28/08/2026
Earlier this month, Era Sakhuja, a MA student in Politics and International Relations, represented SGIA and Durham University at the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) Asia Conference 2026 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
🌏The conference brought together students and young professionals from around the world to exchange ideas, build connections, and engage with pressing issues facing Asia and the wider international community.
📸 Here are some photos from Era’s trip, along with her reflections on this exciting experience.
"More than 70 countries were represented at the conference, with students and young professionals attending from across the world. The most interesting thing for me was seeing how differently people approached the same issues depending on where they came from and what they had experienced. Discussions covered international relations, public policy, technology, development and global governance, and there was a lot to think about outside the sessions too."
"A highlight for me was talking to Dr Brindha Jeyaraman about agentic AI and technical transparency. I asked what policymakers can do when new technological risks are emerging and broad principles still need to be turned into practical frameworks. I also attended sessions on Southeast Asian strategic autonomy, multilateralism, agricultural resilience, community health, education and geopolitical resilience. It was a valuable opportunity to hear different viewpoints and understand why there is rarely one straightforward answer to issues affecting countries in very different ways."
"I came back to Durham with fresh ideas, new friendships and a better understanding of how global issues are discussed by people from different parts of the world. I am very thankful to the SGIA EDI Committee and Education Committee for giving me the opportunity to experience this first-hand. I hope that by sharing what I learnt, I can encourage other students to make the most of similar opportunities and help contribute to an inclusive and internationally engaged community at Durham."
