This decision to postpone our event was made to ensure that SES is the most impactful, inclusive, and accessible gathering possible. The Student Energy Summit is the world’s largest youth-led gathering on energy, and we are committed to delivering an event that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of young leaders from across the globe.

By moving the Summit to early 2026, we are creating more space between SES and COP30, which will also be hosted in Belém, Brazil this year. This timing allows both events to maintain their importance, while minimizing logistical hurdles for youth organizers and attendees, many of whom play vital roles in both spaces.

The postponement also ensures we can:

• Provide sufficient bursaries and accessibility support so youth from all regions and backgrounds can fully participate.
• Deliver the highest quality programming and experience that our participants, speakers, and partners expect.
• Support our youth organizing team with the time and resources they need to bring their vision to life at the scale SES is known for.

Hosting SES in the heart of the Amazon is both historic and deeply significant. The Amazon is a critical ecosystem for our planet and home to diverse communities and youth leaders who are shaping innovative solutions for a just and sustainable energy future. This will be the first time SES is held in the Amazon, and we are thrilled to partner with UFAM to make this vision a reality.

📅 Applications open October 13, 2025, at 10:00am Brazil Standard Time (9:00am EDT).

We cannot wait to welcome young people from around the world to Manaus for this landmark event spotlighting youth leadership and global collaboration in the energy transition. Together, we will continue building momentum for a sustainable, just, and inclusive future.

Stay tuned for more updates and join us on the road to #SES2026 in the heart of the Amazon.

🌐Visit our website: www.studentenergysummit.org 

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @studentenergysummit

From August to December 2025, these 15 outstanding participants will collaborate on policy-relevant research at the forefront of the clean energy transition. Their work will focus on key themes including AI applications, energy, sustainable agriculture, climate policy, and transatlantic cooperation in clean energy systems.

This pilot program equips participants with mentorship, learning modules, and expert insights, empowering them to generate impactful research and foster stronger ties across borders.

We are excited to share the diverse experiences and perspectives of this year’s cohort. These young leaders are driving change and shaping the future of the clean economy.

Let’s meet the cohort!

Chisom Ogbogu

Chisom Ogbogu is a graduate student in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University Africa, with a focus on Energy Systems and Intelligent Physical Systems. His work explores how advanced technologies and materials science can optimize clean energy solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa.

As a Research Assistant at the Grid Automation Development (GrAD) Lab, he investigates power systems integration, renewable energy dispatch, and smart grid applications. Chisom has authored five Q1 journal papers addressing energy sustainability. He also leads student-driven sustainability initiatives as Vice President, Co-Chair of the Student Energy Chapter, and Chair of the IEEE MTT-S/ComSoc Student Chapter.

Andrea Perucca

Andrea have recently completed an M.A. in Political Economy of European Integration, focusing on energy cooperation between the EU and neighbourhood countries. His research studies gave him the opportunity to understand the complexity and the variety of questions beyond energy, embracing sustainability in a broad sense – including social issues, securitization processes, and industrial development.

Next to his educational pathway, Andrea also has experience as a public policy consultant, having supported national senior civil servants together with European ones, mostly from the European Commission, over a two-year period. His interests expand to political cooperation and governance management.

Yuuki Garcia

Yuuki is a dual-Master’s student studying Environment and Sustainability and Public Policy at the University of Michigan. This past Summer, he worked at the Institute for Social and Environmental Research – Nepal and conducted data analysis on migration and conflict trends while contributing to the institute’s policy engagement strategy. He is interested in the intersection of environment and conflict and is experienced in quantitative and qualitative research, as well as stakeholder engagement. In his free time, Yuuki enjoys rock climbing and spending time with the people he loves.

Evan Park

Evan Park is a fifth-year Chemical Engineering and AI student at Western University. He is an active 21-year-old who enjoys a wide range of sports, including tennis, ultimate frisbee, and rock climbing. Evan has a passion for travel, having visited over 20 countries, and he also enjoy playing cards and creating crosswords. Over the past two years, Evan has worked in the energy industry, focusing on GIS renewable energy development across North America and energy optimization at hospitals across Canada.

Selina Shibata

Selina is a German, Japanese, and Belgian student currently studying at the University of Warwick. Her academic and professional experience has centered around policy-focused research and social impact consulting, addressing issues such as energy efficiency, carbon emissions, gender equality, digital strategy, and market research to support a company’s expansion into the EU insurance sector. Selina brings strong qualitative and analytical skills, with proficiency in Python, R and STATA, as well as fluency in English, Japanese, and French. Her goal is to contribute to research that drives impactful policy changes at the national or international level.

Sanchita Sannigrahi

Sanchita Sannigrahi is an emerging clean energy professional with a multidisciplinary background in economics, sustainability, and policy. She has contributed to the climate and energy sector through roles in life cycle assessment, market research, and policy analysis with organizations such as TYCROP Manufacturing, Waterfall Advisors Group, Student Energy, and C40 Cities.

Passionate about accelerating the clean energy transition, Sanchita focuses on the role of innovative policy, market mechanisms, and international collaboration in advancing equitable climate solutions. She brings a data-driven, systems-level perspective and is committed to youth leadership and impactful, cross-border climate action.

Lydia Estreed

Lydia is a Program Manager at Voltus. Her work is focused on expanding our residential demand response program and getting more electrified resources in the home supporting the grid.

Lydia recently graduated from the University of Toronto studying Political Science where she focused her studies on environmental and innovation policy.

