On March 30, our Center once again hosted a student conference in English—this time in a TED-style format.

The Center for Modern Foreign Languages has a long-standing tradition of organizing annual student conferences, giving UCU students a platform to demonstrate their language proficiency and public speaking skills. This year, we introduced the TED format, where speakers shared personal insights, told meaningful stories, and aimed to inspire their audience. In total, more than 25 students took part in the event.

One of the speakers, Daria Nasonova, reflected on the ideas of the American chef and TV host Anthony Bourdain. She shared several quotes that resonated with her, particularly those shaped by his travels. One of the most striking messages was: “You can go anywhere in the world, but you can’t escape yourself.”

Diana-Ivanna Labiak explored the theme of imperfection, emphasizing how it is precisely imperfection that makes life authentic and meaningful. She spoke about the growing need for honesty and realness in a world that often values perfection over authenticity, encouraging the audience to embrace their true selves.

Volodymyr Zabronsky addressed a complex and thought-provoking topic: the concept of a just war in the 21st century. In his talk, “Can We Have a Just War in the 21st Century, or What Is ‘Bellum Justum’?”, he examined the idea through historical and philosophical perspectives, including Ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome, as well as theological viewpoints rooted in the Bible and medieval Christian thought.

Alisa Petrenko invited the audience to reflect on the invisible rules that shape our behavior. In her talk, “Why Do We Create Invisible Rules? The Secret of Social Codes That Control Our Lives,” she explored how these unspoken norms influence the way we present ourselves and interact with others.

The conference once again demonstrated how powerful student voices can be when given the space to speak, reflect, and inspire.