The 2025 Issues Forum: Exploring Identity at ISLI
At the International Student Leadership Institute, leadership isn’t just about action—it’s about thoughtful reflection, critical thinking, and meaningful dialogue. Each year, the Senior Regents invite the participants to dive into a thought-provoking topic that challenges their perspectives and encourages deep conversation. For 2025, the topic will be "Identity".
A glimpse of the 2024 Issues Forum about consumerism.
What is the Issues Forum?
The Issues Forum is a cornerstone of the ISLI experience. It is traditionally hosted by the Senior Regents and thus this year by Zsófia Stefely from Hungary and Birte Thys from Belgium. This annual session provides a platform for all participants to expand their understanding on a carefully chosen, societal topic. It will allow them to share their own visions, engage and even lead in debate.
This year, during the Issues Forum, we will talk about the complexities of how nature and nurture shape our identities and we will delve deeper into the debate about how both could play a role in our identities.
Understanding Identity
To prepare for the Issues Forum, participants are encouraged to reflect on the concept of identity. The Senior Regents have carefully selected articles and videos that help them understand the topic. They ask the participants to bare these questions in mind while studying the Issues Forum’s topic:
What defines identity? Is it the characteristics that make you unique? Does it include your physical traits, personality, values, or social roles?
Is identity fixed or fluid? Can it evolve over time with new experiences and influences?
What makes up your identity? Think about the various aspects of your life—are they social, cultural, or personal? Have they changed over time?
Senior Regents Zsófia and Birte have curated this list carefully. The participants who will join ISLI 2025 in a month, are encouraged to engage with at least one resource per category, though reading more will undoubtedly enrich the discussion.
The Big Debate
At the heart of this year’s Issues Forum lies the timeless question: to what extent do nature and nurture shape our identity? On one side, nature represents the traits we inherit—our genetic makeup, physical attributes, and innate talents. These are often viewed as fixed, the foundational aspects of who we are.
On the other hand, nurture encompasses the environmental factors that mold us—our upbringing, culture, education, and life experiences. Together, these forces intertwine to create the tapestry of our identity. But what do you consider as parts of nature or nurture? And did they evolve over time?
As you prepare for the forum, you are asked to reflect on your own life: Which aspects of your identity feel hardwired, like your temperament or certain abilities? And which parts have been shaped by the people, places, and cultures around you? Perhaps even more importantly, consider whether you believe which parts of your identity play a more significant role in defining yourself. This will help you to unveil the essence of your identity and thus your idea about it.
Join the conversation
As you prepare for the 2025 Issues Forum, remember that there’s no single answer to the question of how nature and nurture shape identity. Your experiences, insights, and reflections will contribute to a rich and dynamic discussion that embodies the spirit of ISLI: thoughtful leadership in action.
Get ready to explore, debate, and grow—because understanding identity is the key to leading with empathy and purpose. See you at ISLI’s Issues Forum!
