Monmouth pupils inspired global audiences at COP30, joining Indigenous leaders live from Brazil to showcase Wales’ youth-led commitment to a deforestation-free future.
Haberdashers’ Monmouth School and Monmouth Comprehensive students joined Indigenous leaders live from Brazil at COP30, spotlighting Welsh leadership in sustainability and youth-driven action to end deforestation.
In a moment that united generations, communities and continents, pupils from Haberdashers’ Monmouth School and Monmouth Comprehensive School took centre stage at the United Nations COP30 Summit in Brazil. Broadcasting from Monmouth, the young changemakers joined a global audience to share how the students, supported by their schools, Size of Wales and the Welsh Government – are helping to build a deforestation-free future.
The event, “From Forest Roots to Global Action: Grassroots and Youth Alliances for a Deforestation-Free Future,” brought together Indigenous forest guardians from the Amazon and Atlantic Forest with pupils from across Monmouthshire, and the political leaders that they have so powerfully moved to action.. The emotional livestream celebrated solidarity and action – from the rainforests of Brazil to classrooms in Wales.
Indigenous Voices, Shared Struggles
Streaming live from Brazil, Indigenous leaders from the Wampís and Avá-Guaraní Nations shared powerful testimonies of the struggles their communities face as deforestation, soy production and pesticide use devastate their lands and livelihoods.
“Every day we consume poison,” one Indigenous woman said, describing how pesticide pollution is destroying ancestral crops and causing illness across generations. “Our struggle is greater than agribusiness. It’s about our right to land, our way of life – our very survival.”
Speakers called on the UK Government to hold corporations accountable for deforestation-linked supply chains. They also thanked Welsh partners for supporting solar boat projects that help Indigenous communities travel sustainably across their territories – saving both money and the environment.
Global Recognition and Future Opportunity
The pupils’ presentation received applause across the UK Pavilion at COP30 venues and online, earning recognition from UK and Welsh officials. Moments later, news arrived that Katie White OBE MP, the UK Climate Change Minister, attending COP30 in Brazil, had invited the Monmouth students to present their work at the UK Parliament – a testament to the power of their message.
After the event, the students spoke of pride, empowerment and a renewed sense of duty:
“It felt amazing! I realised what a great opportunity it was to get the message out there.” – Dan
“If people take it on board, then we can really make a big change.” – Neo
“It’s amazing that we’re part of something in Brazil – I’m just a kid, but it’s incredible.” – Theo
“We came together as schools and showed how much we can do. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved – together, we really can make a difference.” – Meri
All the students are in either Year 7, 8 or 9 – a remarkable testament to the confidence and compassion nurtured through Wales’s pioneering sustainability education.
As emotion filled both the conference hall in Brazil and the Monmouth livestream room, Barbara Davies Quy, Deputy Director of Size of Wales, highlighted the global significance of the students’ work:
“From Indigenous forest guardians to Monmouthshire classrooms, this is solidarity in action. These young people are proof that local change can spark global impact. Get them around the table – they are the changemakers.”
Reflections and Next Steps
Melvyn Roffe MBE, Head of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, said the event captured the very best of Welsh youth leadership:
“Today our pupils showed the world what young people in Wales are capable of. They spoke with confidence, empathy and conviction on an international stage, contributing to conversations that truly matter. Seeing them join Indigenous leaders at COP30 and be recognised for their ideas was deeply inspiring – a powerful reminder of how education can shape a better future.”
Nichola James, Sustainability Officer for Haberdashers’ Monmouth and Deforestation-Free Communities Campaign Lead for Size of Wales, summed up the emotion of the day:
“We’re all so thrilled for them. Their passion, understanding and drive to make real change have earned them this platform. People can see this really matters to them – and that’s why they’re being heard.”
As the livestream closed, the room in Monmouth filled with applause. What began as a local project on deforestation-free food and ethical supply chains had become something much bigger – a shared call for justice, hope and collective action.
Categories: Haberdasher's Monmouth School News
