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Tomorrow’s leaders discuss climate change at summer school

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A group of students sat down at a table each with their hands in the air and smiling at a conference

An event to inspire the next generation of leaders from around the world committed to creating a sustainable future has been held at the University of Bradford.

The 10th annual International Masters Summer School (IMSS), hosted by the university’s School of Management, saw more than 200 participants from around the globe discuss the importance of international collaboration in addressing climate change, highlighting the need for adaptable strategies in the face of a rapidly changing world.

The four-day, ‘Activism to Actionism’ event featured lectures, workshops and group discussions, led by experts in areas including sustainability and circular economy, climate change and renewable energy. 

Attendees included University of Bradford home and international students, visiting students from university partners in Turkey, Ghana, India, Bahrain, and Sri Lanka, and senior delegates from both industry and academia, such as Local Government Services in Ghana, United National Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). 

A large group of peoplke stand up on a stage with other stood up on the floor below them in a large room pose for a group photograph

Highlights of IMSS 2024 included talks on sustainability and the circular economy. By the end of the programme, participants had enhanced their knowledge of sustainability issues, and gained a greater understanding of innovative solutions towards sustainability. 

IMSS also offered networking opportunities with trips to Lister Park, Bolton Abbey, and Saltaire for delegates. 

Professor Vishanth Weerakkody, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Global and Engagement at the University of Bradford, said: “The university has championed the sustainability and circular economy agenda for many years. 

“We are one of the first universities in the UK to integrate the topic of Circular Economy into our academic curriculum through our Financial Times Top 10 ranked Global MBA programme.

“In 2023, we were proud to host a Sustainability Challenge Competition for more than 100 school children across 18 schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of the COP28 agenda in Dubai and we will continue to contribute to the global efforts on sustainability through the work we do in our summer school, and in our research and learning and teaching at the university.”