Cornish students have taken part in a mock G7 meeting pilot ahead of its national rollout later in the year.

Pupils from Richard Lander School in Truro, Cornwall, participated in the pilot of a mock G7 programme which will be rolled out across the U.K. later this year ahead of the G7 world leaders’ summit, due to take place June 11-13 at Carbis Bay.

Approximately 100 students from Year 9 took part in three lessons which introduced them to the purpose and history of the G7, inducted them into the role of world leaders, Ministers and Sherpas in the process, and concluded with a real-world negotiation simulation.

At the end of the programme, the students agreed three actions they would take to protect and conserve the world’s oceans.

The Mock G7 programme has been commissioned by the Future Leaders Network, the official host of this year’s Youth 7 (Y7), which is the official youth engagement group for the G7 process. With funding from the U.K. Cabinet Office, and delivered by the educational charity Young Citizens, the Mock G7 programme aims to increase awareness amongst young people about what the G7 is, why it matters to them, and how they can take their seat at the table with world leaders by participating in the Y7 in future.

It has been designed specifically in recognition of the U.K.’s Presidency of the G7 in 2021.

Schools can sign up to participate in the programme by registering their interest on the Young Citizens website.

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The programme will be officially launched in early May, with the expectation that schools will carry out preparatory activities throughout the summer term, and host their negotiations exercise in the same week as the summit.

Assistant Headteacher, Jason Webb, said: "Our students gained invaluable insight into the process of G7 negotiation and how important International relations are in making global improvements for future generations.

"When students feel connected and a part of what is in the news, this has a huge impact on them and makes it more relevant.

"At Richard Lander School we have many ECO initiatives driven by student voice, which this pilot aligned with really well."

Sophie Daud, Chief Executive Officer at the Future Leaders Network, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the schools, students and teachers who have participated in the pilot.

"The Mock G7 programme is an incredible opportunity to showcase just how important the G7 is, and why it is relevant to citizens of all ages.

"We hope that many more schools will sign up for the programme over the coming weeks, ahead of its launch in May.

"Through the programme, we hope to empower the next generation of leaders so that the voice of future generations are heard at all levels of decision making."