Bridgend College hosts international sustainability symposium
28/03/2025Bridgend College was proud to host the fifth international symposium of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Affinity Group earlier this week.
The online event explored how collaborative networks and innovation in technical and vocational education can drive sustainability, shape agents of change and promote social wellbeing. The focus of this symposium was on Sustainable Development Goals 10, 12, and 17, which are Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Partnerships for the Goals. The 17 SDGs address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change and peace, and the aim is to achieve these by 2030.
The event included a range of international speakers, including: Chris Long, the College’s Head of Sustainability; Dr Jennifer Rudd, Senior Lecturer in Innovation and Engagement at Swansea University; Gabi Hentschke, Sustainability Communications and Engagement Coordinator at Humber Polytechnics in Canada; Francisco Urquiza, Deputy Director of Teaching and an Assistant Professor at the Institute for Sustainable Development at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Lauren Saunders, Sustainable Food Coordinator for Bridgend County Borough; Rory Hill, Sustainability Project Manager for the Central and South Scotland College Partnership; and Steven England, an experienced practitioner and guide in the ‘Art of Sustainability’.
The symposium discussed how best to engage learners more actively in campus-related sustainability initiatives and projects, to enhance their understanding and commitment to SDGs and sustainable practices in their future professional activities. It also tackled a critical and timely topic that may significantly contribute to local, national, and international sustainable development goals by fostering innovation and collaboration in the field of sustainability in education.
“This important and timely event brought together a community of like-minded experts from different parts of the world to discuss and share experiences in bringing sustainability into technical and vocational training and education. We discussed a diverse range of topics including curriculum impact, consumerism and psychological drivers, to name a few. I’d like to thank our speakers for their valuable input into these important conversations and I look forward to being part of future events, to help benefit our students, staff and the community.”
Chris Long, Head of Sustainability
The symposium is available to view on YouTube.
Bridgend College was one of the first colleges in the UK to publicly declare its commitment to tackle the climate and ecological emergencies that face us, and hosting events such as this demonstrates the College’s commitment to this. To find out more about the College’s sustainability leadership, visit: https://www.bridgend.ac.uk/sustainability.
