Science

Youth Ambassador Program of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference

As part of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC), the Wilo-Foundation supports the Youth Ambassador Program, which actively involves young changemakers from the Global South in the conference, amplifies their expertise, and fosters dialogue with global decision-makers.

Creating Caring Connecting

Europe

Germany

Hamburg

Funding period: 2025-2026

The Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) is a global platform where policymakers, business leaders, researchers, and representatives of civil society work together to develop solutions to pressing sustainability challenges and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As an international conference focused on implementation, it promotes cross-sector partnerships and concrete initiatives for sustainable development.

Youth Ambassador Program: Bringing young perspectives to sustainable development

Since its inception, the Youth Ambassador Program has been a core component of the conference. It is designed for committed young changemakers from emerging regions and areas particularly affected by global transformation. The program strengthens the voices of young leaders from the Global South and enables them to play an active role in international sustainability dialogue.

Carole Nassreddine (Lebanon), participant in the HSC Youth Ambassador Program 2025 and mentor for the 2026 Youth Ambassador cohort, focuses on climate policy, climate finance, and the circular economy. Photo: Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC)

The Youth Ambassadors contribute their expertise in panel discussions, working groups, and networking formats. They engage with decision-makers from politics, business, and academia and help develop practical solutions to global challenges. At the same time, the program strengthens leadership and social entrepreneurship skills, supports international partnerships, and creates lasting networks. Exchange among participants and the joint development of sustainable solutions are at the heart of the program.

260630_LJHSC_PHT00001.jpg-1482.JPG — David Höltgen, Member of the Executive Board of the Wilo-Foundation, opened the joint session with the HSC Youth Ambassadors. Photo: Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC)

260630_LJHSC_PHT00001.jpg-1548.JPG — Prof. Dr. Laura Marie Edinger-Schons provided insights into the challenges and prerequisites of scaling sustainable impact. Photo: Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC)

Workshop 2026: Scaling sustainable impact

As part of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2026, the Wilo-Foundation supported the Youth Ambassador Program for the second consecutive year and, together with the University of Hamburg, organized a workshop for the Youth Ambassadors.

The Youth Ambassadors during the workshop hosted by the Wilo-Foundation in collaboration with the University of Hamburg. Photo: Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC)

Under the title “Scaling Impact: From Barriers to Action,” participants explored, together with experts from academia, business, and civil society, how sustainable innovations can be successfully scaled. Discussions focused on topics such as impact orientation and impact measurement, innovative financing approaches, and the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence as drivers of societal transformation.

Youth Ambassadors from the 2025 cohort supported the 2026 participants as mentors. Photo: Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC)

Workshop 2025: Strengthening social entrepreneurship

Already in 2025, the Wilo-Foundation was actively involved in the Youth Ambassador Program and, together with the Viva con Agua Foundation and the University of Hamburg, hosted a workshop entitled “Fostering Social Entrepreneurship: Ecosystems, Empowerment & Partnerships.”

The Youth Ambassadors during the 2025 workshop hosted by the Wilo-Foundation in collaboration with the Viva con Agua Foundation and the University of Hamburg. Photo: Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC)

The workshop focused on the role of social entrepreneurship in sustainable development and the importance of partnerships, support structures, and networks for implementing social innovations. The event offered international Youth Ambassadors an opportunity to exchange experiences, gain new perspectives, and further expand their global network.

Photo Header: Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC)

Our funding partner

Hamburg Sustainability Conference gGmbH is the organizing body behind the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC). It designs and manages the international conference as a cross-sector platform bringing together representatives from politics, business, academia, and civil society. Its mission is to develop practical solutions to global sustainability challenges, initiate partnerships, and accelerate the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a strong focus on action and implementation, the HSC combines strategic dialogue with practice-oriented initiatives and promotes international cooperation for sustainable development.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) forms the global framework for action for socially, economically and ecologically sustainable development. Our funding commitment also supports these sustainability goals. With this project, we are making a contribution to achieving the following SDGs:

What are the SDGs?

Latest news

02.07.2026

Scaling Impact: Youth Ambassadors drive solutions at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference

The Wilo-Foundation brought together international Youth Ambassadors, researchers and practitioners to explore new ways of scaling sustainable innovation.