Language is a tool that everyone should have the right and knowledge to use in building a better and more sustainable world. It holds immense power in shaping how we perceive and respond to global challenges. Language not only constructs and reflects societal norms but also frames critical issues such as climate action, gender equality, and promoting peace and access to justice for all.

 

How can we increase the societal impact of language and raise critical language awareness in our communities? How can we promote individual voices and make use of ethical communication to foster positive societal change?

 

These are some of the important questions we will discuss during the First CLADES Conference 2025, which will take place on February 24 and 25 at the Rudolf Agricola School for Sustainable Development in Groningen, The Netherlands. This conference is the flagship event of the Erasmus+ Project: Critical Language Awareness, Democratic Engagement, and Sustainability. The project aims to equip students, educators, and scholars with tools to critically analyse and engage with language as a means of shaping sustainable futures.