Sustainability has been a big focus for students involved in the Global Officers Leadership Development (GOLD) Programme. This year has been no exception, with a range of activities that connect global challenges to local impact.
Beans Campaign
Earlier this year, Global Officers got hands-on at the Community Oasis Garden, planting beans as part of the Food Foundation’s “Bang in Some Beans” campaign. It might sound simple, but beans are actually a great example of how small changes can make a difference, they’re affordable, nutritious, and have a much lower environmental impact than many other protein sources. We’re excited to see how they grow and to get involved in more activities like this.
The session ended with a ‘Story Circle’ where we shared a personal story about when a meal made you feel ‘at home’ or when you realised you were in a different culture because of one. Food and culture are deeply connected as meals we eat reflect our traditions, values, and community and help us to connect with one another.
Building on this, Global Officers co-hosted, a special interactive cooking demo with KSU, designed to show just how easy, affordable and delicious bean based meals can be. They have also shared recipes exploring how different cultures incorporate beans into everyday meals. These conversations can open up wider discussions about food systems, sustainability, and accessibility, encouraging students to think critically about what they eat and why.
The GOLD programme also welcomed Sustainability Officer, Emily Mason, who led an engaging session on climate change, carbon footprints, and the role of individual and collective action. Students explored how greenhouse gas emissions are linked to everyday activities and discussed the importance of education, advocacy, and storytelling in driving meaningful change . A key takeaway was the power of peer-to-peer advocacy, using personal stories to inspire others and make sustainability more relatable and achievable.
“Sharing real experiences and ideas with each other can be more impactful than just facts alone”
Green Spaces
Alongside this, Global Officers have been supporting the University’s Green Spaces Project by identifying their favourite spots on campus and reflecting on what these spaces mean to them. From quiet study areas surrounded by nature to social spaces that bring people together, it’s been a chance to think about how green spaces support wellbeing and how we can use and protect them.
Clothes Swap
In early March, Global Officers partnered with KSU’s Advice Centre to host a Clothes Swap event, promoting circular economy principles. This initiative encouraged students to refresh their wardrobes without contributing to fast fashion, reducing waste and extending the life cycle of clothing.
“It was a fun and easy way to promote sustainable fashion helping students refresh their wardrobes without buying new items and reducing waste at the same time.”
Looking Ahead
The GOLD Programme will mark Earth Day with a session on Ethical Leadership, where we will be reflecting on our personal values and non-negotiables, exploring the Inner Development Goals, and what it means to make responsible decisions as future leaders.
This reflects the programme’s ongoing commitment to empowering students as thoughtful, globally minded leaders.
From planting beans to swapping clothes and celebrating green spaces on campus, these activities show that sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming, small, collective actions can add up to real change, and it’s been great to be part of that journey.
Find out more about the GOLD Programme.
