Our Sustainability expert to judge Oxford University’s Climate Change Challenge  

Zoe Cokeliss Barsley, Director of Sustainability at Oxford University Press, is one of 14 influential thought-leaders, founders, and global entrepreneurs invited to judge The Burjeel Holdings Oxford Saïd Climate Change Challenge. 

This world-wide competition gives teams of school students aged 15-18 the opportunity to present their proposals for addressing the climate crisis, while educators will present their lesson plans integrating awareness and inspiration for students to think creatively about tackling one of our society’s most pressing concerns. 

We are proud to support this initiative, which we will be sharing with our global community of teachers and learners to encourage participation. In partnership with the Saïd Business School and the University of Oxford, we are committed to empowering and equipping learners to navigate and play an active role in creating solutions around climate change.  

Speaking on the invitation to join as an international judge, Zoe Cokeliss Barsley said:  

“Climate change is the defining issue of our time, and the need to find innovative solutions is now critical. The Climate Change Challenge is an incredible opportunity for young people and educators to put their minds to solving the crisis, and to share their ideas on a global stage. I’m delighted to be involved as a judge and I can’t wait to see the ideas they come up with.”  

As the Director of Sustainability since 2020, Zoe has led OUP’s work to achieve carbon neutrality, reduce our waste and footprint, and source sustainable paper as part of our 2025 sustainability targets, which you can read more about in our latest Responsible Publishing Report. 

The finalists of the Climate Change Challenge — five teams from the student category and five individuals from the teacher category — will attend a ceremony during COP28 in Dubai to present their solutions to an international audience.  

The winners will earn a spot in a bespoke programme at Saïd Business School, part of the University of Oxford, in the Spring of 2024, alongside access to a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and thought leaders in innovation and social impact from around the world.