The Global Youth Summit on Net-Zero Future 2024 is excited to announce that registration is now open for two dynamic opportunities: the Net-Zero Challenge and the Creative Video Submission contest. We invite young people from around the globe to participate by submitting innovative carbon reduction project proposals and/or creative short videos themed "My Net-Zero Diary."

To enter the Net-Zero Challenge, download the project proposal template and submit your proposal by September 6, 2024. For the video contest, submit your entry by early September to have the chance to showcase your work at the Global Youth Summit and beyond.

Summit Overview

In 2021, the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC) elevated its 3rd Graduate Forum to the inaugural Global Youth Summit on Net-Zero Future, launching a youth-led initiative under the theme “By Youth, For Youth.” The summit highlights the crucial role of youth as pioneers, guiding society toward practical and scalable solutions to adapt to and mitigate climate change.

The 2024 Global Youth Summit, themed "Together for a More Sustainable Future," will build on this momentum with two main segments: Youth Dialogue and the Net-Zero Challenge. Hosted by GAUC and UNESCO, and supported by GAUC’s global partners, the Summit aims to foster youth collaboration and creativity in leading the net-zero future. It provides a dynamic platform for young people to showcase their determination, innovation, and actions in combating climate change.

Call for Net-Zero Challenge Projects

The Net-Zero Challenge calls upon young innovators from across the globe to collaborate on transformative solutions within four critical domains: Clothing, Food, Housing, and Transportation—fundamental aspects of everyday life that profoundly shape global carbon emissions. By focusing on these pillars, participants are empowered to reimagine and advance sustainable practices, technologies, and services, ultimately forging pathways that reduce carbon footprints while promoting systemic change toward a resilient, net-zero future.

Starting in mid-August, the Summit Committee will accept team registrations and project proposals. Proposals will be evaluated for originality, impact, and feasibility, with standout projects advancing to an interview stage. By early September, selected teams will receive expert feedback to refine their proposals.

Selected teams will present their projects at the online Challenge Workshop from September 13-14, where they will engage in detailed discussions. Judges will evaluate the presentations, and winners will be announced, with awards presented jointly by GAUC and UNESCO.

Call for Creative Short Videos

In addition to the Net-Zero Challenge, this year’s summit is calling for global students to submit creative short videos under the theme "My Net-Zero Diary." We encourage young people to demonstrate how they are integrating sustainable practices into their daily lives and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Videos can highlight actions taken to address climate change, including sustainable practices in Clothing, Food, Housing, or Transportation. Participants are also encouraged to share their videos on social media, using the hashtags #MyNetZeroDiary and #2024GlobalYouthNetZeroSummit to inspire their peers.

Click to submit your video by early September 2024. Your video might be featured at the 2024 Global Youth Summit on Net-Zero Future, across GAUC and its global partners' social media channels, and at a side event during the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).

Video requirements include:

• Resolution: 1080P, 16:9 aspect ratio

• Duration: Maximum 3 minutes

• Slogan: Participants are encouraged to include the slogan "Together for a More Sustainable Future" in their videos.

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