The Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC) is proud to announce the launch of the 'Climate x' Leadership Program 2023 this July, with the support of the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA), 28 Universities joined together, to provide an exceptional interdisciplinary platform for emerging leaders in climate and issues related to sustainable development goals. By empowering young people with the knowledge,
skills, and tools, helping them globally envision a sustainable future, taking meaningful action, and unlocking their potential as the '1.5 °C talent' for a carbon-neutral future
“Transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy does not just mean switching away from fossil fuels, it is, rather, a paradigm shift in development, which will give rise to a new model of modernization that can benefit the world and contribute to a green and prosperous future.”
Chair of GAUC’s Academic Committee Chair of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Aligned with the Paris Agreement, which aimed to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees above preindustrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees.
The Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC) was established in 2019, and is comprised of 15 world-class universities from 9 countries on 6 continents. The mission of GAUC is to provide collective leadership in global higher education efforts addressing climate change.
—— GAUC member universities’ presidents deliver their expectations and encouragement to the future youth leaders.
Climate x emphasizes that the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations are closely related to each other. To achieve carbon neutralitv. we need to respect nature, and cross-disciplinary barriers, and exolore innovative solutions from the perspective of synergies between climate action and the other 16 SDGs.
" We stand at a critical juncture in history, with the looming threat of climate change casting a shadow over our planet's future. But there is hope and a path forward that leads to a sustainable, carbon-neutral future. This is a task that requires the collective efforts of several generations, not just one. Today's youth are the leaders and pillars of tomorrow, and regardless of their future careers, they must consider carbon neutrality a common cause. That's why we must develop carbon-neutral talents early on."
Executive Secretary-General of the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate
Youth are the backbone of a net-zero future. They are not only the inheritor, but also the owner, the creator, and the leaders of such a future.
In 2021, GAUC introduced the revolutionary concept of 'Climate x' and organized the highly successful Global Youth Net-zero Summit attracted1.25 million global participations
In 2022, GAUC upgrade the Summit to the 'Climate x' Campaign. The 'Climate x' Leadership Training Program was first initiated with strategic support from UNESCO, which opened to the students of 15 GAUC member universities, 100 Global Youth Ambassadorswere successfully trained and they are showing collective impacts now around the world
In 2023, the Training Program will be upgraded! GAUC & AUA will open the best educational resources to the global youth to help more college students to understand what the carbon-neutral future looks like and prepare them to be pioneers in building a net-zero future shared by all.
The 2023 'Climate x' Leadership Training Program is open to college students worldwide from any discipline who:
- Identify with the cause of carbon neutrality and have a strong commitment to it.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in climate change and sustainability.
- Demonstrate outstanding leadership potential in previous studies or community involvement.
- Commit to participating in all components of the program and directly impacting at least 100 individuals.
- Demonstrate strong English comprehension and expression abilities.
The 2023 'Climate x' Leadership Training Program follows a "Train the Trainer" approach that consists of a '1+3' Module structure:
Coursework Module
In July, students will dedicate approximately 5 hours per week to complete a series of self-paced online coursework and interactive Q&A sessions. This module combines the 'Climate x' Theme courses contributed by professors & researchers from world-class universities within GAUC and AUA to see the future we choose, enhance scientific ingenuity, deepen global governance understanding, and broaden international perspective, as well as the leadership courses to inspire self-exploration and ignite intrinsic drive for self-actualization.
Practice Module
Students need to organize 3 local offline or hybrid training practice events which can be delivered in rich and diverse forms, directly impacting a minimum of 100 individuals collectively. The third event will be arranged during the 2023 Global Youth Climate Week.
The Global Youth Climate Week was first proposed by GAUC Secretariat to the UNFCCC. Then-executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa affirmed that the proposal would be a profound contribution to the global climate agenda. And it was co-initiated by GAUC and 100 global partners together one week before COP27. And the second Global Youth Climate Week this year will be held one week before COP28.
The Training Program also offers bonus workshops and lectures to broaden the horizon of knowledge and vision, including:
Students will have the opportunity to meet the Global Youth Ambassadors from last year's program and hear their stories and adventures
Students will also have the opportunity to meet the global climate leaders and industry experts that GAUC invited and explore various climate-related topics in-depth.
Witness the Climate reality and create solutions.
Global Youth Climate Week, Global Youth Summit on Net-zero Future, COP28……etc.
Sciences Po
United Arab Emirates University
University of Colombo
The University of Tokyo
London School of Economics and Political Science
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Indian Institute of Science
The University of Tokyo
Nazarbayev University
Tsinghua University
KERING
The University of Tokyo
Sciences Po
Enrollment starts
Self-paced online coursework and interactive sessions with lecturers
First and second training practices. Plentiful opportunities to interact with youth mentors and guest speakers
Third training on2023 Global Youth Climate Week . Reflect on personal growth and make youth voices heard to contribute to the success of COP28!
Upon Completion of the ‘1+3’ Module, students will be awarded a certificate of completion and recognized as certified‘Climate x’ Youth Trainers
. Excellent performers during Global Youth Climate Week will be awarded as ‘Climate x’ Youth Pioneers
Exceptional students may also be honored with the title of Global Youth Ambassador, with the offical announcement scheduled during COP28.
Accomplish all requirements above, students will be awarded a certification issued by GAUC and AUA universities.
To apply to this program, students are required to complete the application and provide the following materials:
A brief paragraph addressing why you would like to join this program
A resume.
*If you have any inquiries orhaving trouble submit your
application,please
email uswith the heading
“2023Climate x LeadershipProgram!”