The University of Oxford and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) have unveiled plans for a groundbreaking global climate summit in 2025, marking a significant push for climate justice through human rights. The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit is scheduled to take place from 4-7 June 2025, bringing together a diverse assembly of experts, policymakers, celebrities, and academic institutions from around the world.
Announced today by Professor Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford, the summit aims to redefine international gatherings. The event will be held at Oxford’s historic colleges and will involve global universities through the International Universities Climate Alliance. A key feature will be a 24-hour global plenary on 5 June 2025, aligning with UN World Environment Day, broadcast live across all time zones.
The summit’s significance has been underscored by a high-profile campaign led by celebrities including Billie Jean King, Barbra Streisand, Neil Young, Carole King, Annie Lennox, Cyndi Lauper, Ziggy Marley, Pierce Brosnan, Jack Black, Laura Pausini, and others. This coalition has launched a social media campaign to galvanise support, reaching an audience of over 150 million followers. The campaign is designed to raise awareness and build momentum nine months ahead of the summit.
Professor Tracey expressed enthusiasm about the event, highlighting Oxford’s role as the Academic Partner in the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance. “We are thrilled to host this pivotal summit in partnership with UN Human Rights, aiming to address one of the most pressing global issues through innovative human rights solutions,” she said.
Astrid van Genderen Stort, Chief External Engagement and Partnerships at UN Human Rights, commended the partnership with Oxford and the International Universities Climate Alliance. She emphasised the importance of advancing human rights solutions to combat the climate crisis and mitigate its impacts on vulnerable communities.
The summit will not only focus on climate justice but also aim to reduce the carbon footprint typically associated with international events. The 24-hour global plenary will feature live and virtual sessions, including lectures, keynote speeches, and panel discussions, hosted by universities such as the University of Cape Town, University of Colorado Boulder, Monash University, University of Nairobi, University of São Paulo, UNSW Sydney, and others. These institutions will serve as hubs for climate awareness, facilitating local events and watch parties.
David Clark, Founder and CEO of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, expressed pride in the initiative’s growth and impact since its launch at COP26 in Glasgow. “The University of Oxford’s engagement and the support from global universities are crucial in advancing our mission to tackle human rights challenges posed by climate change,” he said.
The summit will build on recent commitments made at COP28 in Dubai, with a focus on celebrating environmental human rights defenders, reinforcing the global climate justice movement, and empowering future generations to drive climate action.
For further details, visit the official summit page.