Tell us about the World Conference on Climate Change & Sustainability and your involvement with it.
Climate Week is a premier gathering of Academicians, Researchers, Post-Doctoral Fellows, Environmental Scientists, Climatologists, Ecologist, Meteorologists, Marine Biologist, Geologists, Biologists, Architects, Anthropologists, Agronomist, Industrialists, Petrologists, Photovoltaic Specialist, Governmental Organisations from around the world, aimed at fostering knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration to mitigate climate change effects and promote sustainability.
At the World Conference on Climate Change & Sustainability, the diverse array of panelists brought forward a wealth of topics and showcased innovative projects. During the presentations, I gained insights into the various challenges and solutions related to climate change and sustainability around the globe. These discussions highlighted how local and regional priorities influence adaptation & mitigation efforts, and the role of technology and innovation in addressing these critical issues.
What did you address at the conference?
- Studying a multidisciplinary programme at the Geneva Graduate Institute, I shared my academic findings on how the schooling system can foster the transition from sustainability awareness to value-driven action.
- Public schooling can be a powerful catalyst for engaging youth in innovative projects that drive sustainability and combat climate change.
- While researchers, scientists, and policymakers continue shaping sustainable social norms and influencing societal structures, it’s crucial to remember that individuals, especially children, are deeply aware of the environmental and social challenges in their region. They’re ready to take creative action to make a difference — and public schools can play a crucial role in empowering them to do so.
- Through value-driven education, centered on learning activities beyond the classroom, schools can foster creativity, innovation, and responsibility in students from an early age. This approach encourages the development of low-cost, high-impact sustainability projects.
- As we continue to engage students in solving today’s challenges, they’ll carry these values forward, shaping a more sustainable future for their regions and the world.
The panelists' presentations opened new horizons of knowledge, and my curiosity guided me to delve deeper into each one. However, the casual dinners I organized at the end of the day showed me the true cause that brought everyone to the conference room to discuss sensitive issues within their regions.
Creating connections is not just about swapping business cards or adding people on LinkedIn; in my opinion, it is all about taking the time to understand the person in front of me, especially understanding how we continue to build a more sustainable future together.
Anthony Toscano, MINT Student & Treasurer of GISA