Raian Zaman

Raian Zaman is  from Toronto, Canada, and is obsessed with Canada’s energy sector. He is currently a 3rd-year finance and marketing student at Toronto Metropolitan University. Raian did his first internship in Alberta in the energy sector, and that’s where his passion for energy was born. He enjoys and appreciates every aspect of the energy sector, especially when it comes to renewable energy in Canada’s Indigenous communities and rural areas.

Raian is looking forward to increasing his knowledge and skills in energy research and making meaningful connections in this field.

Annabelle Liao

Annabelle (she/her) is one of Canada’s Top 25 Under 25 Environmentalists and recent grad of the BSc Global Resource Systems program at UBC. After completing an Impact Analyst internship at Vancity on the Climate Strategy and Performance team, she joined Foresight Canada, Canada’s largest cleantech accelerator. As a Research Analyst on the Technology Adoption team, she maps sectoral ecosystems and identifies market-ready innovation that meets industry climate targets. Part of the Taiwanese diaspora, much of her global climate activism at the UN climate change conferences COP28 and 29 is informed by and for large ocean territories and island communities.

Arjun Singh Gill

 Arjan is a MSc Candidate in Development Management and Political Economy at the London School of Economics. He has a background in international development, law, and climate policy, by obtaining his LLB at the LSE, working as a Research Assistant at the Phelan Centre, and currently acting as a Project Manager at Osman Consulting. He’s from Canada, but currently reside in the UK, and grew up across China, India, and Singapore.

Arjun looks forward to meeting the Clean Economy Bridge Research cohort, and working with fellow participants, researchers, and mentors across Canada, the USA, and Germany.

Evelyn Fahlen

Evelyn recently graduated from Cornell University with a BS in Environment and Sustainability Sciences and minor in Business. She is currently a Project Origination Intern at Orenda Power, conducting due diligence for battery energy storage system sites that will help integrate renewable energy sources and strengthen the resilience of the electrical grid. She is also currently pursuing her MA in Climate and Society at Columbia university to to gain expertise in energy policy, and understand how regulatory advancements can accelerate climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Ihotu Idoko

Ihotu Idoko is a data analyst and economic researcher with a passion for using technology and policy to drive equitable global development. I hold a Master of Science in Economics from Texas A&M University and have applied my skills across research projects, from market research on renewable energy investments to modeling AI-driven healthcare interventions. 

Originally from Nigeria and currently based in the U.S., Ihotu brings a cross-cultural perspective to transnational climate changes. She is excited to learn and contribute to the Clean Economy Bridge Research Program by exploring how AI can make clean energy systems more efficient and equitable.

Atharv Agrawal

Atharv Agrawal is passionate about developing climate-resilient societies. He is a consultant in the energy, sustainability, and infrastructure practice of Guidehouse, serving policymakers, regulators, energy companies, and financiers on working towards a sustainable and equitable energy transition. He previously worked at Peak Power, a Canadian climatetech startup. He is a published author on climate resilient infrastructure in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, the Palgrave Encyclopedia for Urban and Regional Futures, and the Harvard Center for International Development. He is a Future Climate Fellow at the Aspen Institute and a Lester B. Pearson International Scholar at the University of Toronto.

Ralph Evidente

Ralph is an Erasmus Mundus alumnus (2022) with a magna cum laude International MSc in Sustainable and Innovative Natural Resource Management, awarded jointly by Ghent, Uppsala, and TU Freiberg. He also holds a European Specializing Master’s diploma in Nuclear Safeguards from Politecnico di Milano as an ENEN scholar.

Ralph’s global experience spans battery recycling (HZDR, HZB), MXene-based electrocatalysis, membrane separations, bioelectrochemical nutrient recovery (K1-MET), and nuclear policy research (JRC). In 2025, he joined Nth Cycle (USA) as an E4C Fellow. He’s passionate about circular economy, sustainable resource management, and bridging science, engineering, and policy to drive global impact.

Khadidah Stone

Khadidah Stone is a Master’s student in Construction Engineering at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, concentrating in Green Building and Sustainability. Grounded in both hands-on construction experience and technical expertise, she is committed to advancing climate-resilient, equitable infrastructure. A native of the Deep South, Khadidah brings a community-centered perspective to sustainable design, informed by her lived experience in underinvested Black and brown neighborhoods. In her studies, she has learned energy modeling, resilient materials, and Germany’s DGNB certification system. Khadidah strives to advocate for inclusive innovation that ensures clean energy and green building benefit all communities.

Mentorship is necessary in today’s job market and key for driving innovation, career development, and access to professional opportunities. However, many young professionals struggle to secure mentorship, a critical missing piece from their professional development. 

According to Forbes, 76% of people think mentorship is vital to early-stage professional success, but only 37% have a mentor. Inequitable opportunities,  lack of experience, and restraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have made securing employment for youth more dependent on networking and privileged social capital. This creates greater exclusivity in the workforce, given systemic issues that lead to inequitable opportunities in networks and education. 

Companies and organizations benefit greatly when they provide support to young professionals and build leadership skills at every stage of their careers. Mentorship enhances the development of soft and technical skills critical to employment, and encourages diversity to create a well-rounded team, improving team dynamics.

Since 2009, Student Energy has worked with over 50,000 young people from more than 120 countries, empowering them with the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to lead the energy transition. Mentorship is a cornerstone of this mission – by connecting mentees with experienced professionals, we ensure our global youth network gains access to tailored guidance for their unique projects and challenges, practical advice on navigating the climate and energy fields, and the opportunity to learn directly from leaders in the industry. 

What are the Mentorship Models?

