Local Solutions – Global Impact

Welcome to GISS 2025, an international conference for young minds from around the world to meet, collaborate, exchange ideas and create practical solutions for a more sustainable planet by focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Welcome to GISS 2025

The Challenge

STEP 1: Submit your Video pitch

As global citizens we encourage students to explore and learn more about the UN SDG's, therefore Students will have four choices from the sustainability goals to focus their projects on, these are;

Decent work and Economic growth 

Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all

Question: What can we do to fix these issues?

Industries, innovation, and infrastructure

Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

Question: What is the price of inaction? 

Reduce Inequality 

Reduce inequality within and among countries

Question: Can we achieve equality for everyone?

Sustainable cities and communities

Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable

Question: What happens if cities are just left to grow organically?

Research and present a solution to a local issue your community is facing ensuring you make an impact that is both innovative and sustainable. “Community” can include your class, your school, your local town, or your country.  

These are the entry requirements for STEP 1 of the competition:

Students must upload a 3-5 minute video pitch

Groups can be made up of 1-2 members only

Every member of the project should speak in the video pitch

Students must be in grades 9-12 (years 10-13).

STEP 2: Submit an initial report by September 10th

you’re nearly there!!!!

STEP 2 Requirements:

Pass STEP 1 and get an invitation to proceed.
Prepare an initial 800-1000 word report, to include the following:
- Initial research findings – this should include some data.
- A clear short reflection of how your project has made a difference in your community so far and any changes made to the initial plan if any.
- Check the rubric and the Q&A for more details.
- Initial report should not exceed 6 pages
STEP 2 Report Deadline – 10th of September 2024.

STEP 3: Submit Final Report by December 31st, 2024

This is the last stage!

Focus on the theme: Local Solutions for a Global Impact!

Prepare your final report as follows:

1500-2500 word report that includes
- Final Research findings
- Actions taken
- Include suggestions for improvement.
- Include whether the local solutions ( your project), can be applied globally. Is it scalable?
- Data and evidence showing improvements/ impact in the community. Evidence can be given through; numbers, tables, charts, pictures, and videos.

Reflection on how your project has made a difference, this evidence should include feedback from the community.
- Visual/ multimedia evidence to document your journey
- Video footage, pictures, or your journey to showcase the progress
- Video footage of interviews with the community
- Pictures of the stages of development
- Any other multimedia to support your submission (be creative!)
- The final report should not exceed 20 pages.

The Summit: GISS2025 (Qatar)

Congratulations

Prepare one or more of the following to be presented at the Summit in Qatar
- 3D model of your project
  1. Cost not to exceed 2000QAR
  2. Items should be easily shipped to Qatar, brought with you on your flight, or can be easily found and assembled in Qatar.
- Digital representation
- Presentation (summary of the project to be presented at the conference using PowerPoint or other media)
- Posters to represent your project
- Others ( be creative)
- You will have a day in Qatar to prepare your final presentation and/ or your 3D model before the Summit.
Pay the registration fee of 5000 QAR per project. The GISS 2025 sponsors will cover all other costs. This includes:
- Return airfare from country of residence for up to 2 students per project and 1 chaperone per school
- Accommodations for the duration of the stay (up to 7-8 days)
- Expenses for transport, excursions, and entry fees
- Breakfast + one other meal
- Other personal expenses are not included.
What to bring with you to Qatar? A detailed guide will be sent to you if invited to Qatar this will include the following:
- What to pack?
- Passport and visa requirements
- Cultural awareness
- Dress code
- How much money to bring for personal spending

Register Your School

STEP 1

STEP 1: Submit your Video pitch

As global citizens we encourage students to explore and learn more about the UN SDG's, therefore Students will have four choices from the sustainability goals to focus their projects on, these are;

Decent work and Economic growth 

Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all

Question: What can we do to fix these issues?

Industries, innovation, and infrastructure

Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

Question: What is the price of inaction? 

Reduce Inequality 

Reduce inequality within and among countries

Question: Can we achieve equality for everyone?

Sustainable cities and communities

Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable

Question: What happens if cities are just left to grow organically?

