On May 29th, we celebrated the 10th annual Student Sustainability Summit at Lancaster University, in collaboration with Lancaster SU (LUSU). This year marked our biggest and best summit yet, with an impressive turnout of 144 delegates from universities and colleges across the UK. We were honoured to host speakers from inspiring organisations such as PRALER, Demilitarise Education, UK Youth for Nature and Teach the Future. It was wonderful to create a space for so many young people to come together to learn, network and collaborate!

The day kicked off with three exciting rounds of creative, interactive and thought-provoking workshops. Delegates also enjoyed learning about exciting initiatives and opportunities through our stallholders and connected via the discussion spaces and over a delicious lunch. For the final session, we concluded the summit with a panel on ‘Climate Justice at the General Election, hosted by Larissa Kennedy, Liv Marshall, Hannah Sketchley and Phoebe Hanson. Although we couldn't attend every session, here's a brief summary of the inspiring topics covered throughout the day:

-       Creating effective initiatives at universities to tackle student issues like climate change, cost of living and poor housing standards

-       Exploring a trade union and student union approach to climate justice

-       Decolonising education and its central role in activism

-       Inspiring youth-led climate action in academic institutions and beyond

-       Exploring ways students can make change at university through biodiversity protection and food choices on campus

-       Learning about the links between universities and the arms trade and what actions can be taken

Lucy, a CAP Coordinator and SOS-UK student staff member, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the event: “The SOS-UK sustainability summit was bursting with inspiration, education, teamwork and calls to meaningful action and change. It allowed passionate young people to converge together to discuss and become further educated about what we can do in both a work or education environment but also in our own personal lives too.”

We are thrilled to have hosted a day where so many ideas were shared and where students learned valuable lessons they can now take back to their institutions. We believe these insights will help them continue creating positive change for people and the planet. Big thanks to Green Lancaster for hosting us!

We are already looking forward to next year’s summit!