On 2nd March 2025, world leaders gathered in London for the London Summit on Ukraine, where international discussions focused on key issues such as the future of Ukraine, the humanitarian issues arising from the situation and how countries can collaborate for peace. This political event offers valuable opportunities for English learners and teachers. Let’s explore how global events like this one can help you improve your English skills.
English in International Discussions
At major global events like the London Summit on Ukraine, English serves as the primary language for communication between people from different countries. This highlights the the importance of English in diplomatic and professional settings. For learners, understanding how English is used in these contexts can help improve both speaking and writing skills.
These discussions help with learning formal English. These skills include mastering how to politely express opinions, make requests and discuss professional topics. Listening to speeches from global leaders can teach you how to organise your thoughts clearly and communicate effectively.
Learning through English news coverage
International summits like this one are widely covered by global media, which usually broadcasts the news in English. This provides an excellent opportunity to improve your listening comprehension and expand your vocabulary by following current events.
Try following news coverage of the summit in English. Watching news videos or reading articles will help you practise your listening skills and learn new words. Afterwards, try summarising what you watched or read in your own words to improve your speaking and writing.
The Ukraine conflict and its impact on English language teaching (TEFL)
The ongoing situation in Ukraine is not only a significant global event but also something that can affect English language learners and teachers. With many Ukrainians seeking refuge in other countries, including English-speaking nations, there is an increased demand for English teachers to help them adapt to new environments.
Understanding the complexities of this crisis can help TEFL teachers be more empathetic and better prepared to support students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, learning about global conflicts and their impact on people’s lives can help students practise vocabulary related to international relations, peace, humanitarian issues and migration.
Teachers can incorporate discussions about global events like the Ukraine situation into lessons. By introducing topics such as migration, international aid and human rights, learners can expand their vocabulary and improve their ability to talk about complex subjects in English. It’s also an opportunity to create meaningful lessons that connect English learning to real-world issues.
This not only helps students build vocabulary around important themes, but also enables them to practise discussing sensitive issues in English. It’s an opportunity to guide learners in expressing their thoughts thoughtfully and respectfully in a second language.
English as a global connector
English is often used as the common language in business, politics and international collaborations. By learning English, you are preparing yourself to participate in conversations that connect people from all over the world. This is particularly important for anyone who aspires to work in a global environment.
These news events can help you learn business English and professional phrases. Being able to introduce yourself confidently, participate in meetings and write formal emails are valuable skills that will benefit you in any international career.
Discussing global issues in English
During events like the London Summit, leaders discuss important global matters such as peace, human rights, politics, international relations and security. For English learners who are passionate about global issues, knowing how to express a variety thoughts in English on these topics can be empowering.
Students can practise key vocabulary by writing speeches or engaging in debates about global issues. This will help build confidence in expressing complex ideas in the English language.
Opportunities for English teachers
For teachers of English as a foreign language, events like the London Summit offer an excellent opportunity to bring real-world issues into the classroom. These events highlight the global significance of English and offer a rich source of content for lessons that engage students and improve their language skills.
Teachers can use current events like the summit to enrich lessons and make them highly topical. Encourage students to watch news reports or read articles, then discuss the main points in class. This not only helps them improve their vocabulary but also provides students with the chance to practise speaking and listening in a relevant, real-world context.
The 2025 London Summit on Ukraine is an example of how global events can influence how English is used in diplomatic discussions, media, business and social issues. For English learners, following these events provides a unique opportunity to improve language skills in an engaging and meaningful way. By focusing on current affairs, you can practise listening, speaking, and writing in a topical way, connecting to the world around you.
Key takeaways for EFL students:
- Learn formal English to communicate effectively in professional and diplomatic settings.
- Follow English-language news to improve listening skills and expand your vocabulary.
- Study business English to prepare for international communication.
- Discuss global issues to develop your ability to express complex ideas in English.
- Use current events as a resource to practise speaking, listening and writing in a meaningful way.
Share your thoughts:
- Have you learned any new vocabulary from listening to news coverage of the Ukraine situation?
- Have you found any phrases confusing?
- What challenges do you think global events pose in the language classroom?