UAE Students and Educator Shine as Finalists in Global Burjeel Holdings-Oxford Said Climate Change Challenge
A team of five students from GEMS Our Own English High School, Dubai, and an educator from Abu Dhabi’s Cambridge High School have emerged as finalists in the prestigious Burjeel Holdings-Oxford Said Climate Change Challenge. The UAE representatives will present their innovative solutions to judges in Abu Dhabi, with the winners set to be announced during a ceremony at COP28 on December 2. The winners will earn a coveted opportunity to study climate change at the University of Oxford.
The student team, known as ECO₂, comprises Gayathri, Trisha, Unnimaya, Elvina, and Nischala. Their creative ideas span diverse solutions, incorporating elements like piezoelectric crystals, artificial intelligence, entomopathogenic fungi, and heterotrophs. Inspired by the impact of air pollution on students’ ability to attend school and the prevalence of food insecurity, team ECO₂ demonstrates a passion for addressing significant challenges posed by climate change.
The Burjeel Holdings-Oxford Said Climate Change Challenge stands out as one of the largest global competitions dedicated to combating the climate crisis, specifically targeting a community of 500 million high school students and teachers worldwide. The competition received entries from numerous locations, showcasing the determination and commitment of students and educators to address climate change issues. The finalists were selected by a judging panel consisting of influential thought leaders, founders, CEOs, and global entrepreneurs.
In addition to the UAE representatives, other finalists include teams from Poland, Syria, India, the US, South Korea, and Indonesia. The teacher category features educators from Abu Dhabi, Canada, the UK, Lebanon, and India. The lesson plans submitted reflect a high standard of teaching about climate change, emphasizing the educators’ commitment to instilling a sense of purpose in their students to positively impact the Earth’s future.
Professor Soumitra Dutta, Dean of Said Business School at the University of Oxford, expressed admiration for the diverse range of applications from over 40 countries, underlining the intense interest among students and educators worldwide in addressing climate change. The competition serves as a catalyst for driving innovative solutions and empowering young people to tackle the paramount challenge of our age.
Juliane Reinecke, Professor of Management Studies at Oxford Said and academic lead for the climate change course, highlighted the competition’s unique aspect in empowering young people who understand the harsh reality of climate-related challenges. The focus on local community-driven solutions has set this competition apart, inspiring hope for a sustainable future.
The challenge will culminate in a ‘climate change symposium: champions of change’ panel at COP28, providing a platform for the finalists to showcase their visionary ideas.