Student Energy will offer three streams of mentorship for a flexible commitment from mentors and mentees:

1. Flash Mentorship: 1 x 1-hour mentorship session every 1-3 months focused on gathering necessary information, securing connections, or learning a skill. Flash mentorship will likely occur with a different mentee each session. 
2. Project & Career Development: Monthly, 1-hour recurring meetings supporting a team project or advising on career goals and professional development. 
3. Committed Mentorship: Weekly or bi-weekly meetings building a solid mentorship relationship, supporting a team project through completion, or young professionals through their early stage career development. 

Commitment levels can change throughout the cycle, and the change can be agreed upon by the mentor and the mentee.

How the Mentor Matching Process Works

• Mentor Registration: Bloomberg staff interested in becoming mentors must complete the Mentor Registration Form (linked below). All staff who apply are added to our database designed to help us create mentor matches. We may contact you anytime between March and December 2025 about mentor matching with our program participants.

• Mentor Requests: The Student Energy community can submit a detailed mentorship request form outlining their goals and areas where they are seeking support. 
• Matching and Introduction: Student Energy will review and screen all requests, and facilitate the matching process. Matches will be made based on your skills and experiences and the mentee’s needs. Once a match is made, we will introduce you to the mentee via email, and we will help schedule and facilitate the initial meeting

Why become a Student Energy Mentor?

By registering as a Student Energy Mentor, you will:

• Provide guidance to youth-led projects, professional development, and career exploration.
• Connect with a global community of innovative youth and professionals dedicated to addressing challenges in the energy transition.
• Strengthen your coaching and mentorship abilities while making a meaningful impact.
• Plan an active role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow and driving the sustainable energy transition forward.

This is a great opportunity to inspire, engage, and innovate alongside the next generation of energy leaders.

This is your opportunity to play a direct role in shaping the future of energy. By becoming a mentor, you’ll directly contribute to youth-led solutions and gain unparalleled access to a network of passionate, forward-thinking young leaders.

Become a Student Energy Mentor Today

Becoming a Student Mentor is an easy process. Simply complete the Mentor Registration Form below and we will follow up with you with for more details and possible mentees to work with.

APPLY NOW

If you have any questions about Student Energy Mentorship, please contact us at mentorship@studentenergy.org.

In celebration of Student Energy’s 15th anniversary, we interviewed Executive Director Helen Watts to reminisce on Student Energy’s 15 years of progress and what’s next for our burgeoning youth-empowerment and clean energy charity. We also had the opportunity to catch up with Janice Tran and Kali Taylor, two of Student Energy’s founding members, to reflect on their time with Student Energy and how this organization helped them excel in the energy industry.

The Birth of a Movement

Student Energy was established during a time when the global conversation around climate change was in its early stages. The organization’s founders, including Taylor and Tran, recognized the need to connect energy systems with environmental challenges and saw young people as critical drivers of this transformation. As Taylor recalls, the idea for the first “International Student Energy Summit” in 2009 was born out of a desire to create a space where youth could engage meaningfully in energy discussions. The overwhelming response from young people worldwide led to the formal creation of Student Energy.

“The idea for clean energy is born over 15 years ago. It was a recognition that the impacts of climate change was going to be the greatest for young people and the students were in a unique position to change it and become the leaders that the world needs.”

Janice Tran

At its core, Student Energy’s mission has been twofold: to address the climate emergency by transforming energy systems and to empower young people to take the lead in this transformation. From the outset, the organization has emphasized youth empowerment, recognizing that young leaders, with their creativity and passion, have the potential to drive innovative solutions. Many early members, like Tran, did not come from energy backgrounds but were united by their desire to make a difference. As she reflects, “It really was just a leap of faith… and the rest is history.”

Student Energy’s Growth and Evolution

From its humble beginnings, Student Energy has grown into a global organization with over 30 full-time staff and a presence in numerous countries. Helen Watts, Executive Director of Student Energy, recalls the early days when the organization operated more like a startup, with only a few staff members juggling multiple roles. “We were chasing opportunities, always on the lookout for new funding,” she explains. Today, the organization no longer has to ask for permission to be part of critical energy discussions—now, it is invited to the table.

“Student Energy has had such a massive impact on me, both personally and professionally… it’s taught me the importance of putting those big visions out there and going for them. It’s the only way we’re going to make change.”

Kali Taylor

The organization’s growth has also allowed it to focus more on long-term strategic planning. With a dedicated and expanding team, Student Energy has been able to develop programs that directly respond to the needs of young people worldwide. Watts highlights that the organization has shifted from merely surviving to thriving, allowing it to proactively create opportunities for youth to engage in the energy transition.

Empowering Youth to Tackle the Climate Emergency

Central to Student Energy’s mission is the belief that young people are key to addressing the climate emergency. Youth are disproportionately affected by decisions made today regarding energy systems, climate policies, and sustainability efforts. Yet, as Watts points out, young people are often excluded from decision-making processes. “Young people…are provided with very little agency to have decision-making power,” she notes, emphasizing the need for intergenerational equity.

 “Young people are often disregarded or thought of as disruptors who don’t understand what’s going on…even though these decisions will impact their lives more than older generations.”

Helen Watts

Student Energy has made it a priority to ensure that youth voices are not only heard but are given real influence in shaping the future of energy. The organization advocates for an energy transition that is not only sustainable but also equitable, ensuring that communities worldwide are supported and that no one is left behind.

Building a Global Network and Impact

One of Student Energy’s most significant achievements is its ability to build a global community of young leaders. Through its various programs, the organization has connected youth from different regions, providing them with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to create change in their communities. Watts emphasizes that this sense of community is one of the organization’s most powerful assets, noting that “there is such a sense of family, kinship, and camaraderie” among those involved.

