Ed Kirwan
Member of the GEC Circle of Influence
Bio:
Previously a teacher in London, Ed is CEO of Empathy Studios, an education and creative organisation using the power of film to develop the skill of empathy in all. He also started Empathy Week, the world’s largest empathy festival for schools which is free for any school, anywhere and has reached 1.8 million students across 56 countries since it’s launch in 2020.
“Joining a collective of people and organisations that are working together towards a common goal, albeit in our own small and unique ways, is always going to be the most effective for real sustainable, impactful and meaningful change. Joining the circle is for me, an opportunity to both share and learn as well as an opportunity to be held accountable for best practice in an environment of people that are deeply passionate about education.”
Specialist Areas:
Speaker,Trainer / Facilitator, Consultant,Advisor / Mentor, GEC Partner Education, Filmmaker
Social channels:
Useful Links:
Research (supported by Cambridge)
GEC Circle Contributions: Strengthening the GEC Framework:
Through his work as Founder & CEO of Empathy Studios and Empathy Week, Ed Kirwan has shown how the power of storytelling can transform education worldwide. His global programmes, built around film and human experience, have reached more than 1.8 million students in 50+ countries, equipping young people with empathy, leadership, and social action skills. A valued member of the GEC Circle, Ed brings a unique focus on empathy as the foundation for flourishing, belonging and inclusion. His contributions to the GEC community highlight how fostering empathy in schools can drive not only personal growth but also systemic cultural change. We look forward to seeing some of his work in the GEC Platform soon!
