Reconnecting with the planet at Eco Conference 2025

Dozens of children from across Slough schools shared their thoughts, dreams and ideas on how we can all reconnect with the planet at the Eco Conference held earlier this month. 

Reconnecting with the Planet (Eco Conference 2025) was organised by Art Beyond Belief, Slough and Eton Secondary School, and the Diocese of Oxford Interfaith Concerns (ODCIR), with additional support from Slough Faith Partnership and Slough Borough Council.

More than 80 people, including pupils, faith leaders, community groups and residents, attended the conference at Slough and Eton Secondary School to discuss steps we can take to address climate concerns. 

Organisers Art Beyond Belief have been working with pupils from four secondary schools to explore their thoughts and views by creating artwork. The children then presented their artwork and messages at the conference. 

The Vice Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Graham Barker opened the conference and talked about the importance of faiths working together, particularly the King’s interest on interfaith issues. The Lord Lieutenant was followed by Deputy Mayor of Slough, Cllr Neel Rana who said: “The urgency of environmental issues continues to threaten the health of our planet, and individuals along with businesses have a role and responsibility to drive positive change.

“By adopting sustainable practices, individuals can significantly reduce the environmental footprint and contribute to a healthier planet but achieving zero emissions requires very fundamental changes. Individual sacrifice alone will not bring us to zero. It can only be achieved by large-scale structural change with a goal to achieve worldwide sustainability.”

The conference’s first speaker was Bishop Mary Gregory, of Reading. She spoke about our connection to the planet from a Christian perspective. She shared a poem: “Do not be afraid to complete the repair of the world, this is not why you were made. You were created to play only your part; whatever is within your hands, whatever is the now of your heart.” Seeta Lakhani, Hindu Tutor at Eton College talked about our responsibilities for the planet from a Hindu perspective. 

Both young people and adults had the opportunity to write their thoughts on the matter on speech bubbles and share them on a board. Mohamed Kharbouch, Chair of Governors Board, Slough & Eton College and Chairman of Wokingham Muslim Society (WMS) summed up the morning by bringing Muslim perspective into discussion. The adult audience consisted of different faith leaders, council staff, RE (religious education) advisers, and representation from the Diocese of Oxford.