The 3rd ISETS-ESCAP & 4th ISETS Global Competition of Youth Voice on Energy Transition

Introduction

The International Society for Energy Transition Studies (ISETS), in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), is pleased to announce the 2026 Youth Voice on Energy Transition Program. Supported by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), this initiative aligns with the UN Secretary-General’s commitment to meaningfully engaging young people in dialogue on critical global challenges, including the transition to sustainable energy.

The Program comprises two principal components: the Global Competition of Youth Voice on the Energy Transition (hereafter Youth Voice Competition) and the Youth Dialogue. The Youth Voice Competition invites youth worldwide to present their innovative ideas, technologies, products, projects, and solutions aimed at advancing the energy transition. Winners of the competition will be invited to participate in the Youth Dialogue at ESCAP headquarters, alongside energy-related meetings and events each year.

This arrangement provides a unique platform for youth to engage directly in discussions, observe official UN energy events, and enter into dialogues with officials and policymakers. Going beyond merely engaging young voices, this groundbreaking program seeks to empower them to become part of the global dialogue on energy transition.

The ISETS-ESCAP Global Competition of Youth Voice on the Energy Transition is structured around several core objectives: amplifying youth voices in support of energy transition and green development, fostering actions by young people from diverse backgrounds to engage in the just energy transition, encouraging creativity in the development of new technologies and solutions for energy transition, and facilitating collaboration across borders to combat climate change.

Eligibility

For the 2026 competition year, the eligibility criteria have been updated to encourage diverse team compositions and intergenerational collaboration while maintaining a focus on youth leadership.

  • Team Composition: Participants may enter as individuals or in teams.
  • Team Size: Teams may include up to six (6) members.
  • Structure: There are no external advisors. All responsibilities are borne by the team members. Please note that team members cannot be changed once submitted. If a team member withdraws from the team, an application must be submitted (Members may only be removed, not added.)
  • Age Requirement: At least 50% of the team members must be aged 30 or younger (born on or after January 1, 1996).
  • Gender Balance: To promote inclusivity, each team must include at least one female member.
  • Financial Support: Only members aged 30 or younger from the global finalist teams will be eligible for financial assistance to attend the Youth Dialogue and associated events. Female participants will be given priority for financial support.

Tracks

This year’s competition offers two distinct tracks. Each participating team must select ONE track that aligns with the theme of their submission:

  1. Science, Technology, and Engineering Track
    This track is designed for entries that introduce innovative products, cutting-edge technologies, engineering solutions, analytical frameworks, or inventions. Submissions should aim to advance renewable energy development or facilitate the broader energy transition.
  2. Social Science and Other Disciplines Track
    This track invites entries addressing topics such as policy analysis, economic frameworks, financial strategies, and other areas relevant to the energy transition. Submissions may explore the societal, institutional, or systemic changes required to support sustainable energy systems.

Submissions can be included, but are not limited to the following types of entries:

  1. Educational and Awareness Campaigns: Creative and impactful campaigns or programs designed to raise awareness about the importance of the energy transition and how individuals and communities can contribute. These could leverage various media, including social media, to reach a wide audience.
  2. Social Science Research and Analyses: Data-driven research that provides new insights into the energy transition, including market analyses, policy impact studies, or technological feasibility studies. Submissions could highlight key trends, barriers, and opportunities within the energy transition space.
  3. Pilot Projects or Case Studies: Documentation and analysis of pilot projects that have been implemented and can serve as a model or inspiration for similar initiatives. These could showcase successful integration of renewable energy sources into existing grids, community-led energy projects, or innovative business models in the energy sector.
  4. Artistic and Creative Expressions: Projects that use art or creative media to explore and communicate themes related to energy transition, such as installations, performances, or visual art that raise awareness or envision the future of energy.
  5. New Models or Frameworks: Innovative models or frameworks for energy systems, consumption, distribution, or policy that promote sustainability and efficiency. These could include circular economy models, decentralized energy systems, or novel regulatory and market mechanisms.
  6. Innovative Action Plans or Solutions: Comprehensive strategies or action plans aimed at facilitating the energy transition at local, regional, national, or global levels. These could address specific challenges such as financing renewable energy projects, increasing public awareness and participation, or overcoming technical barriers to energy access.
  7. New Products: Technological innovations, product designs or business models that contribute to renewable energy generation, energy storage, energy efficiency, or reduction in energy consumption. Examples could range from solar panels, wind turbines, and battery technologies to energy-efficient appliances and smart grid solutions.
  8. Technology Applications and Software Solutions: Software, apps, or platforms that support energy transition goals. This could include blockchain for energy trading, AI for optimizing energy consumption, or digital platforms for promoting community-based renewable energy initiatives.

