In this speech, Dr Mike Bottery looks at what educational leadership means in a time of growing global crises, from environmental breakdown to social and political instability. He argues that school and system leaders must look beyond short-term performance goals and help prepare students and communities for an uncertain future, with leadership grounded in ethical responsibility, sustainability and long-term thinking. The speech was delivered in September 2026 at the 10th NEPC annual conference, ‘Primary Colors of Education,’ on the topic ‘Lead for EcoJustice.’
