In January, the Duolingo English Test partnered with Queen's University Belfast and the International Education Sustainability Group (IESG) to host an event focused on the sustainability of the international student journey. Our panel brought together experts to explore innovative ways the higher education sector can reduce carbon emissions throughout the international student lifecycle.
Experts leading the charge in sustainability
The panel brought together a diverse group of experts from various sectors of academia and sustainability. The panel was chaired by Professor Nola Hewitt-Dundas, Pro-Vice Chancellor at Queen's University Belfast, who guided the conversation towards actionable sustainability goals. Key participants included:
- Professor Michael Alcorn, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Sustainability and Strategic Projects at Queen's University Belfast, who shared insights on the university's sustainability targets and initiatives.
- Michael Lynas, Country Director UK & Ireland at Duolingo, discussed the role of digital solutions in reducing educational carbon footprints.
- Will Archer, Co-founder of the IESG presented significant research on the carbon costs associated with traditional vs. digital testing methods.
- Mehvish Ashfaq, Director of Global Engagement at Ulster University, explored strategies for embedding sustainability into international student mobility.
- Caroline Mangan, Associate Director of Global Community at University College Dublin shared experiences of integrating grassroots sustainability initiatives within higher education.
- Professor David Rooney, Dean of Internationalisation at Queen's University Belfast, provided expertise on the application of technology in reducing emissions and discussed transnational education challenges.
- Jennifer Wilkinson, Pro Vice Chancellor of Marketing, Recruitment & Admissions at Liverpool Hope University, emphasized the empowerment of leadership roles in driving sustainability in international education sectors.
In addition to these esteemed panelists, the event also featured insights from Professor Richard Collins of Queen's University Belfast and James MacGregor of IESG. Professor Collins contributed to the discussions on integrating sustainability into campus operations and curriculum design, emphasizing the holistic approach needed for effective change. James MacGregor shared valuable data insights from IESG's research, further illuminating the significant impact of policy changes and technological innovations on reducing carbon footprints in international education.
Leaders weigh in on sustainability initiatives
This esteemed panel not only highlighted the pressing issues regarding climate impact, but also the innovative approaches being undertaken to ensure that international education is sustainable and responsible.
Professor Michael Alcorn of Queen’s University Belfast opened the discussion by highlighting the university’s commitment to achieving net-zero by 2040 - ten years ahead of target - and outlined new initiatives such as a sustainable travel policy and the launch of a branch campus in India. He stressed, "Our goal isn't just to reduce emissions but to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our educational framework."
Will Archer from the IESG presented compelling research that "remote digital testing could cut down emissions by a significant margin, fundamentally altering the carbon footprint associated with traditional testing methods."
Mehvish Ashfaq from Ulster University discussed strategies to make international student mobility more sustainable. She highlighted the barriers to integrating sustainability into international recruitment and partnerships, noting, "The challenge is not just in adopting new practices but in shifting the entire organizational culture towards sustainability."
Jennifer Wilkinson of Liverpool Hope University emphasized the importance of empowering educational leaders to champion sustainability, saying "middle leaders in international education are pivotal in driving real change towards more sustainable practices." Caroline Mangan from University College Dublin shared insights on balancing top-down strategic efforts with grassroots initiatives. "It's about creating a dialogue between the administration and the student body to foster a community-driven approach to sustainability," she explained.
Professor David Rooney of Queen’s University Belfast discussed the role of technology in reducing the carbon footprint of international education, particularly through digital assessments like the Duolingo English Test, which minimize the need for travel.
The panel's discussions highlighted essential strategies for embedding sustainability in international education. From Queen's University Belfast's commitment to net-zero goals to the powerful impact of digital testing in reducing travel emissions, the experts underscored the need for holistic, technology-enhanced solutions to drive meaningful change in environmental sustainability across global campuses.
Collective action for a sustainable future
Together the panelists & speakers delved into the practicalities of embedding sustainability into global engagement and recruitment strategies. They discussed the potential of technology and collaboration to make international student mobility more sustainable, highlighting the importance of including student voices in these initiatives.
The event closed with a robust discussion about the necessity for collective action and the role of universities in leading the charge towards sustainability in education. The panelists agreed that innovation and collaboration across global educational institutions are crucial for achieving significant environmental impact.
Jennifer Wilkinson of Liverpool Hope University summed up the sentiment by stating, "We are at a critical juncture where we must choose to innovate and collaborate to forge sustainable pathways in international education."
Forging a sustainable path in international education
The event in Belfast was a pivotal platform for addressing the sustainability challenges within international education. It highlighted the necessity for ongoing dialogue and the development of innovative, actionable strategies to reduce carbon emissions.
By exploring how technology and community engagement can drive sustainability, the discussions provided valuable insights for educational institutions globally. This collaborative effort is essential for shaping a sustainable academic future that aligns with global environmental goals and enriches the international student journey.
📸 Visit our gallery to see more photos of the event!