Global Recognition for Belonging

Recognised Among Global Leaders in Student Belonging

The Global Equality Collective's work continues to contribute to international conversations about inclusion, belonging and student voice.

In 2026, Dr Nicole Ponsford, Founding CEO of the GEC, was recognised as one of 50 leading voices shaping global thinking on student belonging in schools. The feature highlighted research and practice that help educators better understand how belonging influences wellbeing, engagement, attendance and educational outcomes. The inclusion also recognised the contribution of the thousands of students, staff and families whose voices have informed the GEC's research and development.

Through the GEC Platform and Kaleidoscopic Data methodology, the GEC has now helped surface more than 35,000 student, staff and parent/carer voices, supporting schools and organisations to move beyond traditional metrics and better understand lived experiences of inclusion and belonging.

Read more:
50 Thought Leaders on Student Belonging in Schools Globally