Competition Details

  • Membership: All participants must register as ISETS associate members and join the Youth Group on the ISETS website.
  • Submission Portal: Entries must be submitted via the ISETS website. The submission portal opens on March 1, 2026 (Tentative).
  • Divisions: To ensure balanced regional representation, participating teams will be grouped into divisions based on the UN regionalization scheme.
  • Entry Submission: During the divisional stage, participants must submit a written proposal. Shortlisted teams will be required to provide an additional video submission. All entries must follow the provided template and address each selection criterion outlined within it.
  • Language Requirement: All submissions must be in English to maintain uniformity and accessibility in this international competition.
  • Originality: Submissions must be original and must not have previously won at the divisional or global final of the ISETS-ESCAP Youth Voice Competition.

Important Dates (Tentative)

  • 1 March 2026: Registration opens for the 3rd ISETS-ESCAP Youth Voice Competition.
  • 31 March 2026: Deadline for the proposal submission.
  • 31 May 2026: Announcement of the divisional shortlists and information for video submission.
  • 15 June 2026: Deadline for video submissions.
  • 15 July 2026: Announcement of the divisional winners and information for global final competition.
  • October 2026: Participation in the ISETS-ESCAP Youth Dialogue, which will be held during the 15th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development (IFESD-15).

About ISETS

The International Society for Energy Transition Studies (ISETS) is an independent, non-profit organization, dedicated to knowledge sharing and advancing the global dialogue on energy transition and sustainability. It is being operated by a group of volunteers. Registration at www.isets.org as Associate Member is free permanently. Currently, ISETS has more than 1,800 members from 80 countries and regions.

About ESCAP

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), established by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and having its headquarters at Bangkok, Thailand, is responsible for promoting inclusive, resilient and sustainable development in the region through generating action-oriented knowledge, and by providing technical assistance and capacity-building services in support of national development objectives, regional agreements and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

We sincerely invite the youth to participate actively and contribute to energy transition. For more details, please visit the official competition website (https://isets.org/youth2026/). For any inquiries, please contact youthvoice_isets@163.com.

Supporters

2026 ISETS Youth Ambassadors (Shortlist Announcement)

Dear applicants and youth partners,

Thank you for your strong interest in the 2026 ISETS Youth Ambassadors Selection Program. Following a comprehensive review and overall assessment, we are pleased to announce the candidates who have passed the initial screening and will proceed to the probationary stage. All shortlisted candidates are winners of the 2025 ISETS-ESCAP Global Competition of Youth Voice on Energy Transition (Global Final). Shortlisted candidates will join as volunteers for the 2026 ISETS-ESCAP Global Competition of Youth Voice on Energy Transition and will be evaluated throughout the probationary period.

  1. Shortlisted Candidates
  • Anthony Adrian Cale from Philippines
  • Arfat Jami from Bangladesh
  • Augustus Nicko Bas from Philippines
  • Mst Fahmida Sultana Naznin from Bangladesh
  • Tania Callista from Indonesia
  1. Probationary Arrangement

All shortlisted candidates will enter the probationary stage as volunteers for the 2026 ISETS-ESCAP Global Competition of Youth Voice on Energy Transition (https://isets.org/youth2026/), providing support for competition preparation and implementation (including, but not limited to: event coordination, communications, content support, and on-site assistance).