“Here we are 15 years later, seeing some of those early connections making a real impact. Soon, Energy alumni are creating companies, leading multinational organizations, investing in startups, writing forward-thinking policies. I am an example of this.”

Janice Tran

Student Energy’s impact is evident in the countless success stories of youth who have taken action in their regions. For instance, students from the University of Manitoba collaborated with peers in Algeria to develop clean cooking solutions for their communities. Others have launched high school education initiatives or joined Student Energy’s board to continue shaping the organization’s future. These examples highlight the ripple effect of Student Energy’s work—by empowering one individual, the organization sparks change that reverberates through entire communities.

Looking Ahead: The Vision for 2030

As Student Energy looks toward the future, its focus is on ensuring that young people have the resources and support they need to stay engaged in the energy transition for the long term. One of the organization’s top priorities is addressing burnout among young climate activists. Watts expresses concern that young people are not receiving the support they need to sustain their involvement in the movement. To address this, Student Energy is expanding its programs to provide more comprehensive career training, mentorship, and funding opportunities.

“A big focus for us is going to be how we create more staying power in the youth, energy transition and climate movement. A real fear of mine and many, many around me is that young people are burning out very quickly and they’re not getting the support that they need to really have agency and staying power in this space.”

Helen Watts

By 2030, the organization aims to create a robust ecosystem for youth involvement in the energy sector. This vision includes expanding its careers platform to connect young people with employment opportunities and building a mentorship network that provides ongoing support. “Young people deserve to have purposeful work that’s meaningful to them,” Watts says, underscoring the importance of creating sustainable career paths in the energy transition.

Charging Forward

As Student Energy celebrates its 15th anniversary, the organization’s impact on the global energy landscape is undeniable. From its beginnings as a grassroots initiative to its current status as a global leader in youth empowerment, Student Energy has remained steadfast in its commitment to creating a just and sustainable energy future.

“What I would tell young people who are thinking about getting into this space is we need you .We absolutely need your energy, your passion, your talent in order to make the massive transition that is required of us to be able to protect the planet and give people the future that they deserve.” Kali Taylor

 Looking ahead, the organization’s vision for 2030 is clear: to continue empowering young people, fostering global connections, and ensuring that youth voices remain at the forefront of the energy transition. As Watts puts it, “This is a crisis that will not be solved by an individual… It will be solved by collective action.”

Given its strategic timing on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, New York Climate Week also offered a fantastic venue for celebrating Student Energy’s 15th anniversary, reflecting on our remarkable achievements in activating young people to accelerate the clean energy transition while at the same time looking toward our future through the release of our 2030 Vision. 

This vision centres around four key pillars we plan to prioritize over the coming years, including fostering global and local community-building through our Chapters network and bi-annual Student Energy Summit; expanding career pathways for young people in clean energy through our Career Training and Fellowship programs; providing grants to high-impact and needs-driven energy projects through our Guided Projects program; and creating new educational opportunities for youth through intergenerational collaboration and meaningful youth inclusion.

It’s these core thematic areas that guided our efforts and advocacy during New York Climate Week. In particular, Student Energy announced a new Commitment to Action as part of the Clinton Global Initiative’s (CGI) 2024 Annual Meeting, which took place in New York between September 22 and 23. This commitment, Equipping Young Leaders for Clean Energy Innovation, aims to advance youth-led clean energy deployment in the Global South, directly engaging 2,500 young people from 2025 to 2027 through job training, skill-building, and project development, with far-reaching benefits impacting thousands more in local communities. Student Energy is delighted to join organizations such as Imagine Worldwide, Ashley Lashley Foundation, and Young Activists Summit in making a Commitment to Action, and we’ll be monitoring our progress toward our goals over the coming years. 

We also had the opportunity to learn from a number of inspiring leaders and experts in the space, through events like the Global Renewables Summit, Resilience Day: Innovating and Investing for People and Planet, and EnergyNow SDG7 Action Forum, as well as those hosted by partners and organizations like Trottier Foundation, Youth Climate Justice Fund, Women Leading on Climate, Time for Better, Rockefeller Foundation, and more. 

Speaking & Moderating Engagements

Sharing Benefits of An Inclusive Renewable Energy Transition

Helen was a speaker at the Global Renewables Alliance’s roundtable discussion, Sharing Benefits of An Inclusive Renewable Energy Transition, hosted as part of the Global Renewables Summit, in which representatives from both the private sector and civil society presented case studies and best practices for accelerating the deployment of renewable energy technologies, while also exploring how to ensure the energy transition is inclusive, the importance of collaboration, and how to ensure that its benefits are distributed equitably to all. 

Flipping the Script: Mobilising the Youth Perspective on Positive Tipping Points

Helen also took part in the Global Optimism-hosted event, Flipping the Script: Mobilising the Youth Perspective on Positive Tipping Points, as moderator, diving into the importance of youth leveraging storytelling and creative communications in order to amplify messages of agency and hope that are founded in the concept of positive tipping points. 

A Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Climate Action: Young Practitioners and Their Role in Technology Transformation

Grace spoke at the event A Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Climate Action: Young Practitioners and Their Role in Technology Transformation, hosted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), which explored the technological transformations that must take place in order to address pressing sustainability issues and catalyze climate action.

