On Saturday, March 16, 2024, students from the Global Leadership for Sustainable Development programme embarked on a transformative journey to Cloughjordan Eco Village. This visit, arranged as part of their educational curriculum, provided students with a unique opportunity to explore sustainable living practices in action.
The journey to Cloughjordan Eco Village began early in the morning as students departed from UL with anticipation and excitement. Upon arrival, they were greeted by the serene surroundings of the village and wasted no time delving into their exploration.
Led by experienced guides, students embarked on a comprehensive tour of the village, learning about various sustainable initiatives along the way. From eco-friendly building techniques to community-supported agriculture, each aspect of the village served as a testament to its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Interactions with members of the Cloughjordan community added depth to the students' learning experience. Engaging in discussions on topics like reducing carbon footprints and promoting biodiversity, students gained valuable insights into the real-world challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable living.
As the visit came to an end, students left Cloughjordan Eco Village with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Inspired by what they had witnessed, many expressed a desire to become advocates for sustainability in their own communities. The trip served as a catalyst for personal and collective action towards building a more sustainable future.
Global Leadership for Sustainable Development (GLSD) is a seven-week extracurricular programme designed by the UL Centre for Sustainable Futures and Innovation in collaboration with UL Global. This programme brings study abroad, Erasmus, and full degree students from across the world together, to actively learn about systemic approaches and challenges to sustainability across the economy, environment, and society. Students hear from expert guest speakers both on-campus and through site visits, engage in debates and discussions on contemporary sustainability issues, and work in interdisciplinary teams to co-create student-led sustainability projects to be implemented on campus. To find out more, please visit https://www.ul.ie/sustainability/global-leadership-for-sustainable-development, or contact the programme coordinator jack.oconnor@ul.ie.