Find out more
As part of our continued commitment to Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE), Wellington College is proud to share the success of our Intergenerational Sustainability and Climate Dialogues Series, a student-led initiative designed to elevate intergenerational equity by youth leadership and foster collaborative action across generations.
Led by our Sustainability Ambassadors, Jessy B and Rosie W, this international initiative brought together students and teachers of different ages to share their experiences, views and hopes for the planet. The goal was to create a space where students and adults could learn from one another and explore real ways to make a difference.
In total, we reached 280 participants from across the world, including 202 students from Year 7 to Year 13, 78 teachers and educators, and 25 schools across 10 countries. Plus, we hosted a successful special session for the Wellington College family of Schools. This shows the power of collaboration and the importance of bringing many voices into the conversation.
To support this initiative, Wellington College partnered with the Institute for Global Learning, providing eight of our students with training in intercultural dialogue facilitation. Through this training, students developed essential skills in listening, empathy, and cross-cultural communication. These students then took the lead in organising and running the three main dialogue sessions, each focused on a different theme:
- January and February – Connecting with Nature- Participants shared how they first discovered nature and what helped them care about the natural world.
- March and April – Learning about Sustainability and Climate- The group discussed and reflected on the role of education -both formal and information- in shaping understanding about climate and the environment during their school years and beyond.
- May and June – Taking Climate Action- This session focused on personal and collective efforts toward sustainability, the barriers faced, and opportunities for meaningful impact.
To capture the ideas and energy from this project, Wellington College and the Institute for Global Learning are now working on a publication called: “Voices for a Sustainable Future: Reflections Across Generations”. This document will highlight the key messages from the dialogues and offer inspiration for others who want to take part in climate action.
This student-led initiative reflects Wellington’s belief in the power of young people as leaders, and in the importance of creating spaces for dialogue that are rooted in openness, curiosity, and respect.
We look forward to continuing this journey, empowering students to lead, listen, and act for a more sustainable and just world.
