From November 5th to 9th, our team traveled to Pittsburgh for the North American Association of Environmental Education (NAAEE) Symposium and Conference—a vibrant gathering of educators, innovators, and changemakers from around the world. For Gabriela, Katarina, and Marco, this trip was more than just a conference; it was a chance to connect, learn, and inspire.
Gabriela attended as a member of the advisory board of the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), a role that positions her at the intersection of some of the brightest minds in environmental education worldwide. Meanwhile, Katarina stepped into the spotlight as part of the prestigious 2024 class of NAAEE’s 30 Under 30, a recognition given to emerging leaders shaping the future of environmental learning. Marco, on the other hand, represented our project Fast Fashion? Fast Forward! (4F), sharing its outcomes and exploring fresh ideas from the realm of U.S. environmental education.
In this three-part series, we share our unique experiences and reflections from the symposium and conference, starting with Gabriela’s perspective.
Building Bridges and Sharing Stories: Gabriela’s Reflections from the NAAEE Symposium
Attending the NAAEE Symposium and Conference was a profound experience for me, filled with inspiring connections, critical conversations, and a renewed commitment to environmental education. As an advisory member of the GEEP, I had the privilege of engaging with leaders from around the world, discussing what the environmental education field truly needs to thrive and evolve. One of our key conversations focused on establishing a European GEEP hub—a step that could significantly enhance the accessibility and impact of environmental education across the continent.
Our collective discussions went beyond theory; they were rooted in tangible action and mutual support. I shared SEQ’s own contributions, including comic books and stickers, as examples of how storytelling can engage diverse audiences. This theme of storytelling continued to resonate throughout the symposium, especially during Aneesa Jamal’s sessions. Aneesa’s work on creating eco-fiction storybooks with young authors was deeply inspiring. Her methodology, which empowers children to reflect on environmental educators and activists through the characters they create, is a testament to how storytelling can reshape environmental narratives and foster a deeper connection to the natural world. Her international program for teaching storytelling and book creation is something I hope to bring to Slovakia and Europe. By learning and implementing her approach, we can empower young learners to develop their own environmental stories, broadening their perspectives and strengthening their connection to sustainability. This collaboration holds the promise of enriching environmental education across borders and generations.
The conference was also filled with moments of gratitude and inspiration. The opening address by Michelle King at the research symposium set the stage for a week of meaningful exchanges. These connections, both personal and professional, reinforced my commitment to making environmental education a lifelong journey—from teenagers to seniors, and everyone in between.
Among the many topics discussed, climate anxiety stood out as a recurring theme during poster presentations. At SEQ, we are actively addressing climate anxiety through our project, “Strategize YOU(r)th Journey To Wellbeing!“. This initiative focuses on mental health education among youth, emphasizing the importance of maintaining mental health and wellbeing in daily life routines. By equipping young individuals with the tools and knowledge to manage climate-related stress, we aim to empower them to take meaningful action towards environmental sustainability.
Another highlight was engaging with “Vik the Healer,” whose unique approach to wellness and environmental education offered a refreshing perspective. Vik Mohan is a doctor from the UK, who combines medicine, coaching, and therapy for mental health and wellbeing exemplifying the diverse and holistic approaches represented at the event. It was a powerful reminder that environmental education is not just about knowledge, but about fostering well-being and resilience.
Exploring Pittsburgh itself added a special layer to this journey. The city’s deep Slovak roots became evident during a visit to a gift shop filled with artisanal items, where I met a remarkable woman with Slovak heritage. Our conversation felt like a bridge between worlds, a tangible reminder of the interconnectedness we all share. From walking along the river to exploring vintage markets and experiencing exhibitions, every moment enriched my understanding of this vibrant community.
The Heinz History Center was another memorable stop, where the Luise Silk story showcased the intersection of culture, history, and sustainability. Seeing Slovak embroidery on folk wear and a wooden mushroom used for repairing socks was a touching nod to our heritage and a powerful reminder of the resourcefulness that sustainability requires.
Leaving Pittsburgh, I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose, countless new ideas, and a network of inspiring colleagues. Together, we are building bridges—across continents, generations, and disciplines—to bring environmental education to new heights.