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A small delegation of Academic Scholars represented Wellington College at the Youth Forum Switzerland 2024 ‘Ignite’ hosted at the International School of Zug & Luzern. The aim of YFS is to provide a platform for the global change makers of today to explore issues and connect with the global change makers of tomorrow with the aim of inspiring youth to improve the world we are all a part of.
Throughout the forum our students had the opportunity to connect with an a wide range of inspiring and passionate Changemakers and other like-minded students. Particular highlights for our students included meeting Jaideep Bansal, who founded an award winning social enterprise company bring sustainable development to the remotest communities of India; Peter McGarry, founded the Earth Foundation; and Martial Zohoungbogbo, an ex-professional footballer who founded Kokrobite Chiltern Centre in Ghana. Our students’ favourite panel discussions considered the circular economy; energy of tomorrow and the psychology of sport.
Rufus S and Ella R spoke brilliantly in the Power of Youth session on the disparity in care afforded to different groups in society with a particular focus on refugees and HIV victims. Their research was extremely detailed and interdisciplinary drawing on Statistical Analysis, Visual Arts, English Literature and Sociology. They both spoke with great poise and clarity.
In addition to the talks and panel discussion there were a series of Impact labs where are students grappled with challenging ideas in small groups under the expert guidance of one the of speakers. The image shows Polina and Margarethe learning about ethical investing with the inventors of Equity The Board Game.
Our students embraced the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone, listening thoughtfully and adding their own insightful contributions. Each evening there was an ‘Apéro’ where all guests mingled and our students had a further opportunity to engage with the speakers and other students in a more intimate setting.
After two busy days our group hit the mountains for a day of ‘R&R’ on the glacier at Mount Titlis, as well as sightseeing at the city of Lucerne with its stunning medieval architecture on the edge of the beautiful Lake Lucerne.
We are hugely grateful to our hosts at ISZL and proud of our students, who were wonderful ambassadors for the College.
