Global Youth Engineering Climate Conference

Global Youth Engineering Climate Conference - 7 and 8 September 2021

Engineering the green energy transition

We know that you care deeply about the future of our planet. We do too. We’ve committed to reducing our own emissions to Net Zero by 2050 and to being at the heart of a clean, fair, and affordable energy future.

Registration open

Program

As a Principal Partner for COP26, National Grid is hosting the Global Youth Engineering Climate Conference to bring together other principal partners and a wide variety of global organizations, societies and networks to create an exciting and dynamic virtual global program, including:

Conference and main plenary including Q&A, featuring a range of panelists and speakers
Virtual exhibition comprising a variety of stands featuring films, animations, multi-media collateral and bookable chat facilities
Four interactive workstreams, themed around key issues for the green energy transition, developed by members of the National Grid UK and US graduate program
Virtual networking, including space to help you build new contacts and become part of a sustainable community with a common aim
Virtual green jobs board – a virtual go to area to explore current, globally available ‘green’ vacancies in engineering and related technical fields, posted by National Grid and supporting partners at the event.

To maximize opportunities to join this event across international time zones, the conference program taking place during the afternoon/evening of September 7th, will be repeated the next morning. Translation support will be available.

You’ll be able to browse our virtual green jobs board at the conference to review current global vacancies available from National Grid and partners supporting the event.

Conference agenda

To maximize opportunities to join this event across international time zones, the conference program taking place during the afternoon/evening of September 7th, will be repeated the next morning.

Day One (Time zone GMT) Tuesday 7 September 2021

15.00	Conference opens Opening remarks and keynote speaker
15.30	All workstreams open (see registration page for details) Exhibition and networking open
17.30	Workstreams close
18.30	Plenary – Q&A panel
19.15	Plenary closes (pledges)

Day Two (Time zone GMT) Wednesday 8 September 2021

06.00	Conference opens Opening remarks and keynote speaker
06.30	All workstreams open (see registration page for details) Exhibition and networking open
08.30	Workstreams close
09.30	Plenary – Q&A panel
10.15	Plenary closes (pledges)

Translation services will be available in a range of languages.

Disclaimer: Please note that the organizer reserves the right to adjust the program and timings as circumstances require it.

The future is in your hands

No matter the location, no matter how diverse the local energy challenges are, as the next generation of young leaders, the future of our planet is in your hands.

As the world begins to move away from traditional sources of power generation towards the exciting and impactful world of renewables and low carbon alternatives, on behalf of National Grid and our partners, I’m delighted to invite you to join this virtual conference where you can shape your role in powering the green energy transition.

Why not join us? This is a unique event shaped by our own National Grid US and UK graduates with support from young professionals working for our event partners.

Better and cleaner energy is key to tackling climate change. You’ll join a wide range of inspirational speakers, fellow attendees and panellists who will share best practice evidence of reliable, economic, ultra-low and zero carbon grids already in operation around the world.

This is not the reality everywhere. As they navigate their green energy transition, attendees from a diverse range of nations will share the practical realities of cultural, societal, and technical challenges that they face and insights into how they are addressing them, which could include:

access to electricity, resources, and skills
electrification of transport
the challenges of new infrastructure in remote areas.

Smarter and cleaner energy generation will bring more secure, affordable, and renewable energy to everyone. By coming together at this conference, we have collective power, a voice and the chance to have a bigger impact.

Please use this website to find out more and to register your attendance. By doing this, you’ll be playing your part in the green energy transition.

I look forward to seeing you at the event.

Duncan Burt
Director, COP26

Who should attend?

This conference is for 16 to 35-year olds, whether you are studying or already actively working and established in engineering or related fields such as automation, cyber security, environmental science or artificial intelligence.

Together, we can and already do, make a difference to the planet. Through collaboration, we can make sure that our voices are heard and combine to have a bigger impact.

Through the conference you can build a global community of fellow young professionals in your field, challenging and supporting each other and coming together to discuss issues and opportunities relating to the green energy transition. Our hope is that this network will support and sustain you throughout your career in the years to come.

What’s the format?

To maximize opportunities to join this event across international time zones, the conference program taking place during the afternoon/evening of day one will be repeated the next morning. Translation support will be available.

You’ll be able to take part in a number of virtual forums including workstreams on green skills, engaging generations, zero carbon communities, green policy and zero carbon energy systems, as well as networking spaces where you can engage on key issues relating to climate change, actively co-creating practical solutions, accessible for all. These workstreams and spaces are being developed and managed by National Grid US and UK graduates.

A wide range of international partners will also be hosting virtual exhibition stands and display areas covering a broad spectrum of green energy thinking and best practice, including several leading global engineering membership organizations. There will be opportunities to book individual chats with exhibitors and partners. Please see our partners page for more details on who you will be able to meet.

When is it?

The conference will take place on 7 September between 3pm and 7.15pm GMT and will be repeated again on 8 September between 6am and 10.15am GMT to allow for you to join the sessions you’re interested in from any time zone.