Graduate returns to Wolverhampton University to host talk on climate change

A graduate from Wolverhampton University who has worked with the United Nations returned to the University to provide a talk on the importance of sustainability and climate change.  

The Crystal Lecture, the 30th lecture held at the University alongside the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), was hosted by 2014 graduate Sadham Zarjahan who studied BEng Mechatronics.  

Mr Zarjahan, from Sri Lanka and the CEO at the International Youth Council, shared insights on his contributions to global initiatives on climate change and other key objectives of the International Youth Council and the United Nations (UN).  

He also spoke about his journey from being Wolverhampton University student to becoming a prominent figure in international diplomacy, as well working alongside the late Queen Elizabeth II, and King Charles III during his time at the Commonwealth Youth Council.  

His achievements include implementing a range of youth-led programs and conferences aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Commonwealth Charter, fostering youth engagement across Commonwealth nations.  

He said: “It was a pleasure to be at the University, 13 years after graduating. 

"My time at the University of Wolverhampton helped shape me who I am today from becoming a boy to a man.  

“It was an honour to present this year’s Crystal Lecture. 

"When I joined the University, I never thought I would return to present a lecture at the University of Wolverhampton. 

"It was good to give back to the University and talk to attendees about what I learnt during my degree and the experiences I have gained throughout my career.  

“I studied in Sri Lanka with the intention of working in the mechatronics field, that’s what my parents asked me to do. 

"When I look back at my career how it shifted from mechatronics engineering to the diplomacy field, the University paved the way for me to join the UN.   

“Every individual’s actions matter when it comes to climate change and that’s what I strongly believe in. 

"I believe we have to start at grassroots levels to educate students, children and the general public on the importance of sustainability, even on basic actions such as buying plastic content and how harmful it could be to the environment.”  

The lecture also included the presentation of the CMI Rosebowl Award, which was presented to the University’s Master of Business Administration student who was judged to have produced the best postgraduate dissertation. 

This year’s Rosebowl Award went to Jack Seaman, who said: “A lot of hard work went into the dissertation and it was nice to be appreciated for all the efforts that was put in.  

“The support the University has given me over the past five years has been immense and they have played a huge part in helping me win the Rosebowl Award.  

“There’s nothing to hold you back in what you want to achieve at Wolverhampton University. 

"If you want to learn and you’ve got the ethos to do that, then anyone can succeed at the University.”