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Next generation of climate leaders arrive for first Oxford-Burjeel climate summer school

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The University of Oxford and Burjeel Holdings has welcomed first students to the inaugural Future Climate Innovators' Summer School.    

The inaugural Future Climate Innovators Summer School – stemming from the Climate Change Challenge 2023, organised by Saïd Business School and Burjeel Holdings – has begun this week at the University of Oxford.  

Thirty two high school students from across the world – including the three winning teams of the Climate Change Challenge 2023 – face an exciting two-week programme of world-class teaching, designed to foster youth leadership and innovation in the global fight against climate change.  The programme will culminate in the Oxford Climate Innovation Conference, where students will showcase their climate solutions, reflecting the programme’s overarching mission to translate learning into real-world impact. 

Elvina Edison is a member of Eco2, one of last year’s Climate Change Challenge winning teams. Commenting on arriving in Oxford, she said: ‘Our experience so far has been a dream come true. One core memory so far in our journey at Oxford, is the treasure hunt which took us through all the historical landmarks. We were fascinated by the different architecture and would love to explore more. The teachers have been wonderful and very informative. They’re always open to more queries. Everything from our stay to our classes and meeting new people has been so fun and exciting - we are looking forward to making new memories here.’  

Our experience so far has been a dream come true...Everything from our stay to our classes and meeting new people has been so fun and exciting - we are looking forward to making new memories here.

Elvina Edison

Member of Eco2: One of last year’s Climate Change Challenge winning teams.

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An elite judging panel has also been announced for this year’s Climate Change Challenge 2024 competition, the winners of which will attend next year’s summer school programme. The panel comprises global thought leaders, academics, and industry experts, each bringing a wealth of experience in climate science, policy, and innovation.  The judges will play a crucial role in evaluating the ground-breaking ideas and projects submitted by the youth teams, this year from across the globe, as they compete to offer the most promising solutions to environmental challenges. The deadline for entries is 15 September. 

 The 2024 Climate Change Challenge builds on the overwhelming success of last year’s competition, which attracted more than 600 entries from 47 countries. This year, the competition is poised to be even more impactful, with a focus on youth leadership, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.  

The summer school embodies our commitment to educating and empowering the next generation to tackle one of humanity’s most pressing issues - climate change.

Professor Soumitra Dutta

Dean Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

As Oxford opened its doors to the bright and ambitious students from around the world, Soumitra Dutta, Dean of Oxford Saïd, said: ‘The summer school embodies our commitment to educating and empowering the next generation to tackle one of humanity’s most pressing issues - climate change. Through this gathering of bright and diverse minds, we are building a foundation for innovative thinking and leadership that will drive sustainable solutions for years to come.’ 

Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman, Burjeel Holdings, added: ‘Our battle against climate change hinges on the ability to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders. These initiatives represent a holistic approach—bringing together education, innovation, and collaboration across sectors—to tackle this global challenge. By encouraging young people to take charge, we are investing in a future that prioritises sustainability and collective action.’ 

These initiatives are made against the backdrop of growing urgency to address climate change through education, innovation, and global collaboration. And they are a testament to the commitment of Saïd Business School and Burjeel Holdings to empower young leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks required to spearhead climate action on a global scale.   

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Today’s announcements mark the beginning of an exciting and transformative period for the Oxford Saïd Burjeel Holdings Climate Change Challenge. The initiatives underscore the commitment of the partners to educate and empower the next generation of leaders to take urgent action on climate change. 

Juliane Reinecke, Professor of Management Studies at Oxford Saïd, encapsulated the broader mission: ‘The Oxford Saïd Burjeel Holdings Climate Change Challenge represents a commitment to transformative leadership in the fight against climate change. Through education, innovation, and collaboration, we are building the foundation for a sustainable future.’

'As the world faces increasingly complex environmental challenges, these initiatives demonstrate a clear and focused vision: to harness the power of youth, education, and innovation in the global fight against climate change. '