We are delighted to reveal that Stuart Strathdee, Chemistry Teacher at Greenhead College and Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commissioner, and Danyaal Malik , A2 Student and Chair of the Student Association, are heading to Glasgow to attend the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference. Two further students Ashleigh Jones (A1) and Holly Randle (A2) are also participating remotely.

Danyaal, Holly and Ashleigh will join fifty year 10-13 students from across the UK who will act as the collective voice of UK schools. While Holly and Ashleigh are participating remotely, Danyaal is travelling to Glasgow and will join a panel discussion on the Role of Young People in Climate Solutions, organised by the Departments for Environment and for Culture, Media and Sport, as part of Youth and Public Empowerment Day.

They will be attending as part of the UK Schools Sustainability Network, an organisation of youth environmentalists from across the country who collaborate on new green initiatives and ideas to implement in schools. Danyaal has been selected as one of approximately 20 students from across the UK to attend the conference in Glasgow, and hopes to see real change and dialogue taking place during his time there.

Whilst in Glasgow, Danyaal and Stuart will be participating at a showcase in the Green Zone of COP26 where there will be different stands, each focussing on a specific area related to climate change. They hope to attract other delegates and activists to the stands to discuss and raise awareness of various issues.

We are also extremely proud that Danyaal has also been selected as one of only a few students across the UK to have the opportunity to enter the Ministerial Blue Zone. This is a highly prestigious area of COP26 as it is where the World Leaders gather and the main negotiations and speeches take place. During his time in the Blue Zone he will be participating in a number of events alongside the Secretary of State for Education, Nadhim Zahawi MP as well as the WWF, Bear Grylls and  Educational Charity ‘Students Organising for Sustainability’.

This is an incredible opportunity for Danyaal and Stuart, who hope to meet with as many Ministers as possible to promote the cause whilst gathering key information and developing strategies to support Greenhead College, and also schools and colleges across the country, in tackling climate change.

Simon Lett, Principal at Greenhead College has commented:

“I am thrilled that Stuart and Danyaal will be representing Greenhead College at this important international event.  Their participation at COP26 will enable them to inform the College community and regional networks both during and after the event, and I look forward to hearing about their experience.” 

Commenting on what he will bring back with him from the conference, Danyaal said:

“I hope post-COP, I will be able to utilise the key messages and information I’ve taken from the conference back to College so we can further discuss and set out our aims for a greener campus.”

We can’t wait to hear more about their once in a lifetime experience!