Rayhan Hussein and Emily Vu, both Year 13 students from George Green’s School, were invited to Number 10 earlier this month.
They engaged with government leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer and energy secretary Ed Miliband, discussing climate action ahead of the COP30 summit in Brazil.
The press conference brought together 30 young people from across the country to discuss the next generation’s role in progressing the clean energy movement.
Topics included the economic opportunities of net zero, the importance of sustainability in education, and how Britain can lead global climate action.
Both Rayhan and Emily, head boy and head girl at their school, had the opportunity to ask the prime minister questions regarding climate change issues.
Reflecting on the visit, Rayhan said: “As an economist, the opportunity to meet Ed Miliband and discuss the UK’s clean energy plan was so insightful.
“Being able to speak to prime minister Sir Keir Starmer about COP30 and sustainability jobs for the future generations was an unforgettable opportunity.”
Emily was equally inspired by the event.
She said: “Visiting 10 Downing Street was an unforgettable experience that brought history and leadership to life.
“Knowing that young people’s voices are influencing national and global conversations on the green transition was empowering, left me feeling inspired and optimistic about the future.”
Rayhan is studying economics, chemistry, maths, and further maths, and Emily is studying maths, chemistry, and biology.
They both aspire to attend top universities, becoming the first in their families to study for a degree.
Athena Christodoulou, head of sixth form at the school, said: “Rayhan and Emily were outstanding ambassadors for our school, and I felt immense pride watching them speak directly with the prime minister about such vital issues for our country and economy.
“This opportunity truly reflected our mission to empower young people to be changemakers and confident voices for the future.”
