15/11/2024
Sadham, our Director of International Partnerships, is a graduate of the University of Wolverhampton and recently returned to his alma mater to deliver a talk on the critical issues of sustainability and climate change.
This year’s Crystal Lecture, the 30th in its series at the University, was co-hosted with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and featured Sadham Zarjahan, a 2014 graduate in Mechatronics. As the CEO of the International Youth Council, Sadham shared his extensive work on global initiatives related to climate change and his involvement in key objectives with the United Nations and the International Youth Council.
Sadham, originally from Sri Lanka, reflected on his journey from a student at the University of Wolverhampton to becoming a key figure in international diplomacy. He has had the honor of working alongside prominent leaders such as Her Majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and King Charles III during his time with the Commonwealth Youth Council.
His accomplishments include organizing youth-led programs and conferences aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Commonwealth Charter, which have promoted youth engagement across Commonwealth nations.
In his reflection on returning to the University, Sadham shared, “It was a pleasure to be back at the University, 13 years after graduating. My time at the University of Wolverhampton helped shape who I am today, guiding my personal growth from a boy into a man.”
He continued, “It was an honor to present this year’s Crystal Lecture. When I first joined the University, I never imagined I’d return to give a lecture. It was great to give back to the University and share what I’ve learned during my degree and career.”
Looking back on his career, Sadham said, “I originally studied Mechatronics with the intention of working in that field. But when I reflect on my journey, I see how the University paved the way for me to shift into diplomacy and ultimately join the United Nations.”
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of individual action in combating climate change: “I believe every individual’s actions matter when it comes to sustainability. We must start at the grassroots level, educating students, children, and the general public about the importance of sustainability—even on simple actions like understanding the harm of plastic use to the environment.”
(Original article and video credit: University of Wolverhampton)