Mainstreaming Gender & Youth for SDG 7: Challenges & Opportunities for Young Women Entering the Workforce

Grace further moderated a session during the Energy Now SDG 7 Action Forum, Mainstreaming Gender & Youth for SDG 7: Challenges & Opportunities for Young Women Entering the Workforce, which featured dialogue on the challenges and opportunities for mainstreaming gender and youth perspectives in support of the achievement of SDG 7 – which calls for access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all – and focused on the empowerment of women within the energy transition.

Hosted Events 

Clean Energy Career Pathways for Youth in the Global South

Student Energy was thrilled to host our very own event during New York Climate Week, in partnership with New Energy Nexus and Linked In, titled Clean Energy Career Pathways for Youth in the Global South. Drawing perspectives from Andrew Chang (Chief Growth Officer, New Energy Nexus), Hamd Akmal (Student, NYU), moderator Cammie Erickson (Senior Director of Social Impact, LinkedIn), and our very own Executive Director, Helen Watts, this event offered both inspiring and critical dialogue on the importance of engaging meaningfully with young people and providing them with necessary green skills and support to drive an inclusive and equitable clean energy transition, while also acknowledging the unique ways in which youth from the Global South are positioned to foster radical change. 

We are immensely proud of the outcomes our partnerships with both of these organizations have achieved in this regard, and we look forward to many future collaborations which continue to work to enable young people as agents of change.

Intergenerational Roundtable on the Future of Climate

On Friday, we also supported an Intergenerational Roundtable on the Future of Climate, which brought together a number of young leaders and senior leaders from various sectors and organizations to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration in order to empower youth in driving impactful climate solutions, while also amplifying youth voices and emphasizing the need to allocate resources effectively to address the climate crisis. 

This conversation developed from an understanding that youth largely remain tokenized and deprived of meaningful representation within decision-making spaces – despite the growing role they play in tackling the climate crisis and addressing the energy transition – and builds off of conversations Student Energy hosted last year in partnership with the Climate Emergency Collaboration Group, which brought together youth and philanthropy to explore existing challenges, opportunities, and collaborative strategies to spur the energy transition through impactful youth-driven projects. 

Stay tuned for a full report with findings from both of these conversations! We hope that these outcomes will catalyze broader gatherings between youth and a variety of industries and sectors and foster meaningful support for youth as drivers of a sustainable energy transition and climate change action. 

Looking Forward

New York Climate Week highlighted the role and power that partnerships play to disrupt climate narratives and to ensure that we are centring the voices of youth and underrepresented communities. By mobilizing support for young people across different platforms, we aim to mainstream youth-forward perspectives, programs, and policies that support a just transition.

With New York Climate Week now behind us, we’re looking forward to rest and rejuvenation as we prepare for the end of 2024 and are excited to carry forward our successes into another impactful year. If you’re interested in learning more about our work and engagements at events, please connect with us at michelle@studentenergy.org. 

We’d love to connect with our youth network on the ground! Fill out the form below to receive relevant event invitations and speaking opportunities. 

https://bit.ly/se-nyclimateweek2024

Student Energy is thrilled to be attending Climate Week NYC 2024, one of the world’s leading gatherings on climate and energy. Leveraging this strategic event at the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, we’re looking forward to connecting with our partners, amplifying youth voices on a global stage, and celebrating our collective impact throughout Student Energy’s 15-year history. We’re also excited to unveil our new vision for 2030!

What to Expect from Student Energy at Climate Week NYC

While we’re gearing up for a week of meaningful dialogue and collaboration, here’s a quick preview of what we plan to highlight in New York City.

1. Celebrating Student Energy’s 15-year anniversary and launch of our ambitious 2030 vision.
2. Building new partnerships with public and private sector organizations to support Student Energy’s next phase of growth through 2030 and beyond.
3. Connecting with new and existing partnerships to learn and seek mentorship on priority areas for Student Energy, including scaling to meet demand for our programs.
4. Establishing and fostering regional and global relationships to support future global Student Energy on-location programming.

Clean Energy Career Pathways for Youth in the Global South

Student Energy’s 2030 vision centres around four key pillars the organization will prioritize over the coming years. One of those pillars, which is expanding career pathways for young people in clean energy, will be the focus of Student Energy’s conversations and objectives at Climate Week NYC, with an emphasis on the need for a just, people-centred transition.

The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Net-Zero Emissions (NZE) Scenario predicts that by 2030, as many as 14 million jobs will be created in the energy sector with five million lost in the fossil fuel industry as the world transitions towards a cleaner global energy system. With more than half of the global population under the age of 30, young people must be trained and supported now to access opportunities and accelerate growth in the renewables sectors, if these millions of green jobs are to be filled. This will support global and local sectors to avoid serious talent shortages and communities to access inclusive economic growth through the transition. 

Despite this, Student Energy’s research through the Energy Skills Transition Project has revealed a significant gap in young people’s understanding of career opportunities in the clean energy space, availability of entry-level positions, and access to relevant skills training. The clean energy sector moreover remains largely inaccessible to and exclusionary of youth, particularly Indigenous communities and other underrepresented groups.

On Thursday, September 26, from 14:00 to 16:00 ET, Student Energy, alongside leaders from New Energy Nexus and LinkedIn, will be hosting a panel discussion and networking session centred around responding to this challenge and providing tangible pathways to equipping youth with the green skills, tools, and training to drive an inclusive and equitable clean energy transition, particularly in the Global South. We’d love to have you there! Please feel free to register for the event via Eventbrite here and share the opportunity with your networks.

Other Events We’re Excited to Attend!

Student Energy will be attending a number of gatherings in New York. Here’s a small selection of events you can find us at, or ones we recommend you check out more generally! 

