BE OPEN and Student Energy Host International Student Energy Summit in the Amazon Rainforest

BE OPEN, a global initiative supporting creativity and innovation, recently announced its partnership with Student Energy to host the International Student Energy Summit (SES) in the heart of the Amazon rainforest from February 18-21, 2026. The SES is the world's largest and most diverse energy event for youth, bringing together over 1,500 students, young professionals, and industry leaders from more than 100 countries to discuss the future of sustainable energy. This year's summit, themed 'Powering the Amazon', focused on innovative solutions to decarbonize the energy sector and protect the world's largest rainforest. 'Hosting the SES in the Amazon was a strategic decision to immerse participants in the environmental challenges we face and inspire them to develop real-world solutions,' said Oksana Oracheva, Managing Director of BE OPEN. 'By connecting young energy innovators with the local community and ecosystem, we hope to catalyze projects that will have a lasting impact.' The four-day event featured keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, covering topics such as renewable energy, energy access, sustainable transportation, and forest conservation. Attendees also participated in field trips to nearby communities and renewable energy projects to gain firsthand experience. 'The energy and passion of the students at this year's summit was truly inspiring,' said Meredith Adler, Executive Director of Student Energy. 'We're grateful to BE OPEN for their support in creating this unique opportunity for the next generation of energy leaders to come together and shape a sustainable future.' According to organizers, the 2026 SES was the most successful summit to date, with increased participation from the Global South and greater emphasis on integrating indigenous knowledge and local perspectives. The event underscores the maritime industry's growing focus on sustainability and the need to engage youth in addressing global energy and environmental challenges.