Five student teams and five teachers shortlisted from over 1000 entries received from 58 countries will share innovative climate solutions and lesson plans in Baku

Oxford: Oxford Saïd and Burjeel Holdings have announced the student and teacher finalists for their Climate Change Challenge, who will present their innovative climate solutions at COP29. Supported by the Sumgayit State University, the finals will be held at the Green Zone at the Baku Olympic Stadium, providing a global platform for the next generation of climate leaders.

The competition, which received more than 1,000 entries from 58 countries, has galvanised students and educators from across the globe to tackle the urgent issues posed by climate change. The finalists will present innovative solutions and lesson plans designed to inspire future climate action.

Professor Soumitra Dutta, Peter Moores Dean and Professor of Management, Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, praised the exceptional calibre of this year’s entrants. “The diversity and creativity reflected in the solutions presented by the finalists are both inspiring and necessary. It is clear that young people and educators worldwide are embracing the challenge of climate change and are determined to drive meaningful solutions. This competition exemplifies the kind of impact that education can have on shaping the future.”

Among the student teams are those exploring cutting-edge technologies and community-driven solutions, while the teacher finalists have developed impactful lesson plans aimed at engaging young minds in climate action. The competition, now in its second year, offers finalists the chance to present their work at COP29, one of the most significant platforms for global climate discourse.

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, emphasised the role of youth in combating climate change, “Empowering young people with the tools and knowledge to tackle climate issues is critical for the future of our planet. Through this competition, we are not just highlighting their creative solutions, but also giving them a voice at one of the most important global stages. It is truly inspiring to witness the passion and commitment these young people and the teachers have brought to the challenge.”

The Climate Change Challenge, launched in collaboration between Oxford Saïd and Burjeel Holdings, is one of the largest global competitions targeting climate change solutions from students and educators. The program encourages innovative thinking around climate issues and fosters cross-border collaboration, with entries coming from a wide range of countries — from Australia to USA.

The teacher finalists, in particular, have been instrumental in shaping young minds towards climate consciousness. At the finals, they will present lesson plans designed to educate and inspire future generations.

The student team finalists who will present their climate solutions are:

BeCure

Plethora (Eco Harvest)

Liquid Spark

TerraVapour Nurturer

HydroCure Solutions

The teacher finalists, who will present their innovative lesson plans, are:

Michael P Jones

Naqeeb Mehdi

Aliya Ahmadova

Mariya Shah

Roudaina Kassam

This year’s finals mark a critical step in the students’ and teachers’ journey to becoming future leaders in the fight against climate change. As these trailblazers prepare for the event, their solutions will be judged by a panel of global experts, with the winners earning a chance to participate in a specially curated climate change program at the University of Oxford.

The Climate Change Challenge is part of a broader effort by Oxford Saïd and Burjeel Holdings to inspire global youth to take action against climate change, with the goal of empowering them to bring about transformative change in their own communities and beyond.

The countries from which entries were received for the Climate Change Challenge are Åland Islands, Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Eswatini, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Lesotho, Malaysia, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, Uganda, UK, USA, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

Global Youth and Educators Gear up for Oxford Saïd Burjeel Holdings Climate Change Challenge Finals at COP29