Japan Students Invited to UN Climate Summit at Oxford
Students and educators in Japan and across the world are invited to come together virtually on 6 June for the “Right Here Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit,” hosted by Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, in partnership with UN Human Rights.
This 24-hour virtual event will feature young voices and educators from 12 global regions engaging in discussions, sharing solutions and highlighting the crucial intersection between climate change and human rights.
Prof. Soumitra Dutta, Peter Moores Dean and Professor of Management at Oxford Saïd, explained: “At Oxford Saïd, we believe in nurturing leaders who can think globally and act responsibly. The Global Youth Climate Summit is a powerful platform for young people to articulate the challenges they face and drive the solutions we urgently need. Empowering youth to engage with the climate and human rights agenda is essential for building a sustainable and equitable future.”
The Global Youth Climate Summit builds on the Oxford Saïd’s broader youth engagement efforts, including the Oxford Saïd Global Climate Change Challenge, now in its third year. The Challenge invites high school students and teachers to propose innovative solutions and lesson plans at the intersection of climate change and health, biodiversity, food security, air pollution and water scarcity. Winners and finalists from the past two years of the competition will be prominently featured at the Summit, showcasing how youth-led innovation can inspire global action.
David Clark, founder and CEO of the “Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance,” said: “The Summit is about giving young people the stage they deserve. Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and it is essential we listen to those who will inherit its impacts. Working alongside Oxford Saïd and UN Human Rights, we are proud to empower the next generation to lead the charge for urgent and meaningful climate action.”
The virtual summit will feature pre-recorded case studies of school-led climate initiatives and live panel discussions between students and teachers, exploring critical themes including climate resilience, education, public health and indigenous knowledge systems.
Josephine Fawkes, Director of Youth Education and Global Inclusion at Oxford Saïd, added: “At Oxford Saïd, we believe education is the catalyst for lasting change. The Global Youth Climate Summit builds on the incredible work of the Oxford Saïd Global Climate Change Challenge, showcasing the determination and innovation of young people across the world. It is their ideas, energy and leadership that will define the future of our planet.”
Launched at COP26 in 2021 with global partner UN Human Rights and supporters that included Leonardo DiCaprio and Quincy Jones, the Right Here Right Now Global Climate Alliance (RHRN) has emerged as a leading global climate justice initiative. It is a multi-stakeholder movement, driven by universities and youth to promote climate justice. To drive sustainable change, RHRN collaborates with policymakers, academics, students, scientists, technologists, media professionals, business leaders and influencers from art, music and sport to advance human rights solutions to the climate crisis. RHRN celebrity-driven social media campaigns to date have collectively reached nearly two billion followers with messages promoting climate justice.
Why this summit matters
Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a human rights crisis.
Today’s students will inherit a rapidly changing planet, and their ability to respond starts in the classroom. This summit is for:
- Young people (aged 15–25) who want to learn, lead and take action
- High school teachers and educators seeking to integrate climate issues into their teaching
- Schools, education leaders and institutions committed to climate action and justice
Together, they will explore how education can drive climate solutions, strengthen resilient communities and empower the next generation of climate leaders.
What you will gain
- Insights from global youth and teacher-led sessions across 12 global regions
- Access to research and expertise from Oxford University and global partners
- Opportunities to share best practice, exchange ideas and spark collaboration
- Practical tools to integrate climate education into your school and communities
Preliminary agenda
On 6 June, the event will follow the sun through 12 regional time zones, showcasing locally relevant climate education themes, such as a climate-integrated learning workshop in Japan.
This summit builds on the incredible work of our Global Climate Change Challenge, showcasing the determination and innovation of young people across the world. It is their ideas, energy and leadership that will define the future of our planet.
Host a watch party at your school
Schools, universities and youth organisations are invited to host local watch parties and take part in the global conversation.
Organisers will provide:
- Livestream link in advance
- School discussion and activity guide
- Event posters and promotion materials
Email for more details or to apply: