FAQ

In our video, we define a changemaker as someone who takes action against a social or environmental problem. Examples of student changemaking may be fundraising for street children, starting a school garden, raising awareness about gender inequality…

Even if you have not been an active changemaker, but you are interested or passionate about problem-solving and improving your community and the world around you. The conference is still a place for you! The Changemaker Conference is welcomes to both experienced and aspiring changemakers. 

50 minute sessions hosted by students or adults on a variety of topics surrounding the environment, society, economy and wellbeing, but all under the theme of Bridge to Impact. Before the conference, you will have the opportunity to select which workshops you would like to attend. 

They are different from speaker sessions in length, but are also more dynamic, with relevant activities prepared for up to approximately 15 workshop participants. Fill out the form on the website, changemakers.earth, if you wish to host a workshop!

During speaker sessions, all conference participants gather in the theatre to listen to engaging presentations by students and keynote speakers. At previous conferences these were known as ‘fire-starter’ presentations, as the intent is to inspire and stimulate our delegates. Similarly to the workshop sessions, the topics are diverse but still correlating to Bridge to Impact: Span the gap between your ideas and the desired outcome. 

See our website for updates on our keynote speakers! Fill out the form on the website, changemakers.earth, if YOU wish to present at the conference as well. 

Kind of– closer to the date of the conference, a form will be shared with you to sign up for workshops and further information. Make sure to stay updated through our website, changemakers.earth!

For now there are no requirements for preparation other than booking your hotel rooms with our designated conference hotel and sharing your travel requirements and individual participant consent in the Google sheet that was shared with your supervisor (see our post-registration email). 

However, if you wish to present (5-7 minutes) during one of our plenary sessions or host a workshop (50 minutes), please fill out the form on our website by January 12th. 

Please see our general schedule on the website. This will help with planning your travel, and will also give you a better idea of what your agenda on each day of the conference may look like. 

There are many ways students (also faculty/staff and representatives of institutions) can benefit from attending the Changemaker Conference 2026 at ISD: 

• Bridging worlds and looking through new perspectives, mutual learning 

• Networking with like-minded delegates to set up partnerships for collaboration

• Centralizing your focus as a changemaker– gaining changemaking tools and mindsets, new learning and ideas to start new projects or to refine them

• Action planning with your delegations to apply the acquired knowledge

• Leadership opportunities for your student: Hosting a workshop or presenting

• Celebrating and encouraging (student-) changemaking!