The World Needs Adventurers: Shaping a Sustainable Future

Barnaby Sandow, Former Head of School, ACS Cobham

Exploring ‘What the World Needs’ at ACS Cobham

ACS International School Cobham recently hosted the first in a series of events exploring the big societal and technological challenges facing the world today. The event, titled ‘The World Needs… Adventurers’, was designed to explore the qualities of the kind of citizens the world needs to contribute to a better, more sustainable tomorrow.

What Do We Mean by Adventurers?

At ACS Cobham, we believe that adventurers are more than just explorers of new places. They are independent thinkers, risk-takers, and entrepreneurs who are open to new opportunities and innovative solutions. They seek not only to discover the world around them but also to preserve it. These adventurers understand that the future of our planet depends on the decisions and actions we take today.

Encouraging Independent Thinking at ACS Cobham

Our school’s ethos revolves around encouraging students to think independently and innovate for the betterment of society. We provide many opportunities for students to engage with the world and make a positive impact. With our green campus offering a serene escape from city life, ACS Cobham serves as the perfect environment for students to connect with nature and explore their role in shaping a sustainable future.

Sissel Tønnesen Engblom on Sustainable Urban Architecture

During the event, we were privileged to hear from Sissel Tønnesen Engblom, an ACS Cobham alumna and urban architect who has worked worldwide. Sissel shared her insights on how the spaces we live and work in impact our well-being and our environment. She spoke passionately about sustainability from an architectural perspective, emphasizing the importance of designing spaces that promote harmony between human life and the planet.

Sian Sutherland on the Urgency of Sustainability

Our next speaker, Sian Sutherland, Co-Founder of A Plastic Planet, took the audience on a deep dive into the climate emergency and the profound environmental consequences of plastic consumption. Sian inspired us to reflect on our relationship with plastic and rethink our buying habits—emphasizing the importance of reducing plastic waste to protect our oceans. Through her work as an entrepreneur, innovator, and advocate, Sian exemplifies the true qualities of an adventurer, particularly in her ability to embrace failure and turn it into personal growth.

Chris Hupp on Fostering Environmental Stewardship

Lastly, Chris Hupp, our Forest School trainer and Lower School teacher at ACS Cobham, shared his perspective on the importance of connecting with nature. Chris advocates for fostering a deep respect for the environment, not as something to control but as something to partner with. He stressed the importance of encouraging young people to engage with nature in meaningful ways, as this connection is essential to creating the changemakers of tomorrow.

The Power of Adventurers: A Call to Action

Together, these three speakers demonstrated that adventurers are those who challenge the status quo, whether through innovation, environmental stewardship, or community engagement. As educators, it is our responsibility to inspire students to think critically and act courageously to build a better world.

Inspiring the Adventurers of Tomorrow

After hearing from such passionate and insightful speakers, I am more mindful of how we all interact with the world. It’s clear that the world needs adventurers who are brave enough to face the challenges ahead. Our students are the adventurers of the future, and by encouraging them to think, act, and innovate, we can empower them to create lasting change for a sustainable and harmonious world.