  1. Evaluation & Next Steps

During the probationary period, the Youth Organizers will conduct an overall assessment based on candidates’ engagement, sense of responsibility, teamwork, and performance. The evaluation results will serve as a key reference for the subsequent formal appointment of Youth Ambassadors.

Thank you again for your commitment. We look forward to working with you to advance youth innovation and collaboration for energy transition and climate action, and to shape a more sustainable future together.

2026 ISETS Youth Ambassadors

Empowering Youth Leaders, Leading the Energy Future!

Dilnaza Karmenova, a second-prize winner of the 2024 Youth Competition, spoke on 3 September 2025 at the High-Level Panel on “Transforming Energy Systems for a Just and Sustainable Future” during the 4th Committee Meeting on Energy. She joined cabinet-level dignitaries, including the Secretary from the Federated States of Micronesia.

She called for greater youth leadership, stating:

“Ultimately, it is we—and the generations to come—who will inhabit this planet. It’s time to take our future into our own hands and shape the transition, not as bystanders, but as active partners in building a sustainable future.”

Xingyu Chen, a former competition finalist and now a core volunteer with the 2024–2025 Youth Voice organizing team, spoke on 5 September 2025 at the Asia-Pacific Commemoration of the 6th International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, held during the 4th Committee Meeting on Energy. He emphasized the connection between vegetation-based carbon sinks and clean air.

He also shared how the program fosters youth-led innovation in clean energy and climate solutions, stating:

“We firmly believe that youth can drive real change. We support one another, push each other forward, and demonstrate what young people can achieve.”

To inspire a sense of social responsibility and innovation among young people and promote collaboration and exchange among youth worldwide, we are officially launching the 2026 ISETS Youth Ambassadors Selection Program. As a global representative of the ISETS Youth Network, you will have the opportunity to voice your ideas on international stages, drive innovative solutions, and collaborate with top global experts, policymakers, and youth leaders. Whether you are a young researcher in the energy sector, a community activist, or a climate policy advocate, if you are passionate about energy transition, we welcome your application!

Ⅰ. Organization Overview

The ISETS Youth Network for Energy Transition and Climate Action (ISETS Youth) is a global platform that empowers young leaders to contribute actively to the global energy transition and climate action efforts. The network encourages collaboration, innovation, knowledge-sharing, and leadership development among youth committed to addressing global energy and climate challenges.

The ISETS Youth Committee leads the network, guiding its strategic direction and playing a hands-on role in implementing youth-led initiatives. Supported by the ISETS Youth Secretariat, under the leadership of the Deputy Secretary for Youth Engagement, the Committee ensures that youth voices are integrated into global discussions on energy transition and climate action.

Ⅱ. Leadership Structure

ISETS Youth Committee

The ISETS Youth Committee is the main leadership body of the ISETS Youth Network, responsible for both strategic direction and implementation of the network’s activities. The Committee consists of youth leaders elected from different regions, with operational and logistical support from the ISETS Youth Secretariat.

ISETS Youth Secretariat

The ISETS Youth Secretariat operates under the leadership of the Deputy Secretary for Youth Engagement and provides essential support to the Youth Committee. The Secretariat manages day-to-day operations, organizes events, and facilitates communications to ensure the smooth functioning of the network.

III. Eligibility

1.Competition Performance: Participated in the 2025 ISETS-ESCAP Global Competition of Youth Voice on Energy Transition and achieved a Prize in the Global Final, or served as a volunteer (Especially outstanding volunteers) for the 2024 & 2025 competition.

2.Professional Background: At least one year of practical experience in energy transition or climate action.

3.Language Proficiency: Strong English communication skills (written and oral).

