Uniting generations for a sustainable future
Insights from the 2023 Villars Symposium
Established in 2022, the Villars Institute is a non-profit foundation dedicated to accelerating the transition to net-zero emissions. It aims to create a healthier planet through intergenerational collaboration and systems leadership. In June of 2023, the Frontiers Planet Prize took part in the 2023 Villars Symposium, an event that fosters intergenerational collaboration and promotes transdisciplinary cooperation.
Young minds embarking on their journey toward becoming lifelong systems leaders.
The Symposium was created to unite the Villars Institute's Knowledge Partners with a group of exceptional young minds who are embarking on their journey toward becoming lifelong systems leaders. It unites high school-aged youth and sustainability experts worldwide to address urgent global challenges. Participants, future systems leaders, explore intricate complex systems (ecological, economic, political, and social) while developing skills for driving systemic change. By engaging with professionals in sustainability and international affairs, they gain insights, forge connections, and align their passions with a sustainable future.
Frontiers planet prize Head of Partnerships, Gilbert De Gregorio, together with George Thomas, Public Affairs Manager at Frontiers, led an engaging session during the Symposium.
"Mobilizing Science to Protect the Planet”
with George Thomas and Gilbert De Gregorio
This workshop introduced the concept, mission, and mechanisms of the 'Frontiers Planet Prize.' The initiative, now entering its second year, aims to inspire a competitive spirit among the world's foremost environmental scientists, driving a race to develop ground-breaking research with the highest potential to stabilize the planet's ecosystem.
The session focused on two case studies highlighting the work of the Prize's international champions, examining how their research addresses global challenges and can be scaled up through a systems leadership approach. Participants were divided into two groups for in-depth analysis.
The first group explored the research of Professor Carlos Peres from the University of East Anglia, UK. His work emphasizes the sustainable use of protected areas in the Amazon, with a focus on local community well-being and biodiversity.
The second group delved into the work of Prof. Paul Behrens from the University of Leiden, Netherlands, which centres around the dual climate benefits achieved by switching to a plant-based diet.
Commenting on the session, Gilbert De Gregorio said, “The collaboration between the Frontiers Planet Prize and the Villars Institute signifies a joint effort to nurture young minds and encourage a systems leadership approach to address planetary health challenges. The workshop and discussion provided an engaging and insightful platform for an intergenerational exchange of ideas. I am thrilled that we have kick-started this partnership and I look forward to delivering a similar workshop next year."
