There is no escaping the global impact of humanity’s continued development, both technologically and environmentally, and children from across Surrey confronted these topics yesterday through dynamic child led presentations, games and a pupil parliament.

The day started with the exploration of sustainability, discussions around its importance in building a future world and the ways in which the children could impact change. The students from Duke of Kent School, Aldro, Lyndhurst, Guildford High School, Greenfield and Sythwood shared their sustainability best practice with each other; over 75 actions which they have already achieved. Examples included clothing and stationary swap shops, meat free Mondays, using bamboo toothbrushes and coffee cups, boycotting products containing palm oil and organising car-shares. Building on their ambition, the children then continued to prove themselves as the future leaders by giving team presentations on a sustainability goal of their choice.

After their hard work the students enjoyed a well-earned and sustainably sourced vegetarian lunch with responsibly sourced fish, fair trade chocolate brownies and local cheese.

The children then returned to a room transformed into a pupil parliament for the afternoon activities. Jonathan Lord MP spoke to the children about Democracy and the role of the Government before opening the floor to some insightful questions from aspiring political leaders. Students learned that working hard, being ambitious and listening to the people were the overriding qualities necessary to work in politics. After an inspirational start, the children were led in discussion based around two of the Sustainability Goals: Gender Equality and Reduced Inequalities. Debating and voting on whether male and female tennis players should have equal pay despite a difference in the amount of sets they play, whether the rich should be allowed to access private health care and if gender should play a part in employment.

After a successful day with some brilliant young minds, one thing was clear; if these are indeed the leaders of the future then we are safe hands!