The Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) is the implementation arm of the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism, operational since 2013. The CTCN responds to requests for technical assistance submitted by developing countries and delivers tailored support to address specific climate technology challenges drawing on the expertise of its 835 Network members. With its network, the CTCN has a unique capacity to support catalytic actions for countries seeking to implement and deploy climate technology solutions, positioning itself as a strategic partner.
Recognizing that the intensification of extreme weather events and climate change poses significant threats to the well-being of youth, particularly in developing countries, and that young people are at the forefront of raising awareness, promoting sustainable lifestyles, and implementing environmentally-friendly practices, the CTCN has increasingly engaged youth in its technology work over the past decade. The goal has been to provide both technology services to young people as well as a platform for them to share their insights and experiences with climate change technologies.
In response to requests from developing countries, the CTCN has implemented specific technical assistance projects focused on youth, offering technology services as well as opportunities for networking, collaboration, and skill development training. Additionally, in 2020, the CTCN launched the first edition of its Youth Climate Innovation Labs and Academy, which provided young people with training and tools to develop solutions to various climate change challenges. The second edition of the programme was launched in 2024.
This session aims to showcase these efforts by featuring perspectives from youth advocates on the importance of technology for climate action, we will also hear from winners of the CTCN’s Youth Climate Innovation Programme, who will share how the incubator programme has helped them scale their climate technology ideas. Finally, a CTCN Network implementer will discuss how the CTCN incorporates youth and their needs into its climate technology projects.
Objectives
Highlight the real-world impact of youth-led climate initiatives and innovations;
Provide a platform for young innovators to share their experiences, challenges, and successes on how technology can drive climate solutions
Foster connections and collaborations among youth, building a global network of climate leaders;
Highlight the importance of engaging youth in climate technology projects and addressing their needs
General Structure
Time/Duration
Segment
Speaker & Affiliation
5 minutes
Welcome and introduction
Harry Federspiel, Managing Director - Programs, Seedstars
5 minutes
Opening remarks
Dechen Tsering, Director a.i of UNEP's Climate Change Division
10 minutes
Keynote address
Lubomila Jordanova, Co-founder and CEO, Plan A, Obama Leader, MIT Under 35 Innovator
15 minutes
Youth Talks, a series of brief presentations
Omer Badokhon, Co-founder & CEO at BioTreasure, CTCN Youth Climate Innovation Programme Alumni - Discussing the role of incubator programmes in catalyzing youth climate technology businesses, along with the opportunities he sees for youth in this field.
Anisa Abibulloeva, The Little Earth, sharing how the organization supports women in mountain communities by helping them break isolation and transition to sustainable energy solutions.
Keith Winegeard, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Solar Cooking International - Presenting a CTCN technical assistance project piloting sustainable wood resources management through the promotion of solar cookers and solar energy, with a special focus on engaging youth.
20 minutes
Interactive Q&A session
Moderator coordinating the session.
5 minutes
Closing remarks and call to action
Mr. Christofer Ahlgren, CTCN Advisory Board member, European Commission