We come from diverse backgrounds, yet we share a common bond: childhood games. Games, in their essence, mirror human society. They simulate real-life scenarios, nurture new skills, satisfy curiosity, and foster friendships - all while providing joy.

During my teenage years, I resided in socialist Bulgaria behind the Iron Curtain. After school, I would sprawl on my bedroom floor, immersing myself in philosophy and religion books. I was on a quest to decipher the world and uncover life's meaning.

Then, an influential figure introduced me to Eastern philosophy through scarce books. He also acquainted me with the game of Go, a humble board featuring 361 intersections and black and white stones. The fall of the Iron Curtain in the late 1980s opened doors to global connectivity and the pursuit of life's meaning. I embraced the opportunity to travel and adopted the identity of a global citizen.

My journey took me to various places, including Wellington, Dubai, Moscow, Seoul, Sydney, Prague, Sofia, and everywhere I went, I encountered local Go clubs. These clubs mirrored the interconnectedness of the world, as if the coordinates of the Earth itself were reflected on the micro-grid of the Go board.

On a personal level, I could relate Go to my experiences, but it wasn't until I delved into the game's origins and history that I grasped why Go is so applicable to real-life situations and why it maintains its esteemed position in the world.

Go, known as "wei qi" in China, was devised over four millennia ago to teach strategic thinking. This ancient game is regarded as the universal game due to its ability to mimic real-life concepts. Let me provide three examples:

Connections in Go: In Go, the creation of web-like connections is essential for a group's survival. The size of a group doesn't matter; what matters is the space within that keeps it alive. This mirrors our social connections where shared values sustain our groups, irrespective of their size.

Communication and Compromise: Go serves as a form of communication, a conversation through hands. It encourages compromises based on mutual respect and understanding, in stark contrast to Western games that prioritize aggression and destruction. In Go, an aggressive approach without recognizing your opponent's need to coexist leads to failure.

Equal Value of Stones: In Go, all stones hold equal value. This reflects principles of equity and inclusion. Go is a creative game, where each stone placed can influence the entire outcome. In real life, our choices have the potential to change our lives at any moment.

In my life, I've overcome challenges, including domestic violence, and found a new sense of belonging when I landed in Perth. The Perth Go Club became my refuge, allowing me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and apply Go's principles to real-life problems.

I may not be a Go master, but I continue to play to develop skills applicable in my daily life and inspire others to benefit from Go's strategies. While the rules of Go are simple, its strategies are immensely complex, even baffling artificial intelligence.

Go's enduring appeal lies in its ability to stimulate logical thinking, problem-solving, and imagination. It offers a unique way to connect people, places, and cultures across time. Go is a tangible tool for teaching relevant skills in today's world.

Imagine a world where we view our business competitors as teachers and seek connections based on trust and respect. Go has the potential to teach children problem-solving, imagination, and creativity, aligning with the goals of the Australian school curriculum.

My vision is to see Go boards in boardrooms, classrooms, and universities, fostering better decision-making, critical thinking, and a new set of values. I dream of more places to connect, more opportunities to play, and greater freedom to learn. Only then can we forge a new sense of freedom, learn to appreciate differences, and nurture the next generation of leaders.

Thank you.