By Mariann Dienes

Last month I attended the very much anticipated FIGT Forum 2026 — two full days packed with fantastic presentations, thought-provoking workshops, and meaningful discussions. What made the experience especially memorable was not only the quality of the content, but the atmosphere created by everyone involved. The participants arrived curious, interested, and deeply engaged; the organisers worked tirelessly behind the scenes; and the volunteers dedicated enormous amounts of time, energy, and care to making the entire event happen so seamlessly. There was a real sense of generosity and shared purpose throughout the Forum.

Being surrounded by so many people committed to learning, connecting, and exchanging experiences reminded me once again how powerful community can be. So many conversations continued long after the sessions ended — in break out rooms, over coffee, between workshops — and often those spontaneous moments became just as valuable as the presentations themselves. There was openness, honesty, and a willingness to listen to one another’s stories and perspectives.

I was also a presenter, which naturally brought its own mixture of excitement and vulnerability. Sharing ideas that are personal and important to you always involves a certain degree of risk, and so the warm acceptance my presentation received meant more than I can fully express. I felt included, understood, and genuinely heard. That feeling — of recognition and connection — is something increasingly rare and precious.

Coincidentally, U2 had just released a new album, and one song in particular stayed with me throughout the weekend. In a Life ends with these lines:

“I feel alone 

I need it known

I never achieved anything on my Own

I feel alone

I need it known

I only received from being shown

I feel alone 

I need it known

I never achieved anything on my Own

A skipping stone 

I was thrown 

The ocean floor is not my home

In a life

We catch a glimpse of someone else

In your eyes 

Caught a glance of myself”

Those words resonated deeply with what I experienced at the Forum. They speak to the paradox of human connection: we may often feel alone in our journeys, yet so much of who we become is shaped through others — through encouragement, understanding, mentorship, and shared experience. None of us truly arrives anywhere entirely on our own.

The Forum reminded me that sometimes we only fully see ourselves when reflected in the eyes of others who understand us. For a brief moment, among presentations, conversations, laughter, and shared stories, there was that rare feeling of catching “a glance of myself.” And perhaps that is one of the greatest gifts gatherings like FIGT can offer.

Mariann Dienes is an intercultural consultant and applied linguist with a background in both business and Applied Linguistics. Having worked for multinational organizations for more than 10 years, she brings a wealth of experience to intercultural consulting. Her qualifications in Applied Linguistics, Neurolanguage Coaching and English Teaching provide an excellent skill set that facilitates intercultural understanding at its best. Her primary aim is to assist clients in achieving an increased awareness of cultural dimensions, and foster understanding and cooperation in organizations.