In a stunning display of talent and innovation, three Year 12 students from Cambridge High School in Abu Dhabi have brought immense pride to the UAE by winning the Oxford Saïd Burjeel Holdings Climate Change Challenge at COP29 in Baku. Their groundbreaking sludge waste management solution earned them top honors in one of the most prestigious environmental competitions, showcasing the bright future of young talent in the UAE and reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainability and climate change solutions.
Representing the UAE as Team Plethora, Mehak, Parvi, and Tirushi developed an innovative solution to tackle the global issue of waste sludge management. Their solution was lauded for its practicality, efficiency, and potential to reduce environmental harm—demonstrating the students’ remarkable ability to apply scientific knowledge to real-world challenges. The competition at COP29 was fierce, but the students’ ingenuity and determination set them apart, earning them the coveted title of Climate Change Challenge winners.
Their victory is a testament to the high level of education and innovation fostered in the UAE. The students, who have been dedicated to environmental science and sustainability, used advanced technologies and data analysis to craft a waste management system that could reduce the environmental impact of sludge disposal, a challenge faced by many nations globally. Their success is not just a win for the team, but a major milestone for the UAE’s growing influence in global environmental leadership.
For Mehak, Parvi, and Tirushi, the victory was not just about earning accolades, but about making a tangible difference. Their solution aims to offer practical, scalable solutions to one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, demonstrating that youth innovation is the key to tackling climate change.
This win also marks an important chapter in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of environmental sustainability. As the country continues to champion global climate goals, these young innovators have proven that the next generation is more than ready to take on the challenges ahead. With their win at COP29, Mehak, Parvi, and Tirushi have proven that the future of environmental innovation is in capable hands—and that the UAE’s commitment to sustainability is only growing stronger.