Zealand, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, India, Kenya, England , Ireland, Tanzania, Argentina and Peru.  Together, these schools represent a truly global Edmund Rice community, united by a shared commitment to faith, justice, compassion, and education.

Throughout the dialogues, students reflected deeply on what leadership means in today’s world. Many spoke about the way the Edmund Rice approach to leadership calls them to empathy, justice, and service.

One student from India explained, “The Edmund Rice approach to student leadership taught me to be empathetic, help those who are in need and stand against injustice.”

A student from South Africa reflected on the importance of global collaboration in leadership, writing, “Global dialogues moves a leader from ‘I have the answer’ to ‘We have the tools to find the answer together.’”

Students also spoke about the courage required to lead and the importance of taking action, even in small ways.
“I learnt that leadership is not about waiting for the correct time or situation. It is about acting when needed for the right thing — even small steps can lead to bigger changes,” shared a student from India.

Others reflected on how inspiring it was to hear from students around the world.
“I think seeing everyone speak so fluently and bravely was very inspiring for me. It made me realise that there are different ways to lead, not just by being an authority figure, but by being someone who can understand and support others,” said a student from Peru.

At the heart of the event was a growing awareness among students that they are part of a global community with a shared mission to make the world a better place.

As one Australian student reflected, “The Student Global Dialogues helped reinforce the idea that we can make an impact in the world.”

The EREA/EREBB Student Leaders Global Dialogues will continue throughout the year, with students staying connected across borders to support one another, share ideas, and inspire each other as they continue their leadership journeys — together.

Image: Ruben School - Nairobi, Kenya. The largest Edmund Rice school in the world and an active member of Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders