#Brazil #BE OPEN #Student Energy #Amazon Summit #Manaus

BE OPEN Partners with Student Energy at the International Student Energy Summit

In a significant collaboration, BE OPEN, an organization dedicated to supporting innovative youth initiatives, has partnered with Student Energy to host the International Student Energy Summit (SES). This summit, recognized as one of the world’s largest and most diverse youth energy events, took place from February 18 to 21, 2026, in Manaus, Brazil, a vibrant city nestled within the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

The SES aims to connect young leaders and change-makers from various countries to foster discussions on the critical energy issues impacting our world today. This year, the summit was hosted by the Federal University of Amazonas, providing a unique backdrop where participants could immerse themselves in one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems.

BE OPEN and SES share a common vision of leveraging youth-led actions to drive transformative change in energy practices globally. The event served as a platform where young leaders, industry experts, and policymakers gathered to share their insights, collaborate on solutions, and advocate for responsible energy management.

Elena Baturina, founder of BE OPEN, expressed pride in the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of supporting youth who are dedicated to creating sustainable energy solutions. She has noted the remarkable growth of the summit, especially since their first partnership in 2023, when 650 delegates from over 100 countries convened at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). This year’s summit continued this legacy, underscoring the collective momentum toward a more just energy future.

The event also included a call to action for attendees to engage in BE OPEN’s annual competition program, which encourages students and recent graduates to create solutions addressing pressing issues put forth by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over the past seven editions of this competition, the focus has consistently been on developing innovative solutions for sustainable energy challenges, with participants invited to showcase their ideas and initiatives that promote equity and environmental sustainability.

With six competitions already concluded and another ongoing, BE OPEN actively invests in nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders. The foundation aims not only to reward innovative thinking but also to equip young people with the knowledge and networks necessary to tackle real-world energy and climate challenges.

With the backdrop of the Amazon rainforest, the SES 2026 served as a crucial reminder of the interconnectedness of energy and environmental sustainability. It created a powerful space for discussing innovative approaches to energy, emphasizing the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy sources. Participants were inspired to think globally and act locally, considering the unique challenges faced by vulnerable communities affected by energy issues.

The collaboration between BE OPEN and Student Energy demonstrates the potential of youth activism in reshaping the global energy landscape. As the summit concluded, the delegates left motivated to become leaders in the energy sector, equipped with new ideas and collaborations from the event.

A Call to Action

As the world grapples with climate change and its implications, initiatives like the SES highlight the importance of youth voices in the dialogue about energy. By fostering partnerships and creating platforms for discussion, organizations like BE OPEN and Student Energy are paving the way for innovative solutions that not only address current challenges but also build a sustainable future for generations to come.