Research and present a solution to a local issue your community is facing ensuring you make an impact that is both innovative and sustainable. “Community” can include your class, your school, your local town, or your country.  

These are the entry requirements for STEP 1 of the competition:

Students must upload a 3-5 minute video pitch

Groups can be made up of 1-2 members only

Every member of the project should speak in the video pitch

Students must be in grades 9-12 (years 10-13).

STEP 2

STEP 2: Submit an initial report by September 10th

you’re nearly there!!!!

STEP 2 Requirements:

Pass STEP 1 and get an invitation to proceed.
Prepare an initial 800-1000 word report, to include the following:
- Initial research findings – this should include some data.
- A clear short reflection of how your project has made a difference in your community so far and any changes made to the initial plan if any.
- Check the rubric and the Q&A for more details.
- Initial report should not exceed 6 pages
STEP 2 Report Deadline – 10th of September 2024.

STEP 3

STEP 3: Submit Final Report by December 31st, 2024

This is the last stage!

Focus on the theme: Local Solutions for a Global Impact!

Prepare your final report as follows:

1500-2500 word report that includes
- Final Research findings
- Actions taken
- Include suggestions for improvement.
- Include whether the local solutions ( your project), can be applied globally. Is it scalable?
- Data and evidence showing improvements/ impact in the community. Evidence can be given through; numbers, tables, charts, pictures, and videos.

Reflection on how your project has made a difference, this evidence should include feedback from the community.
- Visual/ multimedia evidence to document your journey
- Video footage, pictures, or your journey to showcase the progress
- Video footage of interviews with the community
- Pictures of the stages of development
- Any other multimedia to support your submission (be creative!)
- The final report should not exceed 20 pages.

The Summit

The Summit: GISS2025 (Qatar)

Congratulations

Prepare one or more of the following to be presented at the Summit in Qatar
- 3D model of your project
  1. Cost not to exceed 2000QAR
  2. Items should be easily shipped to Qatar, brought with you on your flight, or can be easily found and assembled in Qatar.
- Digital representation
- Presentation (summary of the project to be presented at the conference using PowerPoint or other media)
- Posters to represent your project
- Others ( be creative)
- You will have a day in Qatar to prepare your final presentation and/ or your 3D model before the Summit.
Pay the registration fee of 5000 QAR per project. The GISS 2025 sponsors will cover all other costs. This includes:
- Return airfare from country of residence for up to 2 students per project and 1 chaperone per school
- Accommodations for the duration of the stay (up to 7-8 days)
- Expenses for transport, excursions, and entry fees
- Breakfast + one other meal
- Other personal expenses are not included.
What to bring with you to Qatar? A detailed guide will be sent to you if invited to Qatar this will include the following:
- What to pack?
- Passport and visa requirements
- Cultural awareness
- Dress code
- How much money to bring for personal spending

Register Your School

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Message from Head Boy at QAW

As the Head Boy at Qatar Academy Al Wakra, it is my privilege to extend a heartfelt invitation to all of you to participate in the Global Innovation in Sustainability Summit 2025, hosted by QAW.

In today’s world, sustainability is not just a buzzword; it’s a responsibility that we all share. The choices we make today will shape the future of our planet for generations to come. This summit is an incredible opportunity for us to come together as global citizens, to learn, to collaborate, and to innovate towards a more sustainable future.

At the summit, you will have the chance to engage with leading experts, visionaries, and changemakers in the field of sustainability. Through workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities, you will gain valuable insights and practical skills that will empower you to make a positive impact in your communities and beyond.

By participating in this summit, you are not just attending an event; you are joining a movement. A movement of young people who are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable world. Together, we have the power to drive change, to inspire others, and to leave a lasting legacy that future generations will thank us for.

So, I urge you to seize this opportunity, to step out of your comfort zone, and to be a part of something truly transformative. Together, let’s be the change-makers, the innovators, and the leaders that our world needs.

I look forward to seeing you all at the Global Innovation in Sustainability Summit 2025, where together, we will shape a brighter future for our planet.