PurePlanet Research Competition 2026


Under the Pure Planet Global Conference 2026

“PURE PLANET: IGNITING A LARGER-THAN-LIFE REVOLUTION FOR THE 17 SDGs”

Dates: 5–13 December 2026
Format: 9-Day Hybrid Academic & Cultural SDG Movement (Delhi + Punjab Tour)
Global Reach: 25,000+ in-person participants | Broadcast to 193 UN Member Countries via global media partners | Streaming on digital platforms reaching 50M+ youth worldwide


About the Competition

The PurePlanet Research Competition 2026 is a global academic showcase designed to accelerate action on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It brings together students, researchers, and young innovators from across the world to present breakthrough ideas that address humanity’s most urgent challenges.

From poverty eradication to climate restoration, the competition transforms research into real-world impact, on a global stage shared with leaders, CEOs, celebrities, and policy institutions.

This initiative is anchored in global collaboration with organizations such as
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and UNESCO, alongside leading academic institutions and industry partners.


Core Vision

To build a living global platform where youth research directly informs:

  • Policy innovation
  • Corporate sustainability action
  • Community transformation
  • SDG acceleration toward 2030

Inspired by universal values of service, equality, and sustainability rooted in the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the movement bridges heritage with future innovation.


Competition Structure | Global Submission Pipeline

  • 1,500+ research entries (expected)
  • Rigorous international jury evaluation
  • Final selection: Top 3 papers per SDG (51 total presentations)

Live Presentation Stage

Each SDG session features:

  • 15–20 min Celebrity Keynote
  • 20–25 min Global CEO & Expert Panel
  • 3 Student Research Presentations (live, 8–10 min each)
  • Rapid-fire jury Q&A

SDG Coverage

All 17 SDGs are covered across the 9-day tour:

  • SDG 1–5: Poverty, Hunger, Health, Education, Gender Equality
  • SDG 6–7: Clean Water, Clean Energy
  • SDG 8–12: Work, Innovation, Cities, Consumption
  • SDG 13–15: Climate, Oceans, Land
  • SDG 16–17: Peace, Justice & Global Partnerships

Each SDG becomes a dedicated spotlight for youth-driven solutions and cross-sector action.


9-Day Movement Journey

Day 1–2: Delhi Region

  • Arrival & cultural immersion
  • Inauguration at PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Official launch of the SDG Research Showcase

Day 3: Amritsar – Heritage & Values Day

  • Visit to Golden Temple
  • Cultural grounding in service, equality, and humanity

Day 4: Khalsa College Amritsar

Theme: People Power – Heroes Rising
Focus: SDGs 1–5, 10

Day 5: Jalandhar

Theme: Planet Warriors – Defend & Restore
Focus: SDGs 6, 7, 13–15

Day 6: Transit & Collaboration Day

Media, networking, and strategic discussions

Day 7: Chandigarh

Theme: Prosperity Unleashed – Win Together
Focus: SDGs 8–12, 16–17

Day 8–9: Closing & Departure

Global declaration, youth pledge, and closing ceremony


PurePlanet Research Spotlight

The competition is designed to elevate student research into global visibility:

  • 51 selected research papers (Top 3 per SDG)
  • Prize:
    • INR 1 Lakh for the 1st Prize in each SDG Category
    • INR 50,000 for the 2nd and 3rd Category in SDG Category
  • Live presentation in front of global leaders
  • Direct engagement with CEOs, policymakers, and sustainability experts
  • Opportunity for incubation, funding, and global partnerships

Global CEO & Industry Participation

Each SDG session features 2–5 international CEOs from leading ESG and sustainability organizations, including representatives from global corporations aligned with UN SDG commitments.

These leaders provide:

  • Real-world industry challenges
  • Investment pathways
  • Collaboration opportunities for student research scaling

Hosts & Cultural Leadership

Dynamic Hosts

  • Jaaved Jaaferi – Energy, humor, storytelling, and live engagement
  • Neha Dhupia – Moderation, leadership dialogue, and stage facilitation

Cultural Integration

  • Bollywood, Pollywood, Tollywood, cricket, and hockey icons
  • Youth-led performances across venues
  • Interactive storytelling formats blending education and entertainment

The SDG Mascot Experience

A unique cultural layer brings humor and accessibility to sustainability:

Rakesh Bedi – “SDG Delivery Man”

A recurring comedic presence across all 17 SDGs, turning complex sustainability themes into unforgettable, relatable moments through satire, storytelling, and surprise appearances.

This ensures the movement is not only educational—but deeply memorable.


Sustainability Commitment

PurePlanet 2026 operates under strict green protocols:

  • Solar-powered stage setups (where possible)
  • Zero-waste event design
  • Plastic-free venues
  • Carbon-neutral operational planning
  • Sustainable travel coordination

Global Broadcast & Reach

  • Live global telecast across 193 UN Member Countries
  • Distribution via UN-aligned media platforms and international broadcasters
  • Exclusive streaming on digital ecosystems including the Chardi Kala Vichaar App
  • Estimated reach: 50M+ global audience

Strategic Partners

  • United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs
  • UNESCO
  • Government and state institutions
  • Leading universities across India and globally
  • ESG-driven multinational corporations
  • Innovation and incubation ecosystems

Call for Participation

We invite:

  • Students & researchers to submit SDG-aligned papers
  • Universities to partner as knowledge hubs
  • Corporates to join as sustainability champions
  • Governments & institutions to co-create policy outcomes
  • Media partners to amplify global reach

Closing Vision

PurePlanet Research Competition 2026 is not just an event, it is a global movement where research meets responsibility, and youth becomes the architect of planetary transformation.


17 SDGs. One planet. One shared future.


#PurePlanet2026 #SDGsRoar #17BaarAayaPlanetBachaya #YouthForSDGs #PurePlanetMovement