The event welcomed students aged 11 to 14 and focused on raising awareness about ocean conservation, biodiversity and climate change. 

The symposium aimed to help young people better understand the connections between ocean health, climate, pollution and human wellbeing, while inspiring them to become active stewards of the environment.

Inspired by the legacy of Sir David Attenborough, whose documentaries and environmental advocacy have influenced generations around the world, the event highlighted the growing importance of environmental education within schools in Luxembourg and beyond.

Throughout the day, students explored a specially transformed gymnasium that became an interactive literacy and information hall featuring educational stands, workshops and exhibitions managed by environmental organisations and NGOs, including the International Polar Foundation. They shared information with the children about conservation initiatives, activism campaigns, technological solutions and educational projects designed to tackle environmental challenges facing the world’s oceans.

Students also recorded a special video singing “Happy Birthday” to Attenborough, which will be shared online as a tribute to his lifelong commitment to nature conservation.

An engaging event for young people

Students were divided into groups and encouraged to engage directly with experts and activists working in fields linked to marine protection, sustainability and environmental innovation.

Science Liaison Officer Henri Robert managed a stand at the symposium that included a scale model of the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica, books on the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica - the world's first and to date only zero-emission polar research station - and information about the work of the International Polar Foundation, its projects and education and outreach activities. He answered all sorts of questions from youngsters about the work he and his colleagues do every austral summer in Antarctica.

Students from the school’s art classes also contributed handmade paper penguins, which were displayed around the International Polar Foundation's stand. The student artwork added a colourful and personal dimension to the event while engaging the students to learn more about wildlife protection and biodiversity.

One of the highlights of the symposium was the inauguration of a life-size mural depicting a humpback whale and her calf, painted on a wall at the school. The artwork was officially unveiled by Alex Cornelissen, CEO of Sea Shepherd Global, who attended the event as a guest speaker. The whale mural forms part of St George’s wider Ocean Gatekeepers initiative, a sustainability programme designed to build ocean literacy and encourage students to understand how everyday actions on land can impact marine ecosystems. The programme promotes student-led action and aims to inspire long-term engagement with environmental issues.

By combining science, activism and art, the Ocean Symposium highlighted how young people can play a meaningful role in protecting the planet’s future and demonstrated St George’s International School’s commitment to embedding sustainability and ocean literacy into school life.