1. Summit of the Future (September 22-23) is a high-level event, bringing world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future.
2. Global Renewables Summit (September 23-24) is the first-ever high-level public-private summit to discuss the progress, opportunities, and challenges of tripling renewable energy globally by 2030.
3. EnergyNowSDG7 Action Forum (September 25-27) convenes leaders from government, business, civil society, and other sectors and aims at “constructively reviewing, discussing, and progressing matters pertaining to expediting action on Sustainable Development Goal 7.

At Student Energy, we believe that we can always further the just energy transition, and the role youth play in that transition, by pointing to positive examples where we see youth-led change already taking place. This blog explores how four diverse countries—Kenya, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Timor-Leste—are promoting youth involvement in climate and energy issues, reflecting on the unique approaches and common themes that characterize their efforts.

Kenya

Kenya, a country that has faced significant environmental challenges, has been proactive in engaging its youth in climate action and energy transition. The involvement of young people in these areas is seen as crucial not only for addressing current environmental issues but also for ensuring a future that young Kenyans feel they will be adequately represented in.

Youth in Kenya demand stronger action on climate change.

One of the key platforms for youth engagement in Kenya is the Kenya Youth Climate Action Network (KYCN). This network brings together young people from across the country to advocate for climate action and participate in environmental decision-making. KYCN members are involved in policy discussions, climate forums, and environmental campaigns, ensuring that youth voices are heard at both local and national levels. The Youth Congress of Kenya provides another important avenue for youth engagement. This platform gives young people the opportunity to engage with policymakers on various issues, including climate and energy. By amplifying youth voices in national development processes, the Youth Congress plays a vital role in ensuring that the perspectives of young people are included in decision-making.

Kenya has made significant strides in ensuring youth representation in climate policy-making. The National Climate Change Council includes youth representatives, ensuring that the concerns and perspectives of younger generations are considered in national climate policies and strategies. This inclusion is further supported by the Kenya Climate Change Act, 2016, which mandates the participation of marginalized groups, including youth, in climate-related decision-making processes.

Ireland

Ireland, a country with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, has been at the forefront of involving youth in climate and energy decision-making. Recognizing the importance of youth perspectives, Ireland has implemented a range of initiatives to ensure that young people are active participants in shaping the country’s environmental policies.

One of the key initiatives in Ireland is the National Youth Assembly on Climate, which brings together young people from across the country to discuss climate issues and provide input into national policies. This assembly ensures that youth voices are heard in shaping Ireland’s climate action plans, allowing them to contribute to the country’s response to climate change.

Scenes of Dublin, Ireland and the homepage for Comhairle na nÓg.

Ireland has a strong tradition of supporting youth organizations that focus on climate and energy issues. Comhairle na nÓg, a nationwide initiative, gives young people a voice in the development of local and national policies. Members of Comhairle na nÓg have been involved in discussions on climate action and environmental policies, contributing to the country’s efforts to address climate change.

Youth representation in policy-making is a key priority for Ireland. The country appoints Youth Delegates to the UN, who represent Ireland at international forums such as the UN Climate Change Conference (COP). These delegates ensure that the perspectives of Irish youth are brought to the global stage, advocating for stronger international action on climate change. Ireland’s Climate Change Advisory Council also includes youth representatives, ensuring that the concerns of younger generations are considered in the country’s climate policies. This inclusion is a reflection of Ireland’s commitment to intergenerational equity and the recognition that young people have a vital role to play in shaping the future.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands has taken significant steps to involve youth in the country’s energy transition and climate action. The Dutch government recognizes that young people are essential stakeholders in achieving the country’s sustainability goals and has implemented various initiatives to ensure their active participation. The Youth Climate Summit is one of the key platforms for youth engagement in the Netherlands. This summit brings together young people from across the country to discuss climate challenges and propose solutions. The outcomes of these summits are often presented to government officials and integrated into national climate strategies, ensuring that youth perspectives are considered in decision-making processes.

The Netherlands also appoints Youth Delegates to the UN, who represent the country at international forums such as the UN Climate Change Conferences (COP). These delegates play a crucial role in bringing the perspectives of Dutch youth to global climate negotiations, advocating for stronger international action on climate change. Dutch youth have been actively involved in the drafting of the National Climate Agreement, which outlines the country’s strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Youth organizations were consulted during the development of this agreement, ensuring that the perspectives of young people were included in the final policy.

The Dutch Youth Council (NJR) is another important platform for youth engagement in the Netherlands. The NJR represents Dutch youth in various policy discussions, including those related to climate and energy. By collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations, the NJR ensures that youth voices are considered in decision-making processes. The Dutch government’s Climate Agreement includes provisions for the participation of young people in its implementation. The agreement recognizes the importance of intergenerational equity and the role of youth in achieving the country’s climate goals. Additionally, the National Youth Policy emphasizes the involvement of youth in all areas of national development, including environmental sustainability and energy.

Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste, a young and developing nation, has been increasingly recognizing the importance of involving youth in decision-making processes related to climate change and energy. While the country is still building its institutional frameworks and capacities, several initiatives have been launched to engage young people in these critical issues. The National Youth Council of Timor-Leste (CNJTL) serves as a platform for young people to engage in discussions on national policies, including those related to the environment and sustainable development. The council advocates for the inclusion of youth perspectives in decision-making processes at both local and national levels.

Mangrove restoration projects are an essential part of Timor Leste’s resilience plan.

