See what works
Learn from scientists, companies and young innovators already delivering results across Asia and beyond.
Climate Solutions That Work.
ORGANIZED BY
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
TITLE SPONSOR
Online. Hong Kong. GYCS 2027. Applications open November 9. 500 young leaders. In-person and online.
OUR 2027 THEME
From Pledges
to Proof.
The climate debate has moved on from whether to act to what works. GYCS 2027 brings 500 young leaders from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and around the world together at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to learn proven solutions, build the leadership to scale them, and take them home.
Learn to lead it
Build adaptive leadership skills that turn ideas into community action.
Fund what comes next
Compete for one of ten USD 1,000 Youth Climate Champion grants.
SIX SOLUTION TRACKS
Explore practical ideas across the climate challenge.
Net-Zero Cities and InfrastructureClean Energy for AllOcean Health and Climate RepairBiodiversity Across GenerationsManaging Climate ExtremesYouth-led Adaptation and Finance
WHENMarch 10 to 13, 2027
WHEREThe Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Hong Kong
ORGANIZED BYGlobal Youth Leadership Center
IN PARTNERSHIP WITHDivision of Environment and Sustainability, HKUST
PROGRAM
Four days from inspiration
to action.
Two ways to join. Four days to make
an impact.
JOIN FROM ANYWHEREOnline summitLive plenaries and dedicated virtual panels.
DAY 1 · WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10
- Opening ceremony and plenary: From Pledges to Proof
- Keynote fireside chat on climate restoration and repair
- Plenary: Intergenerational collaboration for climate and biodiversity action
DAY 2 · THURSDAY, MARCH 11
- Masterclass on Leadership I
- Masterclass on Leadership II
- Workshop on Climate Action
- Net-Zero Cities and Infrastructure
- Clean Energy for All
- Deploy Yourself: climate action planning workshop
DAY 3 · FRIDAY, MARCH 12
- Panel 1: Planetary boundaries
- Panel 2: Managing extremes
- Panel 3: Climate repair and innovations in the oceans
- Panel 4: Youth in locally led adaptation
- Panel 5: AI and the future of energy
- Panel 6: Philanthropy and climate action in frontline communities
DAY 4 · SATURDAY, MARCH 13
- Workshop I: Hong Kong Youth Climate Communiqué
- Workshop II: Hong Kong Youth Climate Communiqué
- Closing plenary and 2027 Youth Climate Champions announcement
AT HONG KONGIn-person summitFour days in Hong Kong, including a field visit.
DAY 1 · WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10
- Opening ceremony and plenary: From Pledges to Proof
- Keynote fireside chat on climate restoration and repair
- Plenary: Intergenerational collaboration for climate and biodiversity action
- Networking dinner at HKUST
DAY 2 · THURSDAY, MARCH 11
- Masterclass on Leadership I
- Masterclass on Leadership II
- Workshop on Climate Action
- Net-Zero Cities and Infrastructure
- Clean Energy for All
- Deploy Yourself: climate action planning workshop
DAY 3 · FRIDAY, MARCH 12
- Field visit to Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden
DAY 4 · SATURDAY, MARCH 13
- Workshop I: Hong Kong Youth Climate Communiqué
- Workshop II: Hong Kong Youth Climate Communiqué
- Closing plenary and 2027 Youth Climate Champions announcement
VOICES OF THE SUMMIT
Science, business and
youth on one stage.
Hear from the people helping turn climate ambition into action.
The Division of Environment and Sustainability is proud to partner with GYLC on the Global Youth Climate Summit. We look forward to welcoming young leaders from around the world to HKUST, connecting them with the science and solutions emerging from Asia, and preparing them to lead change at home.
Professor Alexis LauHead and Chair Professor, Division of Environment and Sustainability, HKUST
1 / 2
Meet the speakers
More speakers to be announced.
ADMISSIONS
Ready to see what works?
Open to anyone aged 18 to 32 on March 10, 2027, from any country and any field. No climate science background needed.
