Empowering Young Leaders: The Student Energy Summit in the Amazon

In February 2026, the Student Energy Summit (SES) took place in Manaus, Brazil, marking a significant confluence of young talents focused on transforming the energy landscape. Supported by BE OPEN, this year’s summit throve at the Federal University of Amazonas, an appropriate setting immersed in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

The Student Energy Summit is renowned for being one of the most important and diverse global events dedicated to educating and inspiring young innovators in the energy sector. From February 18 to 21, attendees gathered from across the globe to connect and collaborate on pressing energy issues. The overarching goal of this summit was to engage youth in shaping a just energy transition, facilitating dialogues among leaders from various sectors including industry experts, government officials, and young changemakers.

Elena Baturina, founder of BE OPEN, expressed her enthusiasm toward the participants' dedication and innovative contributions. She emphasized how empowering young individuals with the necessary skills and networks is crucial in tackling global energy and climate challenges. Baturina stated, "Our aim is to motivate youth to become leaders in the energy sector by providing them a platform for discussion and idea exchange."

As part of the summit, BE OPEN invited delegates to partake in its annual competition program, which aims to encourage students and recent graduates worldwide to devise solutions addressing urgent global issues as framed by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a track record of six completed competitions, BE OPEN continuously seeks to reward creative young minds who propose practical solutions fostering equity and ecological prosperity.

This partnership between BE OPEN and SES began in 2023 at the New York University Abu Dhabi, where over 650 youth from more than 100 countries came together to share their innovative ideas and find solutions to energy-related challenges. Among the attendees were winners from BE OPEN's 2022/2023 Better Energy by Design competition, whose works exemplified innovative thinking around sustainable energy practices.

The Amazon region, known for its natural beauty and biodiversity, also serves as a symbolic backdrop for discussions about environmental responsibility and sustainable resource utilization. It is here that young leaders are inspired to create impactful change in their communities while respecting the rich ecological resources of the area.

The achievements noted during the summit demonstrate the immense potential of youth-driven initiatives in leading the charge for a sustainable future. Participants engaged in interactive workshops, discussions, and networking sessions aimed at fostering deeper connections among those passionate about energy sustainability.

The diverse array of backgrounds among young attendees enriched the conversations, turning the event into a melting pot of ideas and perspectives. From empowering women in energy roles to exploring technological advancements in renewable energy, debates flourished throughout the event.

As the summit concluded, many participants left energized and equipped with new insights and collaborative opportunities. With the energy transition being a crucial aspect of global development, the Student Energy Summit stands as a testament to the crucial role of youth in driving sustainable practices and policies, particularly in regions most affected by climate change.

Looking ahead, the collaboration between BE OPEN and SES is poised to continue fostering creativity and innovation among youth, reinforcing the belief that young leaders can indeed pave the way toward a sustainable and equitable energy future.