Timor-Leste’s National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), which focuses on climate change adaptation, has involved youth in its consultations and planning. The program acknowledges the role of young people in building resilience to climate impacts in communities across the country. Timor-Leste’s government, in collaboration with NGOs, has integrated environmental education into the school curriculum, teaching students about climate change, energy conservation, and sustainable practices. Programs focused on Climate Resilience and Adaptation Training, often supported by international organizations like the UNDP, equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to address climate-related challenges in their communities. This and more is outlined in Timor Leste’s National Adaptation Plan that outlines how the country will meet the challenges of climate change and foster resilience among its citizens in the process.

Youth in Timor-Leste are actively involved in community-based initiatives, such as Mangrove Restoration Projects and agricultural adaptation initiatives. These projects not only contribute to climate adaptation but also provide young people with opportunities to engage in environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture practices.

A Shared Commitment to Youth Engagement

Across Kenya, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Timor-Leste, there’s a shared belief that youth must be involved in climate and energy decisions. Despite different approaches, the core idea is the same—youth are essential stakeholders, not just future leaders. 

These countries show that when young people have the platforms and support to engage, they can make a real impact. As we tackle climate change, the voices and actions of young people are crucial for shaping a sustainable future.

To learn more about how you can further the just energy transition in your community, head to www.studentenergy.org/research and get reading! We have numerous youth-focused reports that will help you build your energy transition toolkit!

Last month, Student Energy organized the Net Zero World Café event for all energy-interested members of the McGill University and Greater Montreal communities. Michelle Balderston, Assistant to the Executive Director at Student Energy, oversaw the planning and facilitation of this meet-up as an instance of our Research and Youth Engagement program’s Net Zero in Our Neighbourhood research project which seeks to bring clean energy discussions directly to local communities.

Helen Watts, Executive Director at Student Energy, attended the ChangeNOW 2024 in Paris, France, and participated in a panel covering the Clean Energy Revolution. Helen shares the importance of ensuring youth and community are core considerations of all climate and energy solutions.

In this post, we’ll hear from Michelle and Helen about their experiences and learnings participating in these events!

Net Zero World Café

Michelle shares, “Last month, I had the pleasure of supporting Student Energy’s Net Zero World Café in Montréal. Our goal was to bring together community members across a range of backgrounds and interests to explore the world of net zero across local and national contexts. We succeeded on this point, as we welcomed attendees with expertise spanning engineering, arts, sciences, and beyond, all bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to the conversation. 

Through a roundtable format, we had the opportunity to dig into net zero across three critical sectors — transportation, waste, and buildings — and explore a wide range of challenges and opportunities for driving net-zero progress within Montréal and beyond. From advocating for more net zero-related educational initiatives to conducting clothing swaps, rethinking transportation as communal, or getting involved in public consultations, I was inspired by how much these conversations emphasized the immense potential of climate action at a local level and through community collaboration. 

I’ll also speak on behalf of our attendees to say that we were absolutely privileged to hear from McGill community member Rebecca Kresta, a mechanical engineer currently pursuing a master’s in Public Policy. Rebecca really served to reinforce the connections between local and national-level sustainability initiatives we were trying to emphasize and accentuated the role that all professions and sectors have to play in achieving net zero goals. 

Reflecting on how my knowledge of net zero has grown throughout the planning of and participation in this project, one of my key takeaways is that everyone can contribute to our collective journey towards a more sustainable energy system and net zero future — through actions big and small. Also, community building is so critical! As we wrapped up the night with networking over doughnuts and drinks, it was so heartening to receive such lovely and overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, emphasizing how important it is to be able to connect with others from within their communities, as these are truly the venues for some of the most meaningful and innovative ideas to take place.”

ChangeNOW 2024

Helen shares, “At the ChangeNOW 2024 Conference, I had the opportunity to participate in a fireside chat during the Clean Energy Revolution session, following a panel with leaders from the Shift Project, Schneider Electric, Sweetch Energy and Okra Solar to discuss community-led clean energy, technology and financial access. I highlighted stories from our Global Youth Energy Outlook, how youth are calling for action from decision-makers and what meaningful partnerships and power sharing with young people looks like in practice. 

Getting ourselves on track to triple renewable energy globally requires a massive jobs boom in the clean energy sector. We will not succeed in a transition that is socially just, economically positive, and community and industry needs-aligned if we do not prioritize these critical five years to support young people ages 18 to 30 to move into the sector.  Research and data developed by youth organizations, industry and intergovernmental organizations point to the reality of a significant and growing gap between young people passionate about energy issues and sectors trying to recruit talent.

Young people are hungry for meaningful jobs where they can access secure livelihoods while making an impact on climate and energy needs, and we have all the tools and knowledge we need to create an enabling environment for accessing jobs. What we still need is a scale-up of resources and forward-thinking policies to create an enabling environment, and we need a willingness to adapt from academia and industry recruitment. Organizations like Student Energy work to fill in the gaps for young people to learn how to develop and communicate their soft skills, market themselves effectively, and navigate an increasingly murky and complex job market. 

I had the opportunity to talk about our experiences at Student Energy to bridge this skills gap through programs like Student Energy Career Training, which provides youth with hands-on energy project experience with partner organizations, including Okra Solar. I also spoke about the ways in which our programs centre community building as a catalyst for empowering youth within the clean energy space, the importance of inclusive and accessible workforce training programs, and meaningful youth inclusion within the energy sector across all forums and decision-making spaces.”

Where would you like to see Student Energy?

Student Energy is active at global stages, attending events, expanding our reach, and growing our network of young energy leaders! It will always remain a priority of ours to bring nuanced, critical, optimistic insight into the energy industry, and to do so with youth skills and opportunities at front of mind.

