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.
What is the
Adolescent Forum?
This forum is the perfect platform for adolescents to bring their ideas to life while fostering a sense of responsibility and passion for shaping a more sustainable and just world.
The Adolescent Forum is an immersive, collaborative experience where students:
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.
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.
Judith Cunningham
Judith Cunningham is a dedicated Montessori educator and the founder of Montessori Model UN (MMUN). In creating MMUN, Judith sought to honor Maria Montessori’s vision by encouraging students to find their voice, take meaningful action, and contribute to building peace. She holds an AMI Elementary Diploma, a Master’s Degree in Education, and has completed postgraduate work in Alternative Dispute Resolution. Judith also serves on the boards of Montessori Europe and Youth for a Better World. With 17 years of experience teaching elementary and middle school, and 15 years as a Montessori Head of School in both the U.S. and Canada, Judith has spent her career fostering a global perspective and agency in students and educators alike.
Dr Filippo Giorgi
Dr Filippo Giorgi is an internationally recognised authority in climate modelling, climate change, and its impacts. His expertise spans also biosphere-atmosphere and chemistry-climate interactions. He has published over 420 peer-reviewed papers, placing him among the most highly cited scientists in the geosciences. Dr Giorgi has played a significant role in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, contributing to the first five assessment reports. From 2002 to 2008, he served as a vice chair of Working Group I, which shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. His accolades include the 2018 Alexander von Humboldt Medal from the European Geosciences Union, recognising his contributions to climate research and scientific advancement in developing countries. He is also a member of Italy’s Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei and the Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere e Arti.
Riemer Brandsma
Riemer Brandsma, a dynamic high school student from the Netherlands, made waves as the Climate Mayor of his city. As a World Connector, he drives youth sustainability initiatives, uniting students from Europe and beyond through partnerships with Montessori Europe, Montessori Model United Nations, and World Connector-Affiliate Earth Charter. Known for his passion and energy, Riemer inspires young people to take bold steps and become changemakers in building a sustainable future.
Akshat Jain
Akshat Jain is an active Global Shaper and Climate Reality Leader, dedicated to creating a sustainable and equitable future. Through his volunteer work, Akshat advocates for climate change adaptation and digital literacy. As a passionate contributor to the Global Shapers community, Akshat is committed to amplifying the voices of young people and driving youth-led initiatives that foster innovation and social progress.
Liv Svae
Liv is a 27-year-old advocate for social change, representing the Global Shapers Oslo Hub. Passionate about making a difference from an early age, Liv focuses on healthcare, digital literacy, and sustainability practices. As a Global Shaper, Liv is dedicated to developing youth leaders, accelerating youth-driven action, and amplifying the voices of young people to create a more sustainable and equitable future. Empowering the youth, giving them a voice and a seat in decision-making is vital in achieving impactful change. As a young professional, Liv is working in a global biotech company where she works on advancing health in therapeutic areas with big unmet needs.