The Global Sustainable Education and Leadership Conference (G-SELC) 2024 was held from November 28th to 30th, 2024, at the University of Greenwich and concluded with a grand closing ceremony at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, UK Parliament.
This first-ever edition of G-SELC marked a defining moment in the international education and leadership landscape, bringing together education leaders, policymakers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and advocates committed to leveraging education as a tool for sustainable global transformation.
Theme: Collaboratively Fostering Sustainable Education for Global Transformation
Under this inspiring theme, the conference focused on how education can serve as the driving force for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in shaping ethical, resilient, and innovative leadership models for the future.
Distinguished Speakers and Dignitaries
The conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers and special guests from around the world, including:
- Jane Harrington – Vice Chancellor, University of Greenwich
- Sidra Naeem – Deputy Lieutenant (King’s Representative, Essex County)
- Paul Ladd – Past Director, UN Research Institute for Social Development
- Cllr. Naima Ali – Mayor of the London Borough of Southwark
- Hon. Dr. Torerayi Moyo – Minister of Education, Zimbabwe
- Hon. Bello M. Goronyo Esq. – Nigeria’s Minister of State for Works
- Katie Ballantyne – Director, EBC, University of Greenwich
- Prof. Simon Hepburn – CEO, The Security Institute
- Dr. Iur. S. Von Heydebrand – Executive Vice President, International Alliance of Women
- Joy Osomiamhe .O – Founder, African Scholars Care Initiative (ASCI) & Convener, G-SELC
Their contributions explored how collaborative education systems and cross-sector partnerships can build a generation of sustainable leaders capable of addressing pressing global challenges.
Engaging Panel Sessions
One of the highlights of the event was several Panel Sessions:
Panel Session 1 – Leading Change
Theme: Strategies for Organizational Transformation in the Digital Age
Expertly led by Dr. Osama Iyawo, this session brought together thought leaders including Tony Lockwood, Dr. BM Razzak, Onyi Anyado, and Gary Burke.
Together, they explored actionable strategies for driving digital transformation, innovative leadership, and cultural shifts needed to thrive in today’s dynamic world.
Panel Session 2 – Embedding Sustainability into Business Models
The Global Sustainable Education and Leadership Conference (G-SEL) 2024, held at the University of Greenwich from 28th–30th November 2024, featured a powerful Panel Session 2 themed “Embedding Sustainability into Business Models: Aligning Leadership with the SDGs and Inclusion Drive.”
Led by Rhonda Best, the session brought together an inspiring lineup of thought leaders and innovators — Dr. Antonella Russo, Angela Sayles, Charlie L. Akintilo, and Helen Neal — who shared compelling insights on how organizations can integrate sustainability into their core strategies while promoting inclusivity and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
🎓 Panel Session 3 – Education
Theme: Collaborative Approaches to Achieving Standardized Quality in Global Education
Moderated by Joy Osomiamhe-O, this powerful discussion featured Dr. Sallyanne Decker, Alice Paola Pomè, Tim Cox, and Ann Beatty.
The panel emphasized collaboration as the cornerstone for advancing educational quality, inclusion, and sustainability on a global scale.
Another thought-provoking session explored “Collaborative Approaches to Achieving Standardized Quality in Global Education,” where participants exchanged best practices and innovative models for advancing educational equity and inclusion worldwide.
Honouring Global Change-Makers
During the event, several distinguished leaders were recognized for their outstanding contributions to education, leadership, and sustainable development. The 2024 G-SELC Honourees included:
- Olufemi Bakre – Managing Director, Parallex Bank (Nigeria)
- Angela Marie Sayles – Executive Director, Institution of Financial Unity (USA)
- Eleonora Bonacossa – Founder, ARETA (Germany)
- Engr. Emeka M. Ani – Director of ICT, NDDC (Nigeria)
- Patricia Matu Bah – Director, Teenage Pregnancy Secretariat
These honourees exemplify the spirit of innovation, inclusion, and integrity that G-SELC stands for.
A Platform for Collaboration and Innovation
The conference served as a melting pot of ideas—bringing together academia, government, private sector leaders, and civil society—to explore how education can be redefined to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global landscape.
From exploring strategies for organizational transformation in the digital age to showcasing entrepreneurial innovations that drive sustainability, G-SELC 2024 demonstrated that education is the cornerstone of every lasting solution to global challenges.
Looking Ahead
As the curtains closed at the House of Lords, there was a shared sense of optimism and commitment among participants to translate dialogue into tangible action. The conversations held and connections made during G-SELC 2024 will continue to shape partnerships, projects, and policies aimed at building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.
The success of this inaugural edition sets a strong foundation for future conferences. It reaffirms the mission of G-SELC—to use education as a bridge for leadership development, innovation, and social transformation across borders.
