Presentation – CVC2026-Keynote-6

Introduction to the future with Future Council

Ella Simons, Future Council, Australia

Biography: Ella Simons is a climate justice and youth advocate, based in Melbourne. From her early teens she has been an outspoken voice in the fight for environmental and social change, MCing and organising School Strike 4 Climate between 2019 and 2022 as well as representing Australia as the youth delegate at the PreCOP 26 conference in Milan in 2021. She assisted in leading the Make it 16 campaign to lower the voting age which saw support from politicians across the country. She is the first Youth CEO of Future Council, a global council inspired by Damon Gameau’s most recent film.

Background: I will explore my journey to the climate movement and the shaping of a new global project – Future Council. Millions of children around the world are frustrated by the dire lack of action to protect the planet and their future. Until now, their only avenue to express these concerns has been protesting on the streets. Director Damon Gameau (2040, That Sugar Film) takes eight children on an epic adventure across Europe in a school bus powered by biofuel. Their mission is to better understand the planet’s predicament, explore solutions and, most importantly, take the conversation from the streets, into the boardrooms of some of the world’s largest polluters and most influential companies. Their bold, hopeful journey leads to the creation of a Future Council: young changemakers working with big business to shape a better world. Future Council is a child-led movement that inspires and empowers young people to lead and take positive action for our future. It connects with businesses so members can help shape sustainable ideas and co-design regenerative products that benefit the planet. It also shares trusted knowledge, helpful resources, and clear paths for action with its global community. Any young person aged 9 to 16, anywhere in the world, can join. It’s a chance to connect with like-minded peers, learn from world-class experts, and help make real change. Future Council will be part of schools, businesses and institutions – unlocking wonder and creativity, and bringing a much needed morality to decision making.

Implications for children and families and practitioners: You will better understand the work of the Future Council and its design practices.

Key words: children’s voices, families’ voices, Indigenous voices, communication, community services, early literacy, education, government, health, interdisciplinary, innovations, international communities, review, vulnerable communities, wellbeing.

This presentation relates to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: