Join us for the inaugural Global Schools Program Symposium, August 28-29 2026
- SDSN Youth
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
Updated: 8 minutes ago
The inaugural Global Schools Symposium, “From Learning to Action: Schools Advancing the SDGs” will take place virtually on August 28–29, 2026, bringing together K–12 educators, school leaders, researchers, and education practitioners from around the world to explore innovative approaches to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
As the world approaches the final years of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, education plays a critical role in equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Symposium will feature keynote speakers, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, with plenary sessions and breakout tracks focused on themes such as: TRACK A: Building Sustainable School Communities; TRACK B: Inspiring Student Changemakers; TRACK C: Innovation for Impact; and other emerging areas of ESD.
Please note that all participants that attend for at least 80% of the Global Schools Symposium will receive an official certificate of participation. We hope to see you there!
Registration:
Links and Materials:
Download Symposium Concept Note
Day 1
Day 1 of the Global Schools Symposium will convene leading experts, educators, practitioners, and young people from across the globe to explore the future of education and the transformations needed to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Through dynamic discussions and exchanges, the day will elevate diverse regional and intergenerational perspectives, creating space for dialogue on how education can become more inclusive, relevant, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of learners and communities worldwide. This will include:
11am UTC: Welcome and Agenda Setting:
Welcome by the Global Schools Team
Keynote Speech
An overview of the Global Schools program and looking ahead
Selected student presentations (both live and videos) from across the Global Schools Network
12:00pm UTC Expert Panel: As the world enters the final stretch of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, this panel brings together practitioners, researchers, and youth leaders to reflect on what Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has achieved and to imagine what education should look like beyond 2030.
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1pm UTC Expert Workshop: Explore what happens in the brain when the world around us feels uncertain or overwhelming, and discover the important difference between hope and optimism. Through neuroscience-informed insights and an interactive, practical framework, learn how to keep hope alive, build resilience, and move forward without ignoring the realities we face.
Download Speaker Bios, Friday August 28th, 11am - 2pm UTC
Day 2
Day 2 of the Global Schools Symposium will center the Global Schools alumni and Advocate community, creating a dynamic space for educators and practitioners to share experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. Participants will be able to select from distinct tracks:
TRACK A: Building Sustainable School Communities
TRACK B: Inspiring Student Changemakers
TRACK C: Innovation for Impact
Participants will be able to select sessions that are the most relevant to their interests and local contexts. Panel discussions, interactive workshops, and practitioner-led sessions will highlight practical strategies, innovative approaches, and lessons from across the Global Schools network that participants can adapt and bring back to their own schools and communities.
Download Overall Agenda, Saturday August 29th, 11am - 2pm UTC
Download Detailed Speaker Bios and Workshop Descriptions
TRACK A: Building Sustainable School Communities
Download Detailed Speaker Bios and Workshop Descriptions
TRACK B: Inspiring Student Changemakers
Download Detailed Speaker Bios and Workshop Descriptions
TRACK C: Innovation for Impact
Download Detailed Speaker Bios and Workshop Descriptions
