Published on 07 June 2022
A global leadership development organisation is set to deliver a legacy programme aimed at tackling climate change in Sunderland, as part of the city’s drive to encourage young people to shape its future and become carbon neutral by 2040.
The Sunderland Legacy Programme, which will be delivered by Common Purpose from June, has been created through a partnership with the city’s leading public and private sector organisations, including the University.
30 years after Sunderland was granted city status, Common Purpose will create a unique opportunity that will allow young people in the city to come together to tackle one of the biggest issues facing society today: climate change.
The programme is free and open to young people on Wearside aged between 18 and 25 years old who want to do their bit to make Sunderland a cleaner and greener place to live, work and play.
The challenge that will be set to young people on the programme is: “How do we act together to transform our community into a cleaner, greener place for all?” Participants will investigate issues, collaborate, hold difficult conversations and work up ideas. They will then test, refine and present these ideas to local senior leaders.
With just over a few weeks to go until it begins, Sunderland Legacy is looking to recruit young people living on Wearside to join the programme.
Starting on Thursday 23rd June, Sunderland Legacy will challenge a diverse group of 100 young people to think through what their generation’s legacy will be.
Throughout this powerful free online programme, participants will work together to tackle a global challenge on a local level for Sunderland.
The programmes partners include:
· Arctic Wolf
· Ashmore Consulting
· Gentoo
· South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
· Sunderland City Council
· Sunderland College
· University of Sunderland
The programme takes place over four days from 23-24 & 27-28 June. Young people aged 18-25 – in and out of work, studying, campaigning and volunteering – can apply at: https://commonpurpose.org/leadership-programmes/legacy-a-global-campaign/sunderland60/sunderland60-apply/
Marie Mohan, UK Managing Director of Common Purpose: “Our Legacy programmes pre-dated the pandemic but they are coming into their own now given how important it is that we invest in young people after the year they’ve had – in terms of the damage to their education, employment prospects and social lives. Equally, we need to involve them in shaping the recovery plans for the future of their communities and to let them know that their perspectives are valued.
"We need a new generation of young leaders to come through who have the commitment and ability to bridge divides and we all need to hear and support our young people with their big ideas and long-term thinking.”
Nigel Wilson, Group Chief Executive Officer, Gentoo, said: “Gentoo is delighted to be supporting the Common Purpose Legacy Programme alongside our key partners in Sunderland. We believe it’s hugely important to create opportunities for young people in the city to develop their skills and create a shared vision for their legacy in Sunderland.
"The programme will provide young people with a fantastic opportunity to work together on creating some ideas for transforming communities into greener and cleaner spaces as we work towards our target of Sunderland becoming carbon neutral by 2040.”
Professor Michael Young, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), University of Sunderland, said: “As a life-changing, society-shaping university, we are proud to be supporting the Common Purpose Legacy Programme alongside other partners in Sunderland. Our students and staff look forward to contributing to the diverse group of leaders that will help shape our city’s future, and we stand ready to support them in making the personal, professional and civic impacts that will deliver that legacy.”
Sunderland Legacy is part of worldwide legacy, a global campaign by international leadership development organization, Common Purpose, which invests in young people across the world so they can become a connected generation of leaders with a clear vision for what their legacy will be.
Everyone who completes Sunderland Legacy will have the opportunity to attend our Global Legacy Summit to connect with young leaders from other Legacy Initiatives in the US, Singapore, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Germany, and closer to home in the UK in Newcastle, Northern Ireland and other areas.