ISP Summit Highlights Student Contributions to Sustainability

rki.news

• Class of Change summit held over two days in Dubai and Qatar focuses on celebrating student impact on reducing carbon footprint

 Doha, Qatar June 02, 2025: International Schools Partnership (ISP) hosted its ‘Class of Change’ Summit at The Hamilton International School, Doha and The English College, Dubai. The event brought together student and teacher eco-leaders, school Principals, and facilities managers from ISP Schools across the region to celebrate the shared commitment to environmental sustainability.

A total of 9 ISP schools from across the Middle East took part in this year’s ISP Class of Change pilot project, each working toward measurable impact in reducing energy consumption and driving positive environmental change.

This pilot marks the first time an entire ISP region has adopted a whole-school approach to sustainability, bringing together students, eco-lead staff, and facilities managers in a united effort to reduce environmental impact. The collaboration across roles and campuses reflects the culture of sustainability ISP is embedding throughout its schools. As a cutting-edge example of sustainability at scale, the Middle East’s leadership will now serve as a model for similar initiatives across ISP’s global portfolio.

The event celebrated student-led innovation and progress in sustainability and recognised the ISP schools that achieved the greatest reduction in energy consumption across the ISP   network. Emissions were reduced by 17% this school year compared to the year prior, which is means over 2,000 tonnes of carbon saved. This is equivalent to over 12,000 trees grown for 10 years, taking 160 cars off the road for an entire year, or powering 1,500 homes for a month.

Aspen Heights British School, in the UAE was named the ISP school that made the most impact and was awarded the first-place prize of AED 100,000 to be used to further support its campus sustainability initiatives. Reach British School also in the UAE received second place, while The Hamilton International School in Doha received third. The English College in Dubai was recognised with the Whole School Sustainability award for embedding a culture of sustainability within in the whole school community.

Kam Bhamra, Regional Managing Director, ISP   – Middle East said: “At ISP we believe that real change begins with empowering students to lead the way. The Class of Change Summit and the impact recognised, is a testament to the innovation, passion, and responsibility our students are demonstrating in tackling today’s most urgent environmental challenges. By uniting schools, educators, and like-minded partners, we’re not only celebrating progress, but we are also building a more sustainable future together.”

Alongside words of recognition from key ISP Leadership Team members, the event had Dr. Eiman Eliskandarani, “Director of GSAS Trust, Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) provide an inspirational message to the students about their role in creating a sustainable future.

Held under the theme “Be the Change!”, the event featured inspiring showcases of student projects, collaborative discussions on best practices in energy conservation, and celebrated the impact the community has made towards sustainability.