Ⅳ. Experience and Competency Requirements

1.Leadership: Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills; prior roles as a youth organization leader, community project initiator, or youth representative at international conferences.

2.Social Engagement: Experience in social initiatives or volunteer services.

3.Innovation: Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities; publications, patents, or awards in energy transition, climate action, or related fields.

4.Preferred Qualifications: Participation in international initiatives (e.g., UNFCCC, IPCC) or interdisciplinary collaboration (e.g., projects combining technology and policy).

Ⅴ. Key Responsibilities

1.Represent ISETS Youth at international forums and events, such as the UN ESCAP Youth Dialogue and ISETS Annual Conference.

2.Advocate for youth involvement in global energy policy discussions.

3.Collaborate with the Youth Committee on global outreach and advocacy efforts.

4.Serve as a volunteer for the 2026 ISETS-ESCAP Global Competition of Youth Voice on Energy Transition, supporting the youth organizers in event coordination.

Ⅵ. Application Process

1.Submission: Send all application materials to youthambassador1@163.com by January 23, 2026.

2.Screening and Assessment: Shortlisted candidates will enter a probationary period as volunteers for the 2026 ISETS-ESCAP Global Competition of Youth Voice on Energy Transition.

3.Evaluation: Performance during the probationary period will be assessed by the youth organizers.

4.Final Appointment: After the 2026 ISETS-ESCAP Global Competition, candidates are required to formally apply for the Youth Ambassador position. Final appointments will be made by the ISETS Executive Committee during the ISETS Annual Conference, in consultation with the Youth Committee. (As the Youth Committee is yet to be set up, the Executive Committee will complete this step independently for this year.)

VII. Application Materials

Please submit a compressed folder named “[Youth Ambassador Application-Applicant’s Name]” to youthambassador1@163.com with:

  1. Completed application form (ISETS Youth Ambassador Application Form).
  2. Detailed resume highlighting experience and expertise.
  3. Recommendation and signature from at least one youth organizer. (Please send the completed application form to youthorganizer@163.com for youth organizers’ recommendation. Six youth organizers will sign in the “Youth organizer recommendation” section of the forms of the applicants they recommend, with each recommending 3 candidates at most.)
  4. A 500-word plan outlining your promotional strategy during the probationary period and post-appointment goals.
  5. Supplementary materials (certificates, awards, etc.).

VIII. Selection Process

Youth Ambassadors are appointed after the Youth Voice Competition by the ISETS Executive Committee, in consultation with the Youth Committee, based on their achievements in the competition or demonstrated leadership in youth advocacy.

Ⅸ. Important Dates

  • Application Opens: December 20, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 23, 2026
  • Shortlist Announcement: January 31, 2026
  • Probationary Period (Volunteer Role): February–September 2026
  • Candidates’ Formal Application Submission: September 1, 2026
  • Youth Ambassadors Announcement: September 30, 2026

Ⅹ. Tenure Assessment and Advancement

1.Term and Assessment: One-year tenure with annual performance review by the ISETS Executive Committee and submission of an annual work report upon completion of the tenure. Successful candidates may apply for renewal.

2.Youth Committee Eligibility: Youth Ambassadors completing a successful term may apply to join the Youth Committee. Those who are approved to join the Youth Committee will be eligible to run for the positions of Chairperson and Vice – Chairperson.

3.Retirement: Automatic exit from the committee and ambassadorship at age 35.

Join us in shaping a sustainable future!

STEERING COMMITTEE 

Radia SEDAOUI

Chief Energy, UN Economic & Social Commission for Western Asia

Michael WILLIAMSON

Section Chief, Energy Division, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Xunpeng SHI

President, International Society for Energy Transition Studies . Professor, University of Technology Sydney, Australia

OGRANIZING COMMITTEE

Muyi YANG

Secretary, International Society for Energy Transition Studies . Senior Researcher, Ember

Chin-Hsien YU

Deputy Secretary, International Society for Energy Transition Studies. Professor, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics

Huanxiu GUO

Coordinator, International Society for Energy Transition Studies. Associate Professor, Nanjing Audit University

YOUTH ORGANIZERS

Xingyu CHEN

Ph.D. Candidate at SWUFE. Majoring in Energy Economy and Environmental Policy at School of Public Administration. ISETS Youth Ambassador.

