Leverhulme Wildfires Centre

Water, Energy, Wildfires. Interconnected Security Challenges

Youth. Climate. Sustainability. Global Action.

You are warmly invited to join the International Climate & Sustainability Youth Summit 2026, taking place on Saturday, 21 November 2026, at Imperial College London. If you are aged 16–30 and care about the future of our planet, there is a place for you at the Summit.

The Summit is co-hosted by the United Nations Association Climate & Oceans and the Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society, Imperial College London.

Inspired by the global momentum surrounding COP31, this international gathering will bring together young leaders, diplomats, academics, sustainability and geopolitics experts, policymakers and civil society to discuss the urgent climate and sustainability challenges shaping our shared future. At this Youth Summit we will have the most up-to-date information about the outcomes of COP31 in Turkey.

A Summit Driven by the Youth Voice

At the heart of the Summit is the belief that young people must not simply be invited to the climate conversation — they must help lead it.

The programme will provide a platform for young people to share ideas, challenge assumptions, engage directly with international experts and develop practical pathways towards a more sustainable, resilient and secure world.

💧 Key Themes

The Summit will place particular emphasis on:

• Youth leadership and the future of climate action
• Global water security
• Global energy security and the transition to sustainable energy
• Wildfires, climate risk and environmental resilience
• International relations, diplomacy and geopolitics
• Education, innovation and youth-led solutions

Wildfires will be high on the agenda, reflecting the growing impact of extreme weather, environmental change and climate-related risks, and the urgent need to strengthen preparedness, resilience and international cooperation.

🌐 An International Line-Up

We are delighted to welcome an exceptional group of confirmed high-level speakers and contributors, including:

• H.E. O. Koray Ertaş, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the United Kingdom
• H.E. Alibek Bakayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Kingdom
• The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Chewe Munkonge
• Lady Mayoress of Oxford, Mrs Carol Munkonge
• Mrs Judith Diment, MBE, Rotary International and Vice Chair, International PolioPlus Committee
• John M. Roberts, Methinks – Leading International Energy Security Specialist and Global Geopolitics Expert – Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center
• Dr Theo Keeping, Leverhulme Wildfires, Environment and Society – World Weather Attribution Expert, Imperial College London
• Dr Prerita Agarwal – Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society – Imperial College London
• Vladimir Jorbenadze – Financing of Energy and Water Projects – University of Exeter
• UNA Youth Council Members: Lara Hauge, Benjamin Jenkins, Zoe Kaul, Cristian O’Sullivan Sanchez, Monty Saunders, Henry Baxendale, Oliver Norris, Myra Soni, Cosmo Robertson-Charlton, Daniel Saldaña, Kourosh Moghadam, Zak Pearlman, Emmanuella Evonlah, Esme’ McCann, August Deeming.

Further expert panellists and youth contributors will be announced.

Be Part of the Conversation & Action

Whether you are a young climate advocate, student, researcher, policymaker, educator, sustainability professional or simply passionate about creating a better future, this Summit offers an opportunity to connect, learn, exchange ideas and take action.

Come and hear from international voices, engage with expert panels, meet fellow young changemakers and contribute to conversations that can help shape the future of climate and sustainability.

The future of our planet requires collaboration across generations, borders and disciplines.

Youth • Climate • Water • Energy • Wildfires • Global Cooperation

Who Should Attend?

The International Climate & Sustainability Youth Summit 2026 is designed for young people aged 16–30 who are passionate about climate action, sustainability, international affairs, innovation and creating positive change.

We warmly welcome registrations from:

• Youth leaders and young climate activists
• University student societies and student representatives
• School delegations and sixth-form students
• Climate and sustainability youth clubs
• University debating societies and public-speaking groups
• Youth councils and youth advisory boards
• Youth parliaments and student parliaments
• United Nations and international affairs youth groups
• Environmental and conservation organisations
• Young entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs
• Young innovators and sustainability start-up founders
• Students and early-career researchers in climate, environment, energy and sustainability
• Young people interested in energy security and the energy transition
• Young people engaged in wildfire, disaster resilience and environmental protection
• Youth advocates working on oceans, water security and marine conservation
• Young people interested in climate justice, human rights and global development
• Future policymakers, diplomats and International Relations students
• Young journalists, communicators, content creators and climate film makers
• Young leaders working in STEM, technology and climate innovation
• International youth organisations and youth networks
• Young award winners, changemakers and community leaders
• Corporate and NGO youth ambassadors
• Peacebuilding, humanitarian and development youth representatives
• Youth representatives from local authorities and civic organisations
• Join us for an intergenerational conversation where different perspectives, experiences, and ideas come together.

🌟 Come as a Delegate. Leave as a Changemaker.

Whether you are representing a school, university, youth council, society, organisation or youth-led initiative, the Summit is an opportunity to meet peers from across the UK and internationally, exchange ideas with leading experts and decision-makers, and make your voice heard on the issues that will shape your generation’s future.

If you are aged 16–30 and care about the future of our planet, there is a place for you at the Summit.

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