Water, Energy, Wildfires. Interconnected Security Challenges

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 secur

Description supplied by the event organiser.