Tsinghua University Hosts the Fifth Global Youth Summit for a Net-Zero Future

On October 31, 2025, Tsinghua University held the Fifth Global Youth Summit focused on achieving a net-zero future. This significant event was organized by the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC) and brought together youth leaders, scholars, and professionals from around the world. The summit served as a platform for exchanging ideas about climate governance, innovative solutions, and the contributions of young people to global climate action prior to COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

The Importance of Youth in Climate Action

Professor Shi Zongkai, Vice President of Tsinghua University, delivered a welcoming address emphasizing the pivotal role that youth plays in confronting climate change. He reiterated Tsinghua's commitment to fostering global partnerships and enhancing the contribution of higher education to climate governance. This strong emphasis on youth involvement underscores a growing recognition of their potential to drive meaningful change in climate policy and action.

In a video message, Laurence Tubiana, President and CEO of the European Climate Foundation, reflected on the enduring significance of the Paris Agreement. She praised the youth for championing the transition toward a net-zero future, motivating attendees to harness their energy and creativity in tackling environmental challenges.

Keynote Speeches and Presentations

The event featured a keynote speech by Professor Peter Hennicke, former Director of the Wuppertal Institute, who explored systemic pathways to net-zero emissions, the circular economy, and overall well-being. His insightful remarks inspired young attendees to learn from global best practices and to act with optimism in the face of climate challenges.

Alice Ho, GAUC's Youth Director, introduced the campaign "Climate x," which has engaged young people in 79 countries and reached over five million individuals. She highlighted the Global Youth Climate Week initiative, which has organized more than 100 events across 20 countries since 2022, showcasing innovative actions led by youth in education, clean energy, fashion, health, and disaster response.

Engaging Discussions and Sharing Experiences

The summit included sessions titled "Climate Talks for Youth" and intergenerational dialogues. Young delegates shared insights from COP29 and other climate initiatives, while industry experts from companies like BMW, Airbus, and EcoVoyage provided practical perspectives on sustainable business practices, the circular economy, and youth empowerment. Participants underscored the necessity of taking initiative, fostering collaboration, and developing essential skills to tackle climate-related challenges.

Panel discussions focused on ecological transition, youth empowerment, and practical sustainability strategies. Academics and professionals emphasized the importance of international collaboration, raising awareness around public policies, and integrating academic knowledge with real-world actions to create significant impacts in the climate sector.

Moving Forward: From Ideas to Action

As the summit concluded, speakers urged attendees to transform ideas into concrete actions, utilize lessons learned, and lead by example in advancing toward a sustainable, net-zero future. With a strong show of commitment and collaboration, the Global Youth Summit at Tsinghua University has undoubtedly paved the way for future engagements focused on climate action and youth leadership in governance.

This event not only highlights the critical involvement of youth in the climate narrative but also sets a precedent for open dialogue and cooperation across generations in the quest for a sustainable future. As the world prepares for COP30, it is clear that the contributions and empowerment of young people will continue to be vital in addressing the climate crisis and achieving net-zero goals.