Global Schools at the Vatican Youth Symposium: Sparking Hope with Young Leaders
- Global Schools Program
- Apr 14
- 4 min read
Written by, Stacy Nyathi, Communications Lead, Global Schools
The Global Schools Program was honored to participate in the 9th edition of the Vatican Youth Symposium (VYS) held in Vatican City from the 4th to the 5th of April 2025 under the theme “Voices of Change: Sparking Hope with Sustainable Solutions.” This theme encouraged youth to consider timely challenges including the worsening climate crisis, geopolitical tensions, and a myriad of issues currently plaguing the planet.
The VYS is an annual gathering of young global change makers from across the world to discuss the world’s most pressing issues and chart solutions. This year’s VYS gathered 70 participants from 38 countries, with 65% between the ages of 18-35. The gathering drew individuals actively working across education, international climate strategy, human rights activism, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, investment, and academia.
This was an important gathering for Global Schools to participate in because Global Schools envisions a world where every student is equipped with the environmental and social knowledge, values, and skills to achieve a better future. The VYS’ inherent optimism about the power of young people to solve global challenges aligns perfectly with our core mission: to equip and support this generation with the knowledge, skills, and passion necessary to become leaders in sustainable development
Now in its 9th edition, the VYS brings together diverse young leaders from around the world to solve global challenges. We were naturally excited to meet and engage with such a diverse group, knowing these connections are vital for expanding Global Schools’ international network and impact.
The opening session was led by a panel of inspirational speakers including Professor Jeffrey Sachs, SDSN President; Dr. Betsee Parker, 17th Baroness of Locheil in Scotland; Maria Cortes Puch, SDSN Vice President of Networks; Danilo Raponi, Generali Group Innovation Head; Raquel Armendariz SDSN Youth Program Coordinator; and Kayla Colyard, SDG Academy Education Manager.
Professor Jeffrey Sachs emphasized the importance of young people as the future leaders urging participants to take the reins saying: “We are here because we need you and your leadership.You need to take the lead, fast!”
Coincidentally, the Symposium coincided with the year of Jubilee, an occurrence that happens every 25 years, whose core theme is hope. Prof. Sr Helen Alford delivered a powerful speech about hope, likening young leaders to a pilgrimage bearing hope.
“Hope is the virtue we most need today, the light that shines a guiding force, it's got power. Hope, it guides us forward, helping us to work for really difficult, but important things such as peace, unity, justice, even in a world filled with division. To help the vulnerable. Hope calls us out of complacency,” Prof. Sr. Helen Alford said.
The two day gathering had rich presentations and panel discussions on the following themes: education for sustainable development, sustainable cities, climate crisis navigation, promotion of human rights, innovation and entrepreneurship, human-centered design and the way forward post 2030.
The first day deep dived into “Educating with Impact”, particularly on how skills and knowledge can be imparted for sustainable development. Global Schools participated in the “Education with Impact” panel alongside representatives from the Ban Ki-moon Center, Global Changemaker Schools, WAYE and SDG Academy.
The panelists discussed the disruption of core skills needed for learners for today, which are rapidly changing from critical thinking, agility and leadership to more technological skills like AI data and technological literacy between 2025 to 2030. Futurist, Sinead Bovell, spoke earnestly about the anxiety and preparedness that young people are feeling due to the rapid development of technology and emphasized on the importance of implementing technology with care. Global Schools’ Project Lead of Communication, Stacy Nyathi, brought in the importance of empowering educators as they are the best positioned facilitators of imparting sustainability to youth.
Subsequent panels discussed “Smart, Green and Inclusive Sustainable Cities and Communities”, “Human Rights”, “Entrepreneurship and Innovation”. These sessions challenged participants to envision future urban landscapes where sustainability isn't an afterthought but the very blueprint of city developments, sparking innovative ideas on how collective action can reshape our living spaces for a thriving world and its people.
The distinguished members of the panel spoke about navigating the climate crisis, reiterating the urgency of the crisis, and underscoring the need for bold action, policy shifts, and the empowered and educated generation that Global Schools strives to cultivate. The next generation must be equipped to understand the complexities of climate change in order to drive meaningful mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Throughout the two-day deliberations, the energy in the room was electric, full of energy and creativity. What was apparent was that young people are not just talking about sustainability but they are walking the talk! They are researching, innovating, influencing policies, speaking up and effecting change from community levels to international arenas. From the various discussions, several speakers alluded to the vital role of education. This recurring emphasis on education strongly resonates with the core mission of Global Schools.
The Vatican Youth Symposium was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful affirmation of the hope that lies in the hands of the next generation. For Global Schools, our participation was a vital opportunity to not only showcase our commitment to Education for Sustainable Development but also to connect with a dynamic ecosystem of fellow changemakers. We left the Vatican City invigorated and with a renewed sense of purpose.
The speeches and discussions from the symposium are all available on the Casina Pio IV YouTube channel, click here to watch.