Here you’ve seen just two quick ways that we practice outreach and community-building both in Canada and abroad; this is something we’re doing year round! Where might we see you next?

Connect with us:

Instagram: @studentenergy 

Twitter: @studentenergy 

LinkedIn: Student Energy

Facebook: Student Energy

YouTube: Student Energy

TikTok: @studentenergy

Threads: @studentenergy

Website & Blog: https://studentenergy.org/

CHECK OUT OUR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Highlights

Here’s a sneak peak to our 2023 Annual Report!

From our Board Chair

From our Executive Director

2023: Our Impact at a Glance

Here’s a glimpse of Student Energy’s 2023 impact in numbers:

• Global Reach: Our Programs Ecosystem (7 active programs) engaged a total of 826 participants from 116 countries, 78 of which are developing economies.
• Youth Empowerment: Supported 9 global youth delegations at prestigious events, and 407 youth delegates from 95 countries attended SES 2023, the largest youth-led energy summit.
• Global Community Engagement: Reached 32,730 people through our global Chapters network, with a membership of 4,369 students from different universities across the world.
• Mentorship, Early Career and Project Development: 32 graduates completed the first cohort of the Guided Projects program, received 1,604 Career Training and 1,063 Fellowship applications from youth interested in joining our capacity-building and mentorship-oriented programs.
• Networking: Spoke at 34 panels and events in the climate and energy space worldwide, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) UAE, Climate Week NYC, and Africa Energy Forum, among others.
• Recognition: Received 3 individual awards and one organizational accolade, “Best Nonprofit Employer: Youth Advancement for an organization with 20+ staff”, awarded by CharityVillage.

5 accomplishments we’re celebrating:

1. Successfully hosting SES 2023 in Abu Dhabi, bringing together 407 young people from around the world.

Making history as the first International Student Energy Summit held in the MENA region – a global hub for energy, SES 2023 featured 407 youth delegates from all over the world to meaningfully collaborate with sector and community leaders on energy solutions. We are proud to work with several partners for the first time, including Bezos Earth Fund, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), and coordinated with NYU Abu Dhabi and the COP 28 UAE team as the Summit took place as an official side event of the UN Climate Change Conference for the very first time.

2. Activating a first cohort of youth-led clean energy projects in solar PV through the Guided Projects program and expanding the program’s offerings and reach.

With 32 graduates from 6 teams representing Kenya, Canada, and Peru, the Guided Projects program provided teams with the firsthand experience of developing solar PV projects to solve local energy problems in their communities. After a successful first cohort, Student Energy focused on retooling and securing additional resources for the program’s continuation in February 2024.

3. Releasing and disseminating our first round of the three research projects with active stakeholder engagement throughout.

Under Student Energy’s newly launched Research and Youth Engagement program, we launched the Global Youth Energy Outlook (GYEO), the Youth Impact Framework, and the Energy Transition Skills Project.

VIEW THE REPORTS

4. Integrating mentorship as a core aspect of our Programs Ecosystem, offering our youth network platforms to build connections through mentorship offerings.

Mentorship is the foundation of the Student Energy Career Training (SECT) program, and regional and language-specific mentorship is necessary and achieved through individual recruitment from program coordinators who are globally dispersed.

5. Amplifying youth-led action on energy on global stages and decision-making spaces

Student Energy attended 23 global energy and climate events, including the New York Climate Week, Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, and the Africa Energy Forum among others. We participated as speakers and moderators at 34 events, and hosted 11 events at COP 28 and the Student Energy Summit. We acted in an advisory capacity for several youth councils, and hosted the very first Youth Energy Narratives Council under the Research and Youth Engagement portfolio.

We’ve got so much more in store for you! Explore our 2023 Annual Report:

STUDENT ENERGY'S 2023 ANNUAL REPORT 

Thank you for standing by us as we empower the next generation of leaders in driving a just and equitable energy future! Your continued support fuels our mission and inspires us every step of the way.

Follow us:

Instagram: @studentenergy 

Twitter: @studentenergy 

LinkedIn: Student Energy

Facebook: Student Energy

YouTube: Student Energy

TikTok: @studentenergy

Threads: @studentenergy

Website & Blog: https://studentenergy.org/

Meet Robyn MacDonald! She is the former President and alum of Student Energy Chapter at Western University in London, Ontario. Currently, she is studying medical sciences and a minor in French.

Robyn is grateful to have been a part of their University’s SE Chapter and finds the experience fruitful, paving the way to growth her network who share similar passions and interests.

“It [Student Energy Western Chapter] was exactly the kind of club I wanted to be involved with. The health of our environment and what society is doing about it has always been a topic of interest of mine, but I had no idea where to start or how I could make an impact. Student Energy Western helped with exactly that and connected me with a network of people on campus who shared the same drive, with the platform of empowering others like me to learn more about the future of energy.We want to learn more about what is being done right here at Western to transition to the clean energy future. Currently, there is a plan for our campus to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 through various energy retrofit initiatives and integrations to the energy loop. Student Energy Western is looking to dive deeper into these goals by educating our members to give them a better scope of what is being done at Western, allowing for reflection and critical appraisal of these efforts.” – Robyn Macdonald, former President of SE Chapter at Western University

To learn more about the Student Energy at Western University and their initiatives, connect with them on Instagram @studentenergyuwo, their LinkedIn account at Student Energy at Western University, or go to our website.

Finding interest in starting a Student Energy Chapter at your university? Go to Starting a Chapter on our website and fill out an Expression of Interest form!