On Friday 27th March, ESDF attended and contributed to a “Local to Global” event with  Politics in Action hosted at Queen’s University Belfast. The event brought together pupils from a diverse range of schools to explore some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today, and to consider how local actions connect to global impact.

As part of the programme, ESDF delivered a series of engaging workshops centred on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), with a particular focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These sessions were designed to be interactive, combining teamwork, individual reflection, and collaborative work.

Throughout the workshops, pupils explored how the climate and biodiversity crises are not distant or abstract issues, but ones that have real impacts both locally in Northern Ireland and globally. By learning about SDG topics young people were encouraged to think critically about their role in shaping a more sustainable future.

Activities included group discussions, hands-on tasks, and opportunities for independent thinking and work, allowing participants to engage with the material in different ways. The pupils were encouraged through tasks to think of actions that can be taken personally, at school and at a government level.

A key aim of the workshops was to empower young people with knowledge. By exploring the SDGs through taking part, pupils were able to see how they are personally impacted and that their everyday choices and actions can contribute to positive change.

The entire event highlighted the importance of creating spaces where young people can engage with issues in meaningful and accessible ways. ESDF is glad to have contributed to this important initiative and to support the learning of young people involved.

We would like to thank the organisers and all participating schools for their enthusiasm and engagement.

The resources used in this workshop are available to download from the ESDF website for free.

(Photo Source Politics in Action NI and ESDF)