Generation Hope Goals is a collaborative initiative by Save the Children (SC), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Youth Empowerment in Climate Action Platform (YECAP), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Regional Collaboration Centre for Asia and the Pacific (UNFCCC RCC AP), Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, and ChildFund aimed at engaging young minds and leaders in developing their existing innovative climate action solutions linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under review at the 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD): SDGs 3, 5, 8, 14, and 17. 

As an associated event to the 12th APFSD, it encouraged children and youth groups from the region, with members who are 16-24 years old, to submit their innovative and scalable solutions to climate challenges under one (or multiple) of the subcategories below. They were also encouraged to make a clear connection to the theme of the 12th APFSD on “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind in Asia and the Pacific.” Subcategories include: 

• Ambient air pollution (SDG 3) 
• Gender-responsive climate action (SDG 5) 
• Green economy, such as circular economy and resource efficiency, green jobs, and sustainable tourism (SDG 8) 
• Marine conservation, such as ecosystem protection and sustainable fisheries (SDG 14) 

Generation Hope Goals unfolded in stages to ensure comprehensive engagement and that participants were provided with the necessary support. The climate solutions were scored using criteria such as: uniqueness, feasibility, scalability, and relevance and social impact.

• Stage 1: submission of the application form (concluded)
• Stage 2: top 15 groups presented online to a panel of judges and created a 1-minute video to pitch their climate solution on social media (concluded; see the tab "DOCUMENTS") 
• Stage 3: top five groups were invited for in-person final presentation and were provided with pitching training (concluded)
• Final Event: Final pitching session at the 12th APFSD on 26 February (concluded; see below)

Experts from environmental organizations, academia, and the private sector were invited to be part of the panel of judges. 

The final presentation was held at the 12th APFSD and attendees of the forum, including policymakers, business leaders, and civil society representatives, were invited to join as members of the audience. 

Congratulations to all five finalist winners! To browse the presentations of the top 15 groups, see the tab "DOCUMENTS."  

First Place Winner:🍴 Ecolery Bangladesh
Problem: Plastic waste overwhelms cities and waterways.
Solution: Edible, biodegradable cutlery to replace plastic, reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly habits.

Second Place Winner: 🪸 Care for Coral (Thailand) 
Problem: Coral reefs are threatened by climate and human pressures.
Solution: Hands-on coral restoration efforts, preserving Thailand’s reef ecosystems for future generations.

Third Place Winner:☀️ Eco Stove (Pakistan)
Problem: Traditional wood stoves harm health and environment.
Solution: Affordable solar-powered stoves, reducing indoor pollution and deforestation, and empowering rural women.

Fourth Place Winner:🌾 Eco-Sentinels (Bangladesh)
Problem: Rising soil salinity and flooding threatens food security in coastal areas.
Solution: Floating agricultural beds for salt-tolerant crops, supporting resilient farming against climate challenges.

Fifth Place Winner:🌱Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth Association (Malaysia) 
Problem: Animal agriculture impacts the environment and public health.
Solution: Plant-based meal delivery, promoting sustainable food consumption and green jobs.