A seat at the Global Lunch table can only be found in the Pearson Common Room and the experience reminds us that learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms. Here, learning happens over a meal, through story, dialogue, and shared vulnerability. This student‑led lunchtime series gives its audience a first‑person view into a wide range of global issues—political, social, and environmental—through the lived experiences of Pearson students.
“I’ve always been interested in learning about global issues,” explains Blerina (YR 52 – Greece/Albania), one of the student leaders for the lunches. “But what makes Pearson different is that you hear about those theoretical concepts through the perspectives of people that have lived those events.”
Last year the lunches were a more casual open discussion environment. This year, Blerina, Rahul (YR52 – India/USA), Shams (YR51 – Syria), Lucia (YR52 – Spain), and Reese (YR51 – Romania) created a more focused format. Each half‑hour presentation is thoughtfully developed by a student speaker and followed by a space for questions and insights.
“We try to guide people through something that might be unfamiliar to them while giving space for people who have been interested in those issues, or who have been part of it, who have felt the kind of consequences of those things,” says Reese. “Create a space where people can talk with each other about it.”
“Every single person has a different story, a different perspective, and a unique identity that you can learn about,” says Rahul. “You might have disagreements, but that access to other perspectives and opinions is incredibly valuable.”
“It’s a unique opportunity,” says Lucia. “Even if the topic is vulnerable or difficult to present, the audience is always really interested.”
Global Lunches are not about abstract theory or consensus: they are about access. Peers who have experienced war, displacement, government and economic upheaval, and the impact of environmental crises. Complex, sensitive, and deeply personal topics turned into human stories.
“I really truly believe in how powerful it can be when you use the deliberate diversity that we have at Pearson,” says Shams. “People around you are going through things that are invisible to you. When you see what they’re going through, and what global issues they care about, that’s something that’s quite powerful.”
Moments that bring the UWC mission to life—turning global issues into personal understanding, and difference into connection – over lunch.
Bon appétit.
2026 Global Lunch presentations
This year’s series reflected both the diversity of the student body and the breadth of issues shaping our world today:
The Opioid Crisis in Canada – Noah (YR52 – Canada) explores the complexities of the public health crisis. The session features a powerful visual analogy using bread and sugar to explain the unpredictable and lethal danger of fentanyl, alongside a practical overview of how Naloxone kits work.
International Romani Day– Reese (YR51 – Romania) and Hiske (YR51 – Netherlands) share the discrimination directed at Roma communities globally and calls for the human rights of all to be respected and observed.
The Trump Card – Rahul (YR52 – USA/Canada) shares his perspective on the complexities of the current political landscape in the United States and how these social transformations are specifically impacting higher education. 
Mafia – Lea (YR51) shares her insights into the organized crime syndicates in Italy.
Hong Kong – Hillary (YR51) and Kevin (YR51) explore the complexities of Hong Kong’s history, recent social changes, and what it means for citizens to navigate two identities in an ever-evolving world.