Established after 9/11 as a means of encouraging collaboration with young leaders from other nations, AID has hosted more than 100 young global leader summits since 2002 in 30 U.S. states and in five foreign countries. The organization encourages the newly-trained leaders to host town hall forums and participate in global videoconferences and local campaigns once they return to their communities.

During the first half of the Darfur conference, participants examined how institutions such as the International Criminal Court can prosecute crimes against humanity. The second half of the conference looked specifically at Darfur and the responsibility of the United States and the international system to stop the genocide that has been occurring in the region.

Smith volunteered to be a small group discussion leader during the afternoon session, and said the experience of leading about 45 students in discussion was enlightening.

“We tend to find ourselves sheltered, and often lack a certain curiosity about issues going on in the world,” Smith said, noting that it was helpful to hear divergent opinions.

“It’s interesting to meet people my age, or close to it, who have different perspectives. Even when you disagree, it’s important to be able to listen to what everybody else has to say on the issue.”

Questions that Smith posed to her group included issues surrounding international courts and what impact the court should play in Darfur as well as what role America should play in conflict.

Speakers included Karin Ryan, Director of the Human Rights Program at The Carter Center; Lyn Graybill, a lecturer from the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at Georgia Tech; Don Ferencz, Founder and Director of The Planethood Foundation; Charles Marvin, Professor of Law at Georgia State; and Henry Carey, Associate Professor of Political Science at Georgia State.