IN-PERSON
HONG KONG100 places
60 from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, 40 international
All four days at HKUST, the Kadoorie Farm field visit, networking dinner and certificate
Free for Hong Kong and Mainland residents
International delegates: USD 400
ONLINE
WORLDWIDE400 places
Open to applicants worldwide
All sessions live, six virtual panels and a certificate
Free
International delegates pay their own flights, visas, airport transfers, two dinners and travel insurance. Travel insurance is required. Limited financial aid is available.
HOW TO APPLY
Three steps to get started.
Complete the online form
Apply by January 31, 2027, with a short statement, up to 300 words, on the climate solution you most want to learn about.
Add a project proposal, if you like
Submit up to 500 words to be considered for a Youth Climate Champion grant.
Watch for your decision
Decisions are shared on a rolling basis, by February 12 at the latest. Apply early if you need a visa.
KEY DATES
November 9, 2026Applications open
January 31, 2027Application deadline
February 12, 2027Decisions sent
March 10 to 13, 2027Summit in Hong Kong
YOUTH CLIMATE CHAMPIONS
Small grants.
Measurable results.
Ten 2027 Champions will each receive USD 1,000, plus mentoring, to launch a climate project at home. At least half of the grants go to young people from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. Winners are announced at the closing plenary on March 13.
Apply to become a Youth Climate Champion ↗39CHAMPIONS
27COUNTRIES
13,500+PEOPLE REACHED
A growing record of local action
Small ideas. Real impact.
Past Champions are already putting climate solutions to work.
Climate learning in Lagos
Ran climate workshops in 12 Lagos schools.
Growing coastal resilience
Planted with 76 volunteers.
Turning waste into a resource
Built a compost plant that now supplies local farmers.
WHERE WE'VE BEEN
Big ideas. Global voices.
One shared future.
Explore the people, places and climate action that shaped the GYCS community.
2,500+YOUTH ENGAGED
144SPEAKERS
5CONTINENTS
GYCS 2025 · Summit recapWatch on YouTube ↗
GYCS 2022Climate resilience and adaptation.
Coastal mangrove planting connected climate learning with local action.
Explore the 2022 summit ↗
GYCS 2023Many perspectives. One shared declaration.
200 delegates from 24 countries co-created the Dar es Salaam Youth Climate Declaration.
Explore the 2023 summit ↗
GYCS 2025Protecting biodiversity, everywhere.
500 young people from 39 countries worked to protect biodiversity on land, in water and in the air.
Explore the 2025 summit ↗SUPPORTING ORGANIZATION
FIELD VISIT PARTNER
LOCAL PARTNER
GOOD TO KNOW
Questions?
If I am not selected for an in-person place, can I still join online?+
You will be considered for an online place, but places are limited, so we cannot guarantee one.
What language is the summit in?+
English.
Will I get a certificate?+
Yes, if you attend all sessions, in-person or online.
What does the international fee include?+
Three nights in a shared room at The Royal Garden hotel in Kowloon, from March 10 to 13, daily transport between the hotel and HKUST, meals during sessions, the field visit and a delegate kit. It does not include flights, visas, airport transfers, two dinners on March 11 and 12, or travel insurance. The fee is non-refundable.
Do I need travel insurance?+
Yes. International delegates must buy travel insurance covering medical care for the whole trip and send proof when they confirm their place. Summit and venue insurance does not cover delegates' personal travel, health or belongings.
Do I need a visa?+
It depends on your nationality. Check the Hong Kong Immigration Department website. Selected international delegates receive an invitation letter for their visa application.
Is accommodation provided for Hong Kong and Mainland delegates?+
No. Only international in-person delegates receive accommodation.
How are delegates selected?+
On commitment to climate action, leadership potential and how you plan to use what you learn, balancing regions and backgrounds.
How are Champion projects selected?+
On creativity, a realistic implementation plan and potential impact. Applications are individual, but you can carry out the project with a team. You must be a delegate, in-person or online. Grants are paid once you confirm the project will be implemented within six months of receiving the funds.