One Voice Summit 2025
Information and photos provided by Mr Winton, Head of Learning Beyond the Classroom
One Voice Summit
Earlier this month, students from across China, Seoul and even Dubai gathered at Dulwich College Pudong in Shanghai for the annual One Voice Global Citizenship (GC) Summit. The event is designed to empower young people to engage with real-world global challenges. Each year, the conference provides a platform for international-school students to collaborate, explore ideas, and share projects inspired by Global Citizenship principles.
This year’s theme, “How can we rethink our relationship with water?”, encouraged students to consider how communities, schools and individuals can conserve and protect one of the planet’s most essential resources. Through workshops, discussions and collaborative challenges, participants examined the science behind water sustainability, its impact on people, and its wider global implications.
Student Innovation on Display
A highlight of the conference was the Market Stall Exhibition, where schools presented projects currently in practice within their own communities. Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou (DHSZ) was proud to showcase a wide range of student-led initiatives reflecting innovation, service and community engagement.
One stand-out STEM project came from our iGEMteam, who are developing a strain of algae engineered to remove harmful metals from polluted water sources. Their work offered an inspiring example of how biotechnology can contribute to real-world environmental solutions.
Our Computer Science team also attracted enthusiastic attention for their plant-identification mobile app. Created to help students learn about the flora on campus, the app provides guidance on plant care, including sustainable watering practices, supporting more informed environmental choices across our community.
"During the One Voice Summit at Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, the Marketplace was the part I found most inspiring and meaningful. Students from different schools around the world gathered to exchange their Global Citizenship initiatives and service projects. I felt proud to introduce several DHSZ groups — including WingsPlan, HOTS, DMP, and more — and to share the meaningful work our community has been doing. In our Lightbulb session, I heard a wide range of thoughtful perspectives, which helped me better understand the power of student voice. Overall, this experience was exciting, enriching, and filled with new insights. I left with fresh ideas and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a responsible global citizen."
- Stephanie S from Year 12
Service and Community Engagement
Alongside scientific and technological innovation, our students presented several community-focused projects grounded in compassion and civic responsibility.
The Candle Making CCA introduced their handmade candle initiative, which promotes wellbeing through creative craftsmanship while raising funds for the school’s designated charities.
Two additional community service groups also showcased their ongoing impact:
- Wingsplan, a student organisation dedicated to strengthening the school community through events such as the annual October Treasure Hunt, which builds teamwork, connection and enjoyment across year levels.
- Hope of the Star (HOTS), a service group engaged in wider community support. Their initiatives include teaching English to young learners and volunteering at the local Children’s Hospital, where students provide care, companionship and practical assistance to children and families.
Hannah Z from Year 12 and lead of the HOTS expressed: "Participating in One Voice was a truly inspiring and engaging experience! During the two days, we got the chance not only to show other students what we are doing related to Global Citizenship at DHSZ but also learned from their amazing projects. I was motivated to make more positive changes at our school and community as well. Thank Dulwich Pudong for organizing this event and I hope I can come back next year!"
A Shared Commitment to Global Citizenship
The One Voice Summit continues to be a vibrant space for students to exchange ideas, build leadership skills and deepen their commitment to global citizenship. This year’s focus on sustainable water use inspired thoughtful conversations and initiated new collaborations between schools.
For DHSZ, the event was a celebration of our students’ innovation and an opportunity to learn from peers across the region. At a time when environmental challenges are becoming increasingly complex, it is encouraging to see young people lead with creativity, empathy and a collective vision for a more sustainable world.
Living Worldwise Through Action
The Summit also reflects our commitment to ensuring that our students, staff and wider community truly Live Worldwise.
At DHSZ, Sustainability and Global Citizenship are not stand-alone initiatives, but values embedded across everyday learning. We believe that students grow best when they are invited to engage with meaningful challenges and take purposeful action.
Through initiatives centred on environmental stewardship, community wellbeing and collaborative problem-solving, our students demonstrated what it means to think critically, care deeply and act responsibly. Their participation in the One Voice Summit stands as a powerful example of purpose-driven learning, highlighting how young people can become informed, compassionate leaders ready to shape a more sustainable future.
