10 – 12 November 2026
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Dubai World Trade Centre Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 & 3
Alan Smith
Founder - Nature Wave and Sustainability Lead, Jebel Ali School
Alan Smith is a sustainability leader, educator, and founder of Nature Wave, a purpose-driven organisation that connects schools and communities with the natural world through creativity, educational activities, and gamified approaches. Based in Dubai, Alan is the Sustainability Lead and STEAM teacher at Jebel Ali School, where he has pioneered whole-school programmes that engage students with innovation, problem-solving, and environmental action.
Through Nature Wave, Alan has developed partnerships with organisations including Jubail Mangrove Park, Emirates Marine Environmental Group, and the Desert Vipers cricket franchise. His projects range from large-scale, fun biodiversity surveys to immersive experiences like 'Lights, Camera, Mangroves!' and the 'Mangrove Guardian Games', blending technology, design, and creativity to foster environmental citizenship.
Alan’s work is rooted in a belief that joyful, hands-on experiences build powerful connections with nature. Whether through international school networks, corporate partnerships, or grassroots community events, his initiatives have inspired young people and educators across the Middle East, UK, and beyond to see nature not as separate, but as part of our daily lives and shared, abundant future.
Speaker Sessions
GESS Talks Live
1628
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Panel Session: Making Schools Sustainable: Actionable Steps
Session Summary:
Schools have the power to lead the way in sustainability. This session will equip you with practical steps to reduce environmental impact, cut waste, and improve energy efficiency. Learn from experts who are making a real difference and walk away with actionable strategies to create lasting change in your school.
Speakers:
Edd Moore
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Environment Education Consultant - Eco Edd
Edward Pearce
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Director - Fairgreen International School
Alan Smith
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Founder - Nature Wave and Sustainability Lead, Jebel Ali School
Dean Riley
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General Manager - Absolute Adventure Education
Peter Milne
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Founder and Director - Target4Green Educational Consultancy & Training Ltd
Categories:
Sustainability
Sustainability & Wellbeing
1610
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Nature Connected: From Classrooms to Global Impact
Session Summary:
Alan Smith, Sustainability Lead at Jebel Ali School and founder of Nature Wave, shares inspiring case studies from Dubai, Borneo, and beyond on how schools can connect communities with nature. From biodiversity challenges to creative design projects, his work shows how gamification and hands-on activities spark curiosity, build environmental citizenship, and make sustainability meaningful across whole school communities. Alan also introduces Nature Wave’s international mission to empower schools globally with innovative, scalable programmes that link creativity, technology, and conservation for lasting impact.
Speakers:
Alan Smith
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Founder - Nature Wave and Sustainability Lead, Jebel Ali School
Categories:
Sustainability
Wellbeing and Mental Health
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Curious Minds, Greener Futures
Session Summary:
At this year's conference, something a little different is happening; instead of a panel of adults, a young Grade 8 sustainability ambassador, Bella Rai joins sustainability leader, Alan Smith for an open, honest and often surprising dialogue about the planet's future.
The conversation will wander through big and small ideas - from the coolest examples of sustainability education happening around the world, to the magic of reconnecting with nature to how the UAE is leading the way in green learning.
Expect questions that cut straight to what kids and teens actually wonder - about schools, families, technology and what world might look like in 2050. This is a light, engaging exchange between two generations that proves sustainability isn't just a grown-up topic. It's something everyone can be curious about and act on - no matter their age.
Speakers:
Alan Smith
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Founder - Nature Wave and Sustainability Lead, Jebel Ali School
Bella Rai
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Student and Sustainability Ambassador - Jebel Ali School, Dubai
Categories:
Sustainability
Wellbeing and Mental Health
// GESS EDUCATION INSIGHTS
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