4th Swiss Schools Sustainability Summit: Nine Schools Joining Forces

For the fourth consecutive year Aiglon College hosted the Swiss Schools Sustainability Summit. 

Under the theme ‘Rewilding Our Future: Local Actions for Global Biodiversity', the summit brought together students from nine international schools across Switzerland, alongside an environmentalist, educators, and sustainability advocates, to explore how local initiatives can make a global impact. 

The summit is a student-led gathering aimed at promoting sustainable practices across international schools based in Switzerland. 

Each year the number of students participating grows and this year we welcomed over 150 students and twenty staff representing Aiglon College, Collège Champittet, Collège du Léman International School, La Garenne International School, Institut Le Rosey, Leysin American School, Verbier International School, St Georges International School, and Le Régent International School. 

Opening Speech Highlights: Aiglon Students Set the Scene

This gathering celebrated collective action, creative thinking, and hope for a planet in need of renewal. The theme of the summit challenged students not only to imagine possible solutions to the crisis we face, but also to take actions to transform what they imagine into a new, sustainable reality.

“Rewilding is about more than restoring ecosystems; it’s about restoring balance” stated Marcus (Alpina, Year 12) during his opening remarks. “It reminds us that when we allow nature the space and freedom to heal, we also rediscover our place within it. Every local effort, whether it’s protecting pollinators, replanting native species, or rethinking how we use resources, becomes a seed for global change. The very wood you see in this building - the Moghadam Campus Hub - was a conscious choice to use locally and sustainably sourced larch rather than buying in cheaper wood from the wider world, one of many ways that this Swiss ‘Minergy’ building has been futureproofed.” 

Students at Aiglon, and at the other Swiss international schools are inspired by the wild beauty of the Swiss alps that they get to call home. Life in this mountainous environment helps to shape students into resilient, reflective and responsible citizens.Therefore, sustainability at Aiglon is rooted in action; student initiatives, outdoor experiences, and impactful collaboration. The summit was designed to reflect this spirit, one that empowers students to lead and act with purpose.

Icebreaker Game, South African Conservationist and Breakout Sessions 

The morning continued with an outdoor icebreaker game where Aiglon students presented four questions, encouraging all participants to actively move in groups and have conversations with other schools on what they had learned so far. This start, marked by cheering and a winter chill, ensured good energy and focused discussion among students and staff.

For the first time in the history of this summit, a keynote speech was delivered by students; Maya (Le Cerf, Year 12), Victoria (Exeter, Year 12) and Eloise (Exeter, Year 12). They provided insights on what biodiversity really means. They highlighted that nature is a self-regulating and life-support system. “If that system crashes, we crash too,” stated Victoria. Maya provided a deep dive into genetic diversity, 'nature's backup plan,’ species diversity and ecosystem diversity. Their research and presence on stage signals a shift: a recognition that young people are not just the voice of the future, but active leaders in the present.

“The most important thing in all of this is that when we protect nature we are not just saving trees and the ecosystem, we are protecting ourselves” stated Eloise. “The health of our planet is completely linked to the health of our minds and wellbeing. These green spaces are not just a beautiful space to walk, it's a crucial part of our own human health strategy. Nature is the soul of our earth, without nature it would be greatly challenging for us to live.”

During the early afternoon, the keynote speaker, Paul Gardiner, a South African conservationist, eco-tourism leader, and adventurer addressed the summit about his family’s generational rewilding efforts. From the re-introduction of the black rhinoceros to the Eastern Cape and the tourism lodges and student engagement initiatives. 

At the end of the day, each school created a practical project proposal—a clear commitment to rewilding or restoring biodiversity within its own community. The plan follows four key phases:

• Phase 1 map school grounds and conduct species surveys to set a baseline
• Phase 2 set SMART goals, such as converting part of the lawn into a native pollinator garden, and securing stakeholder approval
• Phase 3 hands-on action, from building Pollinator Oases and micro-habitats like log piles and bug hotels to adopting eco-friendly ground-care practices
• Phase 4 ensure long-term impact through regular monitoring, educational signage, community updates, and a dedicated handover group to keep the project thriving

Words into Action 

The summit was a space to turn awareness into action. With inspiring speakers, interactive sessions, and student-led discussions. It was proudly and intentionally student-led. “We are the generation who will live with the consequences of the environmental choices being made today, and so we must also be the generation that steps forward with clarity, courage, and determination. Together, we’ve got this.” stated Marcus (Alpina, Year 12). 

We will gather again on 17 November 2026 to review the outcome of our individual school projects and to share best practices and challenges learnt over the year. 

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AI Disclosure: First draft written by human, edits supported by AI. Quotes original.