We are excited to announce the 2024 Next Generation Scholarship,
sponsored by thinkstep-anz.
The scholarship will help seven aspiring sustainability professionals, aged 18-30, to attend the
New Zealand Climate Change and Business Conference (CCBC) on 9 and 10 September, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
This year's conference theme, "Leading Climate Action," highlights the critical role both business and government play in achieving our future ambitions. A special focus will be placed on the vital role of nature in tackling climate change.
Applications for the Next Generation Scholarship are open until Sunday 28 July.
Eligibility: To be eligible for a Next Generation Scholarship, you must be:
- Aged 18-30
- Working in sustainability and intending to build your career in this field OR studying towards a qualification relevant to sustainability with the intention of building a career in sustainability. Many disciplines contribute to a more sustainable future, including but not limited to engineering, communications, environmental science, law, management, and finance.
- Unable to attend the conference without financial support (e.g., you cannot be funded by an employer, institute, or other party).
Scholarship Benefits
- A conference ticket to attend the New Zealand Climate Change and Business Conference in person.
- Opportunities to engage with industry leaders and expand your professional network.
- Invite to a networking breakfast with thinkstep-anz
- Insights into the latest climate action strategies and sustainability practices.
- Note: The scholarship covers the conference ticket but does not include travel or accommodation costs.
Last year’s recipients and the thinkstep-anz team.
L-R: Martin Fryer, Mackenzie, Nicky Andrews, Rebecca, Kimsan, Christina van der Velde, Anahera,
Teresa, Alessandra, Elizabeth, Dylan and Kate Thompson
What past recipients have to say:
‘The Conference was often confronting but I felt optimistic hearing from so many businesses that are tackling the challenges of climate change. I am grateful for the opportunity to attend and learned a lot that I can apply to my PhD research.’
‘The Conference stressed that now is the time to act. Individuals, businesses and industries must collaborate on solution-based outcomes. We must be brave, fully transparent and try new approaches.’
‘It was inspiring to hear from the sustainability and climate experts of Aotearoa. It was great to meet new people with diverse perspectives and backgrounds united by our common goal to create a more sustainable future.’
‘It was great to watch businesses and organisations acting to achieve net-zero emissions, but they must move faster. A highlight was the agricultural emissions panel that had a range of perspectives and solutions. My main takeaway was markets are shifting and so must businesses!’
‘I enjoyed the many panels and topics that highlighted different groups and industries. We need open discussion and collaboration to create a nature-positive future. I hope to drive businesses to transform as the risks and impacts of climate change become real.’
‘Political leadership plays a crucial role in climate change. Leaders must act to provide real outcomes. We also need to collaborate and find solutions as individuals. The Conference has inspired me to act as a global citizen for climate change.'
‘It was exciting to hear different perspectives on how to communicate climate change. I learned we must be brave and act early and often. Our options are clear and the world of tomorrow is net-zero emissions.’
‘The Conference provided valuable insights on how climate change and business intersect. It emphasised the importance of our people, leadership, and indigenous knowledge in efforts to decarbonise.’
The Climate Change and Business Conference ran 19 and 20 September 2023 in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. The Conference was organised by the Sustainable Business Council, Climate Leaders Coalition, and the Environmental Defence Society (EDS).