Speaking for change, speaking about change | CLADES Congress 1
The first CLADES Conference 2025, held on February 24-25 and organised by RUG at the Rudolf Agricola School for Sustainable Development in Groningen, The Netherlands, brought together a diverse group of students, educators, scholars, and researchers to explore the transformative power of language in fostering sustainable futures. Organized as part of the Erasmus+ Project Critical Language Awareness, Democratic Engagement, and Sustainability (CLADES), the conference aimed to enhance participants’ ability to critically analyse and use language as a tool for promoting social change. With a focus on global issues like climate action, gender equality, and justice, the event encouraged attendees to consider how language can shape perceptions and drive societal transformation.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in a variety of activities, including academic presentations, workshops, and interactive sessions. These discussions highlighted the importance of ethical communication in addressing critical challenges and emphasized the role of language in influencing public opinion and policy. Serious games on sustainability provided a fun and educational way for participants to deepen their understanding of how language can be harnessed for positive change, while workshops offered practical tools for developing critical language awareness in different contexts.
The conference highlighted the importance of empowering individuals and communities to use language effectively in addressing pressing social and environmental issues. By providing practical tools and encouraging thoughtful communication, the event focused on how participants could apply their learning to real-world challenges. With opportunities for networking and collaboration, the first CLADES Conference helped participants build connections and gain actionable insights, reinforcing the role of language in promoting positive social change and working toward a more sustainable future.
