Graduate talk makes the importance of sustainability and climate change crystal clear

A graduate of the University of Wolverhampton is set to deliver a talk around the importance of sustainability and climate change at its annual Crystal Lecture.  

Sadham Zarjahan, CEO at the International Youth Council, will be delivering this year's lecture on the subject of Influencing Climate Change through Global Leadership. 

Taking place at the University’s Lord Swraj Paul Business School on 12 November between 6pm and 8pm, this year’s lecture will be the 30th Crystal Lecture hosted by the University of Wolverhampton alongside the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).  

Sadham, who graduated in 2014 studying BEng Mechatronics, will talk about his journey from being a University of Wolverhampton student to becoming a prominent figure in international diplomacy.  

He will share his experiences and opportunities that have influenced his career trajectory. Sadham will also share insights on his contributions to global initiatives on climate change and other key objectives of the International Youth Council and the United Nations. 

The lecture will enable attendees to gain knowledge on the importance of sustainability and climate change, information about climate change initiatives delivered by the International Youth Council and United Nations, and insights on the pathway to global leadership and international diplomacy.  

The event will also include the presentation of the CMI Rosebowl Award. The award will be presented to a University Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) student who has been judged to have produced the best postgraduate dissertation. 

An industrial engineer by trade, Sadham’s journey in social advocacy began as a volunteer with the International Red Cross in Sri Lanka. His passion for youth empowerment was ignited during his college years when he was selected from thousands of applicants to present his environment-friendly engineering project at the sixth World Youth Congress in Brazil. 

Since then, Sadham has gone on to achieve a number of leadership roles. He became the first Vice-Chairperson for Partnerships and Resources at the Commonwealth Youth Council, an initiative set up by the Commonwealth Heads of Government.  

He successfully implemented a range of youth-led programs and conferences aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Commonwealth Charter, fostering youth engagement across Commonwealth nations.  

Professor Claire Schofield, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “The Crystal Lecture is the highlight of the Business School's calendar and we’re delighted to be hosting our 30th lecture alongside CMI.  

“We’re pleased to be welcoming Sadham back to the University. Since graduating, Sadham has gone onto become an inspirational leader and has really made a difference in promoting inclusivity and sustainability in youth development. 

“Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of the University’s Strategy 2035 and it will be really insightful to hear about Sadham’s journey which started right here in Wolverhampton, leading him to become an inspiring global leader."  

Anyone interested in attending the free event, can book through Eventbrite.  

Anyone interested in courses being offered at the University of Wolverhampton Business School should check out the website or register for one of our forthcoming Open Days.