#China #Beijing #climate action #Tsinghua University #Global Youth Summit

Youth Summit for a Net-Zero Future

On October 31, 2025, Tsinghua University hosted the fifth Global Youth Summit on a Net-Zero Future, organized by the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC). This prominent event gathered young leaders, scholars, and professionals from around the globe to share insights on climate governance, innovative solutions, and the crucial role that youth play in global climate action ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

Professor Shi Zongkai, the Vice President of Tsinghua University, opened the summit with a welcoming speech, highlighting the pivotal role of youth in combatting climate change. He reiterated the university’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and enhancing the contribution of higher education to climate governance.

In a video address, Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and special envoy for COP30 in Europe, emphasized the lasting significance of the Paris Agreement, commending young people as the driving force behind the transition to a net-zero future.

The opening keynote was delivered by Professor Peter Hennicke, former director of the Wuppertal Institute. He elaborated on the pathways to achieving net-zero emissions, the principles of a circular economy, and overall well-being, urging youth to draw from global best practices and to remain optimistic.

Alice Ho, the youth leader of GAUC, showcased the Alliance's 'Climate x' campaign, which has mobilized young people in 79 countries and reached five million individuals. She also pointed out the success of the Global Youth Climate Week, which since 2022 has organized over 100 events across more than 20 countries, showcasing innovative actions by youth in various sectors such as education, clean energy, fashion, health, and disaster response.

The summit sparked “Youth Climate Discussions” and intergenerational dialogues. Delegates shared their COP29 experiences and other initiatives while industry experts from BMW, Airbus, and EcoVoyage provided actionable insights into sustainable business practices and youth empowerment. Participants stressed the necessity for initiating actions, encouraging collaboration, and developing vital skills to tackle the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

Topics of debate included ecological transition, youth empowerment, and practical strategies for sustainability. Academics and practitioners underscored the importance of international cooperation, policy awareness, and integrating academic knowledge into tangible actions to create significant impacts.

As the summit concluded, speakers urged participants to translate ideas into actions, leverage the lessons learned, and set examples to inspire progress toward a sustainable future with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. This gathering not only underscored the vital contribution of youth to climate initiatives but also built momentum for future collaborative efforts that will shape a more sustainable and adaptive world. By harnessing the dynamic energy and creativity of young people, we can forge paths toward innovative solutions that meet the challenges of climate change head-on, ensuring a healthier planet for generations to come.