Pupils from across Carmarthenshire took centre stage as they welcomed over 20 educators to the third annual Sustainability and Outdoor Learning Conference for Schools.

Held at Neuadd y Gwendraeth, the event on on Friday, September was hosted by the Carmarthenshire Climate Action Group, a youth-led initiative empowering young people to lead on sustainability. It brought together educators from across the county including teachers, headteachers, support staff and lecturers for a day of inspiration and collaboration.

Throughout the day, attendees explored a wide range of topics including food literacy and sustainable menu planning, developing productive growing spaces in schools, air quality monitoring, and embedding energy efficiency into the curriculum.

The conference served as a platform for sharing best practices and success stories from schools and learning centres across the county, with pupils actively involved in discussions and presentations. The event emphasised the importance of community-led action and empowered both pupils and educators to drive meaningful change in their schools and communities.

A powerful youth-led movement for sustainability, the Carmarthenshire Climate Action Group meets quarterly to implement the goals of their Climate Action Manifesto and collaborates with local authorities, businesses, and other key stakeholders to promote sustainable practices countywide.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen said:

“This conference is a shining example of how our young people are stepping up as leaders and changemakers. Through the Climate Action Sir Gâr initiative, we are supporting schools and communities across Carmarthenshire to take bold steps in tackling climate change and protecting our natural environment for future generations.”

The Sustainability and Outdoor Learning Conference is part of the wider Climate Action Sir Gâr initiative, which aims to engage everyone in creating a more sustainable Carmarthenshire.