Karmenova DILNAZA 

Tax and Legal Consultant BPS at Deloitte DKU. Alumna of Debrecen University in Hungary. ISETS Youth Ambassador.

Yi FU

Ph.D. Student at SWUFE. Majoring in Economic History at School of Economics. Secretariat Assistant, ISETS.

Xinrui LI

Ph.D. Candidate at SWUFE. Majoring in Development Economics at School of Economics. Secretariat Assistant, ISETS.

Miaomiao LIU

Ph.D. Student at SWUFE. Majoring in Public Economics at School of Public Administration. Secretariat Assistant, ISETS.

Yingyi SHI

Ph.D. Student at SWUFE. Majoring in Development Economics at School of Economics. Secretariat Assistant, ISETS.

Jihao YANG

Undergraduate at Nanjing Audit University. Majoring in Finance at Institute of Economics and Finance. Secretariat Assistant, ISETS.

Call for Partners: The 3rd ISETS-ESCAP & 4th ISETS Global Competition of Youth Voice on Energy Transition and Youth Dialogue

The Global Competition of Youth Voice on Energy Transition is an international event jointly launched by the International Energy Transition Institute (ISETS) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), aiming to inspire young people to actively engage in energy transition. For more information about the competition (https://isets.org/youth2026/), please visit the ISETS official website (www.isets.org) or follow the ISETS LinkedIn account.

Overview of Key Highlights of the Competition

  • Multi-dimensional tracks, all-round development: The competition invites young people from around the world to showcase their ideas, technologies, products, projects and solutions in the field of promoting energy transition. Any solution that drives energy transition, such as creative design, technology research and development, business model, policy advocacy, etc., is eligible to participate.
  • Global Competition, Youth Voice: The regional winners will advance to the global finals and be invited to participate in the Youth Dialogue held during the United Nations Energy Theme Conference and events. In addition, the winning teams of the global finals can also apply to become ISETS Youth Ambassadors to participate in various international youth activities.

The 2026 event will kick off in late February 2026. In addition to being hosted by ESCAP, this year’s event is also supported by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA). The global finals and the Youth Dialogue will be an important part of the 15th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development (IFESD-15). The forum, co-hosted by five regional commissions under the United Nations Economic and Social Council, is scheduled to take place in October 2026.

Partner Recruitment

We sincerely invite organizations to join ISETS and work together to advance the global energy transition. This year’s event welcomes partners to jointly design and host a series of thematic forums, seminars or showcases on energy innovation, industrial transformation, digital empowerment and youth participation. We will provide our partners with international communication support and the platform to showcase their achievements, in order to promote the sharing of quality experiences, cross-regional collaboration and multi-party resource integration, and to help the global energy transition move towards a greener, more inclusive and sustainable direction.

Secure Your Partnership Today!

Any organization interested in cooperation is invited to send a letter of intent to isets@isets.org by February 28, 2026.

Let’s join hands to empower young people, drive the global energy transition and build a sustainable future together!

Schedule Nodes

  • 28 February 2026: Deadline for submission of Letters of Intent (Partner Application)
  • 1 March 2026: Registration beginning for the third ISETS-ESCAP Global Youth Voice Competition on Energy Transition
  • March 31, 2026: Deadline for submission of written documents
  • May 31, 2026: Announcement of the regional competition shortlist and video submission information
  • June 15, 2026: Deadline for the video submission
  • July 15, 2026: Announcement of winners of the regional competition and information about the global finals
  • Late October 2026: The winning team will be invited to participate in the ISETS-ESCAP Youth Dialogue and related activities during the 15th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development