Young voices driving climate solutions

Future climate leaders in the making

Climate change is a peculiar challenge. It is everywhere, discussed by everyone, yet it can feel impossible to understand how to make a difference – especially as a student. It is easy to feel like your ideas are just one small voice in a crowded room full of louder ones heading in every direction. But this is exactly where UNOPS enters the picture.  

Working across more than 80 countries, often in some of the world’s most fragile environments, UNOPS acts as the UN’s hands-on problem solver. Their team turns complex challenges into concrete results through infrastructure, procurement, and project management.  

Together with Workz, UNOPS held a Climathon to give 25 students the chance to tackle real-world sustainability challenges and work hands-on with a UN climate project. At the same time, the Climathon offered a great opportunity for students to grow their professional networks. 

The Climathon 

The Climathon was a dynamic, climate-focused innovation event at UN City in Copenhagen. The goal was to develop ideas that tackle climate issues in the Caribbean. The participants formed a diverse group of students from various countries and with different areas of interest, all studying at local universities. Their mixed academic backgrounds meant that each team brought different insights and knowledge to the table.  

The two-day event began with a first day focused on networking, inspiration and introduction to the project. On day two, the Climathon truly came to life. Students were divided into teams and asked to collaborate on solving concrete sustainability challenges. Afterwards, they presented their ideas to a jury, and throughout the process, they had access to mentorship from UNOPS professionals.  

Workz facilitated several exercises and games designed to help students feel more comfortable, connect with each other, and prepare for their final presentations.  

The Climathon created a space where the students and UN experts could work side by side on climate challenges, test with real-world solutions and contribute to the global dialogue ahead of COP30. It was an opportunity for students to build skills, gain professional mentorship, and make a meaningful impact. The students demonstrated incredible drive, openness, curiosity, and creativity, and as our facilitator, Amanda, put it, “diving into a project blank and working with people they just met the day before and working with such a limited time to collaborate on is impressive!”  

It is important to uplift new voices and encourage them to learn, grow, and step outside of their comfort zones, and here at Workz, we are proud to support and be part of that journey. By participating in these events, young people will gain experience, confidence, and a sense of hope for a future they can genuinely influence.