On November 18, 2024, the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, set the stage for a critical dialogue on addressing the climate crisis. Among the key speakers at the Oxford Saïd–Bridgell Climate Change Challenge Finals forum was Alice Ho, Chief Youth Officer of the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC). Representing the GAUC Youth Delegation, Alice illuminated the role of young people as essential contributors to climate governance, bridging localized innovations with broader global strategies.

Alice asserted that youth engagement in climate action transcends traditional advocacy, emphasizing their role as builders of practical solutions. “Youth leadership is not merely about amplifying voices but about crafting frameworks that foster cross-border collaboration,” she explained, underscoring the strategic importance of young innovators in shaping sustainable pathways.

During her address, Alice proudly introduced the Climate X’ Leadership Training Program, GAUC’s flagship initiative aimed at equipping young climate advocates with actionable knowledge and skills. To date, the program has empowered over 2,000 participants, catalyzing change that has extended to more than 20,000 individuals through community-level impacts. The initiative seamlessly merges academic exploration with hands-on implementation, cultivating a generation of leaders attuned to both regional challenges and global imperatives.

Alice also shared a compelling example from Southeast Asia and India, where participants devised a community-driven model to exchange plastic waste for food. This innovative effort not only addressed pressing environmental concerns but also improved social well-being within vulnerable communities. “This project’s success stems from its ability to address immediate local needs while offering scalable solutions for broader adoption,” she remarked. “It stands as a testament to the transformative power of grassroots ingenuity.”

Alice further emphasized the critical function of universities as platforms for fostering multidisciplinary approaches to climate challenges. She described higher education institutions as vital hubs of knowledge and collaboration, bridging academia, industry, and civil society. “Universities are not only incubators of ideas but pivotal anchors for sustainable progress,” she noted. “By preparing students with interdisciplinary expertise and global perspectives, they ensure that future leaders are equipped to navigate and address the complexities of climate governance.”

Alice Ho’s contributions to the forum revealed the indispensable role of youth as drivers of climate solutions. Her advocacy for integrating education, innovation, reaffirming the need for inclusive frameworks to tackle shared environmental challenges.

Reporter: Alice HO

- end -