University students from across Greater Manchester gathered at the GM Green Summit last month to showcase their innovative solutions to the region’s most pressing environmental challenges.

The annual event, hosted by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, marked an important milestone in the city-region’s mission to achieve its ambitious zero-carbon target by 2038. The event brought together businesses, community groups, policymakers, and education providers to explore solutions for building a more sustainable future.

The student projects presented at the Greater Manchester Universities’ joint exhibition stand were developed during the pioneering Green Careers Mission event held at Manchester Metropolitan University in November. During the event, students from The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, The University of Salford, The Royal Northern College of Music, and The University of Bolton worked together to address real-world challenges set by employers, tackling issues such as climate change, air quality, sustainable resource use and environmental resilience.

Reflecting on the significance of student involvement in the Summit, Professor Liz Price, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor for Sustainability at Manchester Metropolitan University and Chair of the Greater Manchester Universities Green Skills Working Group, said: “The Green Careers Mission showcased at the GM Green Summit highlighted the unique role universities play in the transformation of individuals, institutions, and societies towards more sustainable futures, amplified by the five universities across Greater Manchester working in partnership with GMCA and others to demonstrate the talent of our students and the power of the youth voice across our city region.”

The universities are playing a key role in supporting the Greater Manchester Five-Year Environment Plan, launched at the summit, which outlines a roadmap for addressing environmental challenges and achieving the region’s sustainability ambitions.

Through their net zero commitment, the universities are embedding low-carbon knowledge into curricula, developing green skills pathways, and preparing students to lead in the rapidly evolving green economy. This active involvement reflects their shared dedication, under the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement, to tackling inequality, driving economic growth, and protecting the environment across the city region.

By combining research, education, and real-world action, Greater Manchester’s universities are playing a central role in equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge to tackle today’s challenges and build a greener, more resilient future.

• Learn more about the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement.