UWTSD Hosts Prestigious Commonwealth Young Leaders Event in Swansea
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) hosted an international gathering of emerging leaders from across the Commonwealth as the Commonwealth Leadership Institute (CLI) brought its flagship Young Leaders event, Leading Beyond Borders: People, Place & Purpose, to the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea.
The event was organised by final-year International Travel and Tourism Management student and Commonwealth Young Leader Angelika Jasnos, who drew on her university experience to bring the prestigious international gathering to Wales. The afternoon brought together Commonwealth Young Leaders, academics, experienced practitioners, and global voices for a series of short talks exploring leadership shaped by people, place, and purpose.
Angelika Jasnos said: “Organising such a prestigious international event has been both humbling and incredibly empowering. To see an idea grow into a space where young leaders, academics and global voices could come together in Swansea was truly special. My experiences at university played a huge role in preparing me for this opportunity, from developing confidence and leadership skills to learning how to work collaboratively and turn ideas into reality.
“As a student and a Commonwealth Young Leader, it meant a great deal to bring this event to Wales and to create a platform that genuinely amplified young voices. The experience has reinforced my belief that leadership is about connection, collaboration and having the confidence to step forward, even when something feels bigger than you. I’m immensely proud of what we achieved together and of the conversations and connections that will continue long after the event.”
“Leadership, like travel, starts when you decide not to stay where you are.”
Among the distinguished contributors were Professor Terry Stevens, founder of the original tourism and leisure programmes at Swansea, and Heledd Williams, UWTSD alumna and Head of Business Events Wales at the Welsh Government. They were joined by Bernie Davies, an international speaker specialising in mastering diversity, as well as Jacqui Jones, Programme Manager for Tourism & Events at UWTSD and Chair of the Institute of Hospitality Cymru.
Further enriching the event were contributions from Suki Collins, Founder of Pebbles Coaching & Wellbeing, and several Commonwealth Young Leaders and international speakers who added global perspectives to the discussions. These included Angelika Jasnos, Sarah Davies, Will Beharrell, Kerry Robershaw and Michael Pervan, each offering their unique experiences and reflections. Their voices helped create a dynamic, collaborative environment that highlighted the diversity and energy of emerging leaders across the Commonwealth.
The event opened with a welcome from Professor Gareth Davies, Dean of UWTSD’s Institute of Management and Health and Jonathon Gray, Director of the Commonwealth Leadership Institute.
Delegates also enjoyed a curated showcase of Welsh culture, creativity, and hospitality, underscoring Swansea and UWTSD’s reputation as welcoming centres for international dialogue and collaboration.
The programme featured a Welsh wine tasting sponsored by Velfrey Vineyard, led by owner Andrew Mounsey and UWTSD Professional Wine Trainer Antoinette Milne. Gastronomy students complemented the experience with an expertly prepared Welsh‑themed buffet under the guidance of UWTSD Academic Director Dr Jayne Griffith‑Parry.
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071