This COP31 session will bring together perspectives on renewable energy, grid modernisation, energy storage, industrial decarbonization, and investment mobilization. Discussions will examine the practical measures needed to overcome implementation barriers, unlock commercially viable projects, and build partnerships that support a more resilient, low-carbon energy system.

Organizers: SDSN Philippines, De La Salle University, DLSU Laudato Si' Center, and DLSU Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance

The Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship provides an opportunity to explore how national action and regional cooperation can advance sustainable development. This forum will examine the connections between economic planning, trade and investment, skills development, fair competition, and higher education, highlighting practical pathways to inclusive growth, resilience, and expanded opportunities. It will also explore how universities can serve as knowledge partners in SDG implementation through research, education, innovation, and community engagement, supporting evidence-informed policymaking and locally tailored solutions.

This TED-style storytelling session will explore how youth leadership, education, community participation, and workforce development can help translate climate awareness into everyday action. Through diverse perspectives, the discussion will highlight how individuals and communities can contribute to sustainability while recognizing the importance of affordability, access, supportive infrastructure, and institutional commitment.

Organizers: SDSN Italy (Politecnico di Torino)

This COP31 side event will showcase how universities mobilize knowledge, innovation, and youth leadership to support climate mitigation and adaptation, while enabling collaboration with governments, businesses, and communities. A dedicated segment will host the 5th SDSN–Siemens Energy “Universities for Goal 13” Award Ceremony, celebrating outstanding student-led climate solutions and amplifying youth contributions to global climate action.

Organizers: Science Panel for the Amazon

This COP31 session will introduce the Science Panel for the Amazon’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) and its initiatives since its launch in 2024. YAC member Renzo Mascote de Andrade and YAC alumna Anaïs Salabert will highlight collaborative processes, including the Amazon Youth Manifesto, developed through regional youth consultations and launched at COP30.

Organizers: SDSN Italy (Politecnico di Torino), YES-Europe, and European Youth Energy (EYE)

This COP31 session will bring together youth-led energy networks and academic institutions to explore how grassroots initiatives and higher education can reinforce one another. Youth organizations working across energy, engineering, and climate action will showcase their initiatives, while university leaders will discuss how higher education can prepare future leaders through foresight labs, interdisciplinary learning, and living labs that promote green jobs and equip young people with the skills needed for a just transition.

Organizers: UNIDO

This COP31 session will bring Youth Climate Champions together with YouthNet Global, the CEET, and the Zero Waste Foundation to ask the question: Why has zero waste sat outside the core climate agenda for so long? Young delegates will set the terms of debate, testing policy tools, financing mechanisms, and technology transfer models against realities on the ground in the Indo-Pacific and Latin America, closing with a youth-authored call to action to embed circularity in the COP31 Action Agenda.

This COP31 session will explore opportunities to accelerate ASEAN’s clean energy transition through greater regional electricity connectivity and cooperation. Bringing together perspectives on energy security, infrastructure, and regional integration, the discussion will examine how a resilient, decarbonised, and interconnected power grid can support renewable energy deployment, strengthen energy sovereignty, and advance sustainable development across Southeast Asia.

Organizers: The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), UNIDO, the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), Development Alternatives, and the Concrete Sustainability Council (CSC)

This COP31 event, taking place in the Buildings and Cooling Pavilion in the Blue Zone, will address low-carbon cement, concrete, and sustainable building materials.

Organizers: SDSN and SDSN Czechia

The Official Launch of SDSN Czechia is an invitation-only event that will bring together representatives of universities, research institutions, public administration, the private sector, and civil society to introduce the new national network, its mission, and planned activities, and to foster cooperation on practical, science-based solutions for sustainable development in Czechia.

Organizers: SDSN Youth and SDSN Caribbean

Following UNFCCC COP31, this intergenerational dialogue will bring together young people and experienced leaders to reflect on the outcomes of the climate negotiations. Participants will assess whether the commitments and ambitions set at COP31 are feasible, identify the key priorities that emerged, and discuss how intergenerational alliances can contribute to stronger and more equitable climate action in the years ahead.

Organizers: SDSN Portugal and Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia da Universidade do Porto (UPTEC)

The session will explore how Portugal can translate its scientific excellence and maritime resources into economic opportunities for a sustainable, innovation-driven blue economy. The discussion will examine how strategic investment in research and development, financing mechanisms, venture capital, and policy incentives can support innovation, create skilled jobs, and strengthen Portugal’s competitiveness in sustainable ocean industries. Key insights will inform policy recommendations for national and European decision-makers.