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 political contexts can help improve both speaking and writing skills. This is especially useful for learning formal English. Formal English 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 English through news coverage
International summits 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.
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 skills.
The Ukraine conflict and 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. Many Ukrainians are seeking refuge in other countries, including English-speaking nations, so 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. Additionally, learning about global conflicts and their impact on people’s lives can help students practise vocabulary related to international relations, peace, humanitarian issues, migration and security.
Teachers can incorporate discussions about global events like the Ukraine situation into lessons. By introducing topics such as human rights, learners can expand their vocabulary and improve their ability to talk about complex subjects and discuss sensitive issues in English. It’s also an opportunity to create lessons that connect English learning to real-world issues.
English as a global language
English is often used as the common language in business, politics and international collaborations, so it’s a particularly important language 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.
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 great 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 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, current affairs and social issues. The summit gives students and teachers opportunities to:
- Explore formal English for professional and diplomatic settings.
- Follow English-language news to improve listening skills and expand vocabulary.
- Study business English to prepare for international communication.
- Discuss global issues to express complex ideas in English.
- Use current events to help practise speaking, listening, reading and writing in a real-world context.
Share your thoughts:
- Have you learned any new vocabulary from listening to news coverage of the Ukraine situation?
- Do you use news coverage in your learning or teaching in general?
- Have you found any phrases confusing?
- What challenges do you think global events could pose in the TEFL classroom?