Sustainability Leadership Conference 2026

The next generation of climate leaders are studying at UCL today and the Sustainability Leadership Conference aims to empower them to find sustainable solutions to global issues.

Climate change impacts every aspect of our lives, from the environment we live in to the economy work in. The constant stream of information about climate change can be overwhelming, but The Sustainability Leadership Conference is your chance for a deep dive.

The Sustainability Leadership Conference, co-delivered by Sustainable UCL and Students' Union UCL, will bring together students and sustainability experts to discuss the biggest challenges facing the planet today, and how to tackle them.

Previous Delegate: "It was a privilege to attend the conference and meet so many inspiring people committed to climate action. I left feeling empowered to make change in my own way, and I am reassured knowing that there is a vast community committed to this cause."

Get ready to expand your knowledge, skills, and network when you attend this year’s conference, as we aim to accelerate your transformation into becoming a sustainability leader.  

This two-day event is a unique opportunity for UCL students of any degree programme or study level to connect with more than 70 sustainability experts who are making a difference in the world today.

 🌎 Day 1 - Sustainability Insights: Learn about key concepts in sustainability and the challenges faced in different sectors. 
 🌍 Day 2 – Sustainability Skills: Develop key skills through interactive workshops.

You'll receive crucial insights from internationally acclaimed business leaders in open discussions as they share real-world experience of working to tackle the climate emergency. Previous speakers and workshop facilitators include Greenpeace, Deloitte, WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development, PwC, Green Alliance, WWF, International Water Association, ITV, United Nations Environment Programme, the LEGO Group, C40 Cities, Friends of the Earth, and many more!

Previous Delegate: "The conference provided a clear vision for how sustainability can be integrated into future careers, which is invaluable as we approach graduation. I left feeling empowered and with a much clearer understanding of my own sustainable values."

Sustainability sounds great but I am nervous about attending a conference.

Conferences can be a bit overwhelming, can't they? It's totally normal to feel a bit nervous about diving in. Just remember, this event is all about students like you. You'll get to meet other students who are just as eager to learn and share their experiences. You're definitely not alone, and your enthusiasm to learn is already a huge step forward. Embrace this chance to grow and connect with others on the same journey. You've got this!

So what will I gain from the conference?

Here is what students said about their take-aways from last year's conference:

• The conference changed my mindset and opened my worldview - Shashwat
• Anyone can get into sustainability work - Shashwat
• I have a clear vision of how sustainability can be integrated into future careers - student delegate
• I left feeling empowered and with a much clearer understanding of my own sustainable values - student delegate
• I left reassured knowing  there is a vast community committed to this cause - student delegate

How do I make sure I get the most out of the sessions?

Unsure of what kind of questions you could ask to speakers to find out more? Here are a few suggestions:

• What would you say are the biggest opportunities/challenges for sustainability in your sector?
• What are your top tips for students who would like to enter your line of work?
• How do you see your sector/industry evolving over the next 5 or 10 years?
• What does sustainability leadership look like in your area of work?

Remember to listen closely and note down any interesting points you might want to ask speakers to expand upon in the Q&A. If you don't get chance, try to speak to them at the end of the session, but remember to move to your next session on time. Most speakers are easy to find in LinkedIn - you could request to connect and send them a message after the event to continue your conversation. 

Wellbeing Resources

We recognise that conversations around sustainability and the climate crisis can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are several avenues available to you if you would like to seek support, and we've listed some helpful resources below.

• UCL Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW): UCL SSW Website
  📧 [email protected] |  📞 +44 (0)20 7679 0100
• Greenpeace: Climate Anxiety Resources
• 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line (via SSW):
  📞 0800 197 5907 (UK Freephone)
  📞 +44 (0)20 7679 0100 (from outside the UK)
• UCL Student Psychological and Counselling Services (SPCS)
  📧 [email protected] | 📞 020 3108 8836
• External 24/7 Helplines
  • SHOUT – Text "SHOUT" to 85258
  • Samaritans – Call 116 123
  • NHS 111 – Call 111 and choose the mental health option

We will also have quiet spaces throughout the event for rest and reflection.