Sustainability is a word we hear all the time, and it seems nearly every organisation has at least mentioned it in some capacity. Whether it is the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, plastic pollution, or environmental (in) justice, the different facets of sustainability seem present in our daily lives like never before.
Who can lead the change in our political, economic, social, and environmental systems we need to move towards a sustainable future? In my opinion, contemporary understandings of sustainability as a complex, multi-faceted problem mean that there will be no one ‘leader’ or even a handful of ‘leaders’ who can drive systemic change through charisma and force of will. What we instead require is as many people as possible, in as many sectors and organisations as possible, to be skilled and literate in sustainability and with people and planet in mind in whatever they do.
As such, the ECI’s Oxford Programme in Sustainability Leadership (OPSL) was designed to give participants the opportunity to learn from over 45 experts, academics, and practitioners to equip them with the tools they need to provide leadership in sustainability in their later careers.
I believe that each participant had an incredibly valuable experience, and are well-equipped for futures as sustainability leaders.
Dan Hall
Access, Outreach & Internships Officer, SIP & OPSL Coordinator
In numbers
54 students
Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD students from 35 different degree courses across all four divisions of the university
45 speakers
Practitioners, experts, and thought leaders from 37 organisations spanning big business, non-profits, start-ups, charities, NGOs, and research, including 30 Oxford alumni
3 days
A stimulating programme of panel discussions, seminars, and interactive workshops, with an unforgettable trip to Wytham Woods for a BBQ dinner
Session insights
What does sustainability mean in 2022?
Our concept of sustainability needs to consider not just environmental sustainability, but also economic and social justice.
Sustainability leadership in business
Because sustainability involves cross-sector collaboration and different stakeholders from across the society, how best to engage them is key.
Communicating sustainability
Time to ditch the polar bear for diverse, compelling climate visuals that have deeper impacts and make sustainable transformation seem relatable and attainable.
Diversity of…
…Participants
A wonderful diversity of participants came from over 35 different degree subjects, across all four academic divisions, with an even spread across undergraduate and postgraduate, taught and re- search. The students came from 22 academic departments.
This group of students had a full three days to get to know each other and to network with speakers during breaks and lunches. The programme included a trip to Wytham Woods for a BBQ dinner, with students having the opportunity to experience the flourishing woods in spring time and to enjoy an evening with their peers over food and drink with some light entertainment.
...of speakers
The programme brought together a fantastic array of speakers from the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Organisations represented this year included:
- 3Keel
- Acre
- All-Parliamentary Group on Net Zero.
- Brakes
- Chatham House
- Climate Law and Policy
- Climate Outreach
- ClimateCare
- Football for Future
- Green Alliance UK
- Institute for Public Policy Research
- ITV
- Leadership in Global Change
- Manufacture2030
- New Economics Foundation
- Taste the Future
- TRAID
- World Business Council on Sustainable Development
- WSP
Several speakers from the University of Oxford also delivered sessions, including researchers from the ECI.
With speakers ranging from Marxist journalists to professional footballers, and from academics to entrepreneurs, this variety of opinions generated lively and provocative discussions. More than 30 speakers were Oxford alumni from a range of subjects, giving students the inspiration to enter the sustainability field in the future.
Student's thoughts
It was a very thought-provoking and inspiring three days, not only the talks from the experts but also the opportunity to connect with some amazing people who were attending the programme.”
Overall an incredible experience – felt engaging, interactive and extremely well put together.”
The course blew me away... the course challenged me, and... I’m so grateful for the opportunity.”