With a theme of "Hope for Humanity", more than 200 Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) High School and Middle School students hosted workshops for 500 classmates and 117 peers from 9 prominent international schools around China as part of the annual Global Issues Conference, featuring world-renowned conservationist, UN Messenger of Peace and long-time friend of WAB, Dr. Jane Goodall.

The Global Issues Conference (GIC) inspires and educates students on how to make a difference in the world. Held on WAB's Middle and High School International Day, the conference also highlighted the diversity of the school's over 50 nationalities.

"It is so incredibly important to create platforms not only to highlight the amazing work that our CAS students are already doing in their communities but to also help inspire and motivate other students to get involved and make a positive difference in any small way, whether it be working with humans, animals or the environment," said Lorraine McMullen, organizer of the annual GIC. "The GIC allows students to gain more awareness of the futures and environmental issues they will inevitably face."

Students spent the day engaging in workshops led by their peers, as well as renowned educators, activists and professionals. These included Margo O' Sullivan, Head of Education at UNICEF China, Melissa McKenna, Entrepreneur and Founder of 'Juice by Melissa" and Theresa Pauline, Yoga Teacher and Life Guide, among others. WAB student presentations were given on issues facing local and global communities, and highlighted how students can contribute to current initiatives and proposed solutions.

"It's about time we get together and start to heal the harm we've inflicted on animals, other people and the environment," said Dr. Goodall. "My greatest reason for hope is the young people – all of you. Once young people are informed and empowered to take action, which is the hallmark of WAB and other international schools and a growing number of schools around the world, there is nothing you can't do. You are changing the world."

WAB students also spoke at the opening and closing ceremonies, which were streamed live worldwide, about their on-going charitable work. Student groups included Feminists at WAB, Opportunity Means Equality, GM English, New Sunshine Charity Group, Pro-Farmer group and many others. Danny Du, leader of Pro-Farmer student group, encouraged students to get out and make a difference. Pro-Farmer recently won an award from Beijing Youth Daily and the Beijing Municipal Education Committee for the creativity of one of their collaborative charity initiatives that benefitted a migrant worker school.

"This project is just one great example of how students at WAB have gone above and beyond all expectations to accomplish amazing feats of service for others," Danny said. "Service means something different to each and every one of us here at WAB, but there is no doubt that we have a unique eagerness to serve others without hesitation. We strive to make a difference."

The Conference also included performances from the WAB student band 1318, APAC choir, JV dancers (choreographed by Capstone student Derick Floris) and Jazz Band, where the different cultures of these artists shared the stage.

Midway through the Global Issues Conference, students were treated to a special International Day lunch celebrating the diversity of WAB. Parent Link and staff volunteers lent generous hands to cook food from their countries to share with students and visiting schools. The day ended with a heartfelt call to action by students from various charitable groups new and old, as well as a send-off by the school's Queen of Hearts band.

Learn more about WAB's mission to challenge and inspire its students to make a difference in their community both locally and globally. Here are ten more reasons to come to WAB.