2025 GCI Summit Highlights

The 2025 GCI Summit took place from July 20 through July 28 in St Andrews, Scotland. Throughout the week, our remarkable Fellows explored complex global challenges and engaged with a diverse community rooted in empathy and shared purpose! We are incredibly proud of these young leaders and look forward to all that they continue to accomplish within their local communities and beyond.

Below, you'll find highlights from each day of the Summit.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL (SUNDAY, JULY 20)

We kicked off the GCI Summit by giving a warm welcome to our 2025 Fellows as they arrived by airport shuttle, train, and car at John Burnet Hall, where they will be staying during their time at the Summit. What an exciting and eventful beginning to our nine days together in St Andrews, Scotland!

As Fellows flew into the Edinburgh airport, they were greeted by this year's fabulous team of Teaching Assistants (TAs), all of whom were once Fellows themselves. After unpacking and settling into their rooms, the Fellows met one another and participated in welcome activities planned and led by the TAs.

From walks to the beach, exploring the town of St Andrews, and playing icebreaker activities and games, the day was full of opportunities for Fellows to start building connections and get excited for the week ahead.

DAY 2: TEAM BUILDING (MONDAY, JULY 21)

Fellows kicked off the second day of the Summit with team-building games on West Sands Beach. They strengthened communication and connection between one another before enjoying the opportunity to take a plunge into the ocean.

Fellows finished out the day by learning some traditional ceilidh dancing---stepping and hopping into a joyful piece of Scottish culture!

DAY 3: DESIGN THINKING (TUESDAY, JULY 22)

On Day 3 of the GCI Summit, Fellows considered who they are becoming as learners, problem solvers, changemakers, and global citizens. By noticing the patterns that emerge within themselves and their cohort, this reflection helps Fellows develop the self-awareness needed to lead with purpose and empathy.

Fellows also began to engage with their “Glocal” Service Projects (GSPs). Emphasizing the process rather than the outcome, Fellows are encouraged to stay curious, open, and responsive to change.

DAY 4: GUEST SPEAKERS & HARKNESS® (WEDNESDAY, JULY 23)

The fourth day of the Summit welcomed guest speakers Dr. Shelby Clark, from Project Zero, and Kevin Zhen, one of our GCI Alumni! Dr. Clark spoke to Fellows about ethical leadership and the values that drive our decision-making. Fellows continued the conversation about ethics in Harkness®* discussions! Later, Kevin Zhen shared about the ups, downs, and lessons learned from his journey as an entrepreneur.

*Harkness® is a registered trademark of Phillips Exeter Academy.

DAY 5: HARKNESS® & GSPS (THURSDAY, JULY 24)

On Day 5, Fellows spent the morning participating in Harkness® discussions before having the opportunity to work with guest speaker Tommy Petillo, Head of Design at the University of Glasgow, on Design Thinking and GSPs! In the evening, Fellows wrapped up the day by heading into town for dinner with their TAs.

DAY 6: ANSTRUTHER (FRIDAY, JULY 25)

On the sixth day of the Summit, after a morning of Harkness® sessions and an afternoon of GSP planning, Fellows traveled to the town of Anstruther to explore the Scottish Fisheries Museum and spend time at Dreel Halls, where they heard from Scottish poet Kathleen Jamie and musician James Yorkston. What an incredible experience it was for Fellows to be able to speak to the author of the poems they studied in their Harkness® readings!

DAY 7: TA PANEL & GSP PREP (SATURDAY, JULY 26)

On one of the last days of the Summit, Fellows spent time finalizing and practicing their GSP presentations! In the afternoon, they also had the chance to learn from their Teaching Assistants (TAs) in the TA Panel, where TAs shared reflections on their life paths and decisions, offering valuable perspectives to the Fellows. The evening closed out with a fun pizza party at the dorm, competitive team games on the beach, and a bonfire where everyone roasted marshmallows together.

DAY 8: GSP PRESENTATIONS, HIGHLAND GAMES, & CELEBRATORY DINNER (SUNDAY, JULY 27)

Day 8 of the Summit was packed with excitement and celebration! The morning began with Fellows presenting their Glocal Service Projects—the result of a week’s worth of dedication and creativity. Their presentations and innovative project ideas left a lasting impression on everyone.

In the afternoon, we all headed to the Highland Games for some great food, shopping, and a chance to participate in the Overseas Visitor Race!

As evening fell, the group gathered for the Haydn Robarts Celebratory Dinner to honor the hard work of all our Fellows and to celebrate all of the positive impact they are poised to make in their communities. Following the dinner, the night wrapped up with a lively Fellow Showcase, where Fellows let loose and shared their unique skills and passions with the whole group. What a way to close out an incredible day!

DAY 9: DEPARTURE (MONDAY, JULY 28)

Departure day marked the close of an impactful Summit journey. Fellows said their goodbyes and set off for home. We wish them all nothing but safe travels and an exciting, fruitful year ahead. Congratulations, Fellows, on completing the first big step of the GCI Fellowship!