GAUC Organizes 2024 'Climate x' High-Level Event at COP29
GAUC is set to host the 2024 'Climate x' High-Level Event at COP29.
TroibNews 
On November 11, the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate held its 2024 'Climate x' High-Level Event at the China Pavilion in the Blue Zone of the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference. This event marked the culmination of GAUC's 'Climate x' series, highlighting the climate actions led by next-generation leaders committed to achieving global carbon neutrality.
The event brought together notable figures in global climate governance, including Liu Zhenmin, China's special envoy for climate change; Rachel Kyte, the UK’s special representative for climate; Felipe Paullier, UN assistant secretary-general for youth affairs; and Catherine McKenna, chair of the UN Secretary-General's High-Level Expert Group on Net-Zero Commitments and former Canadian minister of environment and climate change. These leaders witnessed the impactful achievements of student representatives and youth leaders who have made significant progress in climate action over the past year.
Liu acknowledged the increasing participation of youth in climate governance, urging them to keep leading by example. "I hope young faces here will continue to practice low-carbon actions, demonstrate leadership, and inspire more peers to join this great cause," he stated.
Rachel Kyte commended the collaboration facilitated by GAUC, which unites students globally. Felipe Paullier pointed out the critical connection between climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals, while Catherine McKenna underscored the pressing need to tackle climate challenges and the value of multi-stakeholder collaboration.
After the ceremony, certificates were awarded to graduates of the 'Climate x' Youth Leadership Training Program and GAUC Youth Ambassadors. This was followed by two roundtable discussions focusing on 'Climate x Global Governance' and 'Climate x Youth Action,' featuring climate experts and youth representatives from universities worldwide.
This year, nearly 880 students from 79 countries participated in the 'Climate x' Leadership Training Program, which inspired over 100 youth-led activities globally. In addition, the GAUC launched the 'Climate Q' Campaign at COP29, an interactive quiz aimed at fostering collaboration and engagement across various pavilions.
Ramin Sohrabi contributed to this report for TROIB News
The event brought together notable figures in global climate governance, including Liu Zhenmin, China's special envoy for climate change; Rachel Kyte, the UK’s special representative for climate; Felipe Paullier, UN assistant secretary-general for youth affairs; and Catherine McKenna, chair of the UN Secretary-General's High-Level Expert Group on Net-Zero Commitments and former Canadian minister of environment and climate change. These leaders witnessed the impactful achievements of student representatives and youth leaders who have made significant progress in climate action over the past year.
Liu acknowledged the increasing participation of youth in climate governance, urging them to keep leading by example. "I hope young faces here will continue to practice low-carbon actions, demonstrate leadership, and inspire more peers to join this great cause," he stated.
Rachel Kyte commended the collaboration facilitated by GAUC, which unites students globally. Felipe Paullier pointed out the critical connection between climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals, while Catherine McKenna underscored the pressing need to tackle climate challenges and the value of multi-stakeholder collaboration.
After the ceremony, certificates were awarded to graduates of the 'Climate x' Youth Leadership Training Program and GAUC Youth Ambassadors. This was followed by two roundtable discussions focusing on 'Climate x Global Governance' and 'Climate x Youth Action,' featuring climate experts and youth representatives from universities worldwide.
This year, nearly 880 students from 79 countries participated in the 'Climate x' Leadership Training Program, which inspired over 100 youth-led activities globally. In addition, the GAUC launched the 'Climate Q' Campaign at COP29, an interactive quiz aimed at fostering collaboration and engagement across various pavilions.
Ramin Sohrabi contributed to this report for TROIB News
