The Student Energy Summit (SES) 2023, hosted by New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), has concluded which convened 650 youth representatives from more than 130 countries.
The world’s largest youth-led energy summit, which is supported by the Bezos Earth Fund, took place from 29 November to 1 December 2023 alongside COP28 UAE.
The event explored the growing importance of energy transition, with participants being asked to come up with climate solutions under the theme Reimagining the Future.
This year, the summit received more than 4,700 applications from youth in 161 countries. Of those selected, 40 per cent of delegates attended as first-time international conference participants. The summit also aimed to provide seed funding to 15 youth-led initiatives as a catalyst for action and entrepreneurship.
Beniamin Strzelecki, Co-Chair of SES 2023, said: “There is clear evidence of demand for the kind of educational and training opportunities that the summit offers. At this year’s summit, we want to push our delegates to embrace systems thinking and appreciate the emerging opportunities for addressing the energy transition challenge. We know that the Bezos Earth Fund will be a valuable partner in driving this message and shaping an impactful event.”
Nicole Iseppi, Bezos Earth Fund Global Energy Innovation Director, said: “With the Bezos Earth Fund - SES 2023 partnership, we embark on a transformative journey for a youth-inclusive energy transition. This strategic alliance brings a unique opportunity to collaboratively and directly ignite a new generation of global energy leaders who play a pivotal role in reshaping and advancing the energy system of the future.”
During SES 2023, the Bezos Earth Fund engaged with a large and diverse global youth audience to foster the creation of catalytic solutions and nurture youth development.
The support from the Bezos Earth Fund provided an opportunity for youth from around the world to attend the summit, be a part of innovation and entrepreneurship sessions and capacity-building programmes and scale up their clean energy projects.
This collaboration will supported youth from underrepresented communities to directly connect with potential employers, investors, and mentors in the international energy industry, addressing the training and funding access challenges they face. The partnership also enabled the participants to forge lasting relationships and networks with other young professionals and industry leaders.
The Bezos Earth Fund was established in 2020 with a AED36.7 billion grant from entrepreneur Jeff Bezos to fight climate change and protect nature. The fund is committed to advancing an energy transition by placing youth at the forefront, driving innovation and promoting systemic change.
