Adolescent Forum

The Montessori Europe Adolescent Forum

Empowering Tomorrow’s Changemakers

Welcome to the Adolescent Forum, a unique and dynamic event running in parallel to the Montessori Europe Congress 2025. The Adolescent Forum brings together like-minded young changemakers from across Europe and beyond who are passionate about making a tangible impact in their communities and the world at large. Designed for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18, the Adolescent Forum empowers students to engage with global issues such as climate change and social justice, developing critical skills in advocacy, collaboration, and leadership.

As one of Montessori Europe’s key pillars, the Adolescent Working Group is dedicated to amplifying the voices of adolescents, enabling them to advocate for a sustainable and equitable future. Through this forum, we offer adolescents a platform to explore actionable solutions to some of the most pressing global challenges.

Adolescent Forum Guides and Mentors

At the helm of this initiative is the inspiring intergenerational team of Judith Cunningham and Riemer Brandsma. Judith Cunningham, a highly respected Montessori educator and the founder of the Montessori Model United Nations, has been empowering young people to take action on global issues for decades. Her work in education has provided adolescents worldwide with platforms for meaningful engagement in social and environmental justice.

Riemer Brandsma is a passionate climate activist and secondary student from the Netherlands. As a youth leader advocating for urgent action on climate change, Riemer brings a fresh perspective and dynamic energy to the forum, representing the voice of adolescents who are at the forefront of sustainability efforts.

This year, the Adolescent Forum is also proud to partner with Global Shapers, a global community of young leaders driving dialogue, action, and change. The Oslo Hub of Global Shapers will play a key role in guiding the students throughout the forum. Liv Svae and Akshat Jain, just a few years older than the adolescents themselves, will serve as mentors, helping to lead projects and discussions.

Additionally, world-renowned climatologist Dr. Filippo Giorgi, a pivotal contributor to climate science and a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), will offer his guidance. Dr. Giorgi will provide invaluable insights into the scientific underpinnings of sustainability and the urgency for action.

The involvement of such passionate mentors ensures that the adolescents receive the support they need to develop impactful, sustainable projects that will benefit their communities and the planet.

Meet the Facilitators

Riemer Brandsma

Dr Filippo Giorgi

Judith Cunningham

Liv Svae

Akshat Jain

Join the Introductory Webinar

If you’re curious to learn more about the Adolescent Forum, don’t miss our Introductory Webinar on Thursday, 14 November 2024, at 15:00 CEST. This webinar will introduce you to the vision and mission of the AF, share inspiring stories of adolescents driving change, and offer insights into how educators can support young leaders.

REGISTER NOW →

Adolescent Forum Webinars

To help students and their teachers prepare for the Adolescent Forum in May 2025, a series of exclusive webinars will be available to those who have registered. These preparatory sessions are designed to provide a structured path for students to shape their ideas and develop impactful projects with guidance from mentors. Through the webinars, students will explore critical issues, build collaborative teams, and design sustainable solutions, laying a strong foundation for their work at the forum.

Webinar 1

Thursday, 5th December 2024
What breaks your heart? What really interests you? Find your partners.

Webinar 2

Thursday, 16th January 2025
Why does this problem exist?

Webinar 3

Thursday, 13th February 2025
What is your plan?

Webinar 4

Thursday, 3rd April 2025
Make your impact.

These sessions foster collaboration and purpose, ensuring that students are well-prepared to engage meaningfully in the forum’s activities and make a lasting impact.

Be Part of a Global Movement

The Adolescent Forum culminates in a powerful session where students present their project plans to the attendees of the Montessori Europe Congress on Sunday morning, May 11, 2025. This is not just an opportunity to share ideas but a chance to influence change on a broader scale, with educators, policymakers, and activists in attendance. With students expected from across Europe and beyond, the Adolescent Forum is an unparalleled opportunity to network, learn, and engage in meaningful discussions on creating a better world.

Accommodation

Accommodation at the Anker Hostel is budget friendly and may be a good fit for groups of adolescents coming to Oslo for the Adolescent Forum. The hostel is within safe walking distance to the Adolescent Forum venue and offers both shared and private rooms.