Bangkok, September 2, 2025 – Youth from across five world regions came together for the Grand Finals of the 2nd ISETS–ESCAP & 3rd ISETS Global Competition of Youth Voice on Energy Transition, held at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) headquarters in Bangkok. The event, part of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Energy Week, showcased the creativity and leadership of young people in driving solutions for a clean and sustainable energy future.

Co-organised by the International Society for Energy Transition Studies (ISETS) and ESCAP, the competition provided a high-level platform for youth to present innovative ideas on renewable integration, energy efficiency, and system transformation. It also served as a bridge for international cooperation, connecting youth innovation with global climate and energy agendas.

Global participation, innovative ideas

Since its launch in February 2025, the competition received applications from 105 teams across the following five divisions: 1) Africa, 2) East Asia, 3) Europe, Oceania, and North America, 4) South Asia, and 5) Southeast and West Asia. After a rigorous review process by an international panel of experts, eight teams distinguished themselves in their respective regions and advanced to the Grand Finals.

At the Finals in Bangkok, the teams presented practical solutions ranging from industrial decarbonisation strategies to community-based renewable energy projects. Their proposals received high praise from judges and experts, who highlighted both their technical depth and the fresh perspectives brought by young innovators.

O1nnovations and Energy Efficient Solutions – PRISTINZ were awarded first prizes. Veni Vidi Vici, BrAIn, and VisionEnerAI received second prizes. Rural Empowerment Ranger, Ennovators, and Kinetic Power Systems took third prizes.

The event concluded with the adoption of the Youth Voice Message, a collective statement proposing actionable initiatives to strengthen youth participation in the global energy transition.

Strong institutional support

The competition drew strong backing from UN agencies and international partners. In her opening remarks, Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP expressed:

“Appreciation to our partners at the International Society for Energy Transition Studies (ISETS) for helping champion youth-led innovation in more than 40 countries. ”

ISETS leadership also emphasised the growing role of youth in global energy governance. Professor Chin-Hsien Yu, Deputy Secretary-General of ISETS and lead coordinator of the competition, stressed:

“We are building an institutionalised platform for young people worldwide to engage in energy transition. The proposals presented in Bangkok show that youth can not only generate innovative ideas but also contribute to practical solutions and international cooperation.”

Adding to this, Dr. Suwit Khunkitti, Chair of the ISETS Advisory Committee and Former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, highlighted:

“This competition is more than a showcase. It is a platform for youth to demonstrate how innovation and passion can reimagine the way energy is produced, consumed, and governed. The projects presented today reflect not only their ingenuity but also your commitment to a cleaner, fairer energy future.”

Youth voices at the centre

Behind the scenes, the competition placed youth themselves at the centre. Organisers and volunteers — largely doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate students from Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE) and Nanjing Audit University — coordinated the event’s registration, judging support, and logistics.

One youth organiser reflected:

“Seeing young innovators present their solutions on the UN stage made all the preparation worthwhile. It shows that youth are not just future leaders — they are already leading today.”

Finalist teams from across the five regions also highlighted how the competition gave them a platform to contribute directly to international energy discussions. For many, it was more than a contest — it was an opportunity to exchange ideas with global peers and engage with institutions shaping energy policy. As one finalist noted:

“Presenting our project here made us feel that youth can be part of the solution, not just observers of the energy transition.”

Another finalist added:

“What inspired us most was the chance to see how young people from different countries are facing similar challenges — and how, by sharing ideas, we can build solutions that are both innovative and practical.”

Looking ahead

As the transition accelerates, youth voices are proving indispensable — not only as advocates but also as innovators and partners in delivering pragmatic, actionable solutions.

With its growing reach and recognition, the ISETS–ESCAP Youth Voice Competition is becoming a flagship global platform for youth engagement in the energy transition. By fostering collaboration across countries and institutions, it channels youth creativity into tangible contributions toward a low-carbon future.