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On November 18, 2024, UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC) and Tsinghua University co-hosted a side event at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) GAUC Pavilion at Baku, Azerbaijan, themed "Empowering Youth and Enhancing Partnership for Our Shared Net-Zero Future" .The core focus of this side event was to enhance youth leadership, showcase the perspectives of young people, and gather the strength of the youth to encourage their active involvement in climate action. The event successfully attracted the participation of 30 young delegates and distinguished guests, who gathered together to discuss and exchange innovative ideas and solutions on climate change.

Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia addressed that this side event at COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, demonstrated the commitment of UNESCO, GAUC, and Tsinghua University to empower youth and promote their active participation in global climate governance, ensuring that their voices and innovative ideas are heard and acted upon in the fight against climate change. He also stressed that ¡°The youth's potential is the key catalyst in our transformation towards more sustainable world. Investing in the youth is investing in the prosperity of our shared future.¡± He invited potential partners to work with UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia to empower youth to assume responsibility through quality education, advancing scientific knowledge, promoting cultural diversity, and fostering effective communication.

Prof. Li Zheng, Secretary-General of GAUC and the Dean of the Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development at Tsinghua University introduced the proactive climate actions and research advancements of GAUC, underscoring the dedication of higher education institutions to using their campuses as vibrant testing grounds. He has underscored the significance of the enduring partnership between GAUC and UNESCO, which is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of climate leaders and provide a robust international platform where young minds can exchange innovative ideas, access valuable open resources, and receive essential training. Prof. Li believes that such support is pivotal in equipping the youth to engage actively and take the helm in global climate governance.

Mr. Yan Shidong, the Party Secretary and the Director of the Center for Environmental Education and Communication of Ministry of Ecology and Environment (CEEC) emphasized the urgency and complexity of global climate governance. He encouraged the youth to not only be the leaders of the future but also to be the agents of change for today's green transformation of society. He highly affirmed that the cooperation between UNESCO, Tsinghua University, and GAUC is a testament to the power of collaborative win-win efforts. This cooperation provides a broad platform and support for young people to participate in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts and to advance interdisciplinary climate change education. These efforts are crucial in building international youth climate networks and platforms, empowering youth to actively engage in the green and low-carbon transition of society, and proposing innovative solutions.

The side event was hosted by Alice Ho, the Chief Youth Officer of GAUC. The event invited three young representatives to share their memorable experiences and cherished memories of their involvement in youth climate actions.

Hu Yunche, a student from Tsinghua University's Xinya College and Xiuzhong College, majoring in Interdisciplinary Engineering, shared his experience as the president of the Tsinghua University Student Association on Net-Zero Future in planning and organizing the "2024 Global Youth Summit on Net-Zero Future." He recalled, "The goal of the summit is to leverage our youth's wisdom and skills to advance climate action, express our perspectives, and propose innovative solutions." "I am honored to have been the main organizer of this event, providing a high-level platform for my peers. This year's summit successfully attracted more than 400 young representatives and experts from 26 countries to participate in person."

Xue Yuhan, a student from Tsinghua University's Zhili College and a member of the presidium of the Model United Nations Climate Change Negotiation Conference, shared her personal experience participating in the 9th Tsinghua University Model United Nations Climate Change Conference (MCCCOP 9). She introduced, "This year's conference, we chose to simulate topics that closely follow the latest developments in international climate negotiations, with lively discussions on the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) and issues related to the Standing Committee on Finance (SCF)." "Through this event, I gained a deeper understanding of the operation of international governance mechanisms and honed my English expression, communication, and negotiation skills, as well as my organizational and leadership abilities. This event successfully attracted 800 youth representatives from over 10 countries to participate."

Chen Dongjie, as a member of the organizing committee for the "2024 Climate Actions and Disaster Risk Reduction Hackathon" shared his project proposal on Urban Ecological City Walks and Nature Education, which won the second prize at the "2024 Youth Climate Actions and Disaster Risk Reduction Hackathon". He expressed his intention to further refine the project plan, hoping to successfully reach out with more partners, implement the project in more regions, and extend climate change education to benefit more young people.

During the roundtable discussion session, guests delved into strategies on how youth action can promote the green transformation of society. Mr. Li Yuanquan, a researcher on Global Climate Actions from UNICEF, emphasized the importance of partnerships and encouraged youth to establish networks and collaborate effectively. He stressed that unity is key to driving change. Dr. Li Li from the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia believed the critical importance of innovation and the enhancement of green skills among youth, emphasizing that these are the driving forces towards a decarbonized future. Mr. Tuan Anh Khong, the Coordinator for Adolescent and Youth Environmental Engagement at UNICEF East Asia and Pacific, introduced UNICEF's youth climate programs, underscoring the importance of youth engagement in climate action in any possible format.

GAUC Global Youth Ambassadors, Yuichi Tsuchibuchi and Mahi Vinay Patki from the University of Tokyo shared their personal experiences in climate action, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that youth engagement is substantive and impactful rather than merely symbolic. They also detailed their initiatives in spearheading the development and implementation of climate solutions across diverse sectors. The activity also attracted attention of delegates on site. More than 30 delegates attended the side event. The discussion is moderated by Maximilian Arras, GAUC Global Youth Ambassador from Tsinghua University.