In the wake of the UN Climate Conference, COP30, UNDP and the Embassy of Sweden in Georgia brought together young climate activists and students from across the country to celebrate youth leadership in building a green, climate-resilient Georgia.

The event showcased youth-led initiatives that strengthen communities, advance disaster preparedness, promote green digital innovation, and contribute to Georgia’s updated climate pledge, NDC 3.0.

University students enrolled in the UNDP and Sweden-funded Green Scholarship Programme presented their academic research, highlighting the critical role of evidence-based climate studies.

“Young people in Georgia are stepping up with knowledge, urgency, and purpose. Their ideas are already shaping climate-smart solutions for their communities. Sweden is proud to support initiatives that help these emerging leaders turn ambition into action,” said H.E. Anna Lyberg, Ambassador of Sweden to Georgia.

“The ideas presented today show what is possible when young people are given space and support to lead. Their determination to put climate action at the centre of their work and studies is exactly what Georgia and the world need. We will continue to invest in their potential and ensure their voices help shape a safer, more resilient future,” noted Douglas Webb, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia.

Support for Youth Climate Leadership

UNDP and Sweden’s support for young climate activists has been delivered through two initiatives, as part of UNDP’s flagship climate programme in Georgia:

• Climate Ambassadors Camp, an annual green camp offering hands-on climate education for high school students and follow-up assistance in turning their ideas into local action. Since 2022, the camp has trained over 200 young people from 23 municipalities across Georgia, including Akhaltsikhe, Akhmeta, Batumi, Bolnisi, Chiatura, Chokhatauri, Dedoplistskaro, Dusheti, Gori, Khobi, Kobuleti, Lagodekhi, Lanchkhuti, Mestia, Ninotsminda, Oni, Senaki, Shuakhevi, Sighnaghi, Surami, Tbilisi, Telavi, Tsageri, and Zugdidi.
• Green Scholarship Programme, which provided financial support to master’s students specialising in ecology, geology, hydrology, GIS technologies, environmental management, and other climate-related fields. Since 2022, eight Georgian universities have joined the programme, and 128 students have received scholarships.

Background Information

With support from the Green Climate Fund and co-funding from the Governments of Georgia, Sweden, and Switzerland, UNDP is implementing a seven-year national programme to help Georgia adapt to climate change and protect communities, ecosystems, and the economy from climate-induced disasters.

Media Contacts

• Sophie Tchitchinadze, UNDP, +995 599 196907, sophie.tchitchinadze@undp.org
• Ira Sulava, UNDP, +995 599 579105, irine.sulava@undp.org