The GDST Global Wisdoms Symposium at Bromley High School brought together 10 schools and over 140 students in a resounding success. Exploring the intersection of sustainability and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), the symposium focused on how global wisdoms can help us respond to the complex, interconnected crises facing our world – particularly climate change.
Student voices shone throughout the day. From an eloquent Year 3 pupil sharing her grandmother’s traditional farming techniques and their relevance for nurturing the Earth, to a powerful Year 13 speech on the impacts of colonisation on climate change, the message was clear: real change starts with us. The latter speaker challenged attendees to move beyond tokenism and greenwashing, urging schools and communities to embed sustainability at their core.
Keynote speakers Dr Dion Terrelonge and Amanda Bronkhorst were equally inspiring. Both emphasised how small actions, when taken collectively, can create real impact. As they reminded us, one student recycling is a step in the right direction – but 20,000 GDST students recycling together is a movement.
Breakout sessions added a hands‑on dimension to the day. From screen‑printing banners and tackling period poverty to exploring how personal values align with future careers, workshops were engaging, creative, and deeply meaningful. They encouraged collaboration across schools and, importantly, equipped students with practical tools to become change makers.
“I felt that I was in a room where many people shared similar views, passions and ideas. I was especially impressed with the student speakers and it was amazing to see young people speak out for what they believe in and learn true facts about our world and society. I also loved that it was open and we could all share our views in conversation – especially when it came to the breakout sessions.”Mrs Kath Lovett, Head of Art and Photography & Trust Consultant Teacher for Sustainability
At its heart, the Global Wisdoms Symposium aimed to empower students not only to care deeply about the world around them, but to act. We want them to be courageous in their convictions, to ask difficult questions, and to imagine and build a fairer, more sustainable future. With the passion and purpose they brought to this event, we are confident they will do exactly that.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the Global Wisdom day at Bromley High School. The keynote speakers’ stories were extremely inspiring. The student speakers were absolutely amazing and confident. They opened my mind to new ideas that were original and powerful. They talked about learning from the past and historical ways people sustained our world. Instead of constant growth and advancements we should focus on the present by implementing long‑term solutions rather than themed days that just disappear after 24 hours. It was clear that everyone who attended the conference had an unwavering passion to try and make the world a better place.”Holly, Year 10 GDST Pupil
You can watch the highlights from the Global Wisdom Symposium here: