A professional incubator for the next generation of climate leaders in the City of Peace and Justice.
The full program of the Hague Student Climate Summit 2026 will be announced shortly.
Stay tuned for updates on our keynote speakers and the release of the “The Hague Climate Mandate” drafting sessions.
As part of our commitment to Intergenerational Equity, this summit bridges the gap between academic excellence and the operational reality of global governance. Through a structured Research-to-Policy Pipeline, we facilitate a unique exchange where evidence-based insights are translated into actionable frameworks for the international community.
The World Future Council, in strategic partnership with BASIS (Leiden University), Una Europa, and The Hague Roundtable on Climate & Security, is proud to host The Hague Student Climate Summit (THSCS) 2026.
This high-level summit serves as a professional incubator in the City of Peace and Justice, designed to catalyze the transition from academic research to impactful global policy. By leveraging the expertise of WFC Councilors and senior diplomats, we empower the next generation of practitioners to take an active role in shaping international climate discourse.
The summit operates as a structured incubator, moving from academic analysis to professional policy drafting through three distinct phases:
Preparatory Research: In collaboration with stakeholders from academia, NGOs, and diplomatic missions, we define critical climate themes. Specialized student workgroups conduct in-depth research to draft preliminary problem statements and policy frameworks.
The Dialogue (May 9th): We bring these workgroups together with senior experts for intensive, closed-door sessions. This facilitates a high-level exchange where student-led innovation is refined by practical diplomatic and legal expertise.
Plenary & Output: The summit culminates in a final round of presentations and moderated discussions. These findings are integrated into the official Strategic Summit Report, which serves as a mandate for global agenda-setting.
The program is complemented by expert lectures and concludes with a Networking Reception to foster long-term synergies between the next generation and the professional world.
THSCS 2026: At a Glance
What is it? A high-level bridging event where 100+ selected students and senior global experts collaborate to solve specific climate policy challenges.
How does it work?
Prepare: Students join international workgroups weeks before the event to research key topics.
Collaborate: On May 9th, these groups meet with diplomats and professionals in The Hague to refine their ideas.
Impact: The results are published in a professional report (The Mandate) and sent to world leaders.
Why does it matter? It moves beyond “talking about the future” to actively drafting it. We provide the professional platform; you provide the academic innovation.
Do I need prior expertise in climate policy to join a workgroup?
While a background in related fields is an advantage, we value interdisciplinary perspectives. Each workgroup is provided with a research dossier and mentored by experts, ensuring all participants can contribute meaningfully to the “The Hague Climate Mandate”.
Will the "The Hague Climate Mandate" be publicly available?
Yes. Following the summit and a final review by our professional editorial board, the Mandate will be published on the World Future Council website and distributed to our institutional partners and diplomatic missions.
Is there a participation fee?
No. Access to the Hague Student Climate Summit is free of charge for all selected participants. This is made possible through the generous support of our institutional partners.
