Triggering Change is a two-minute pitch that uses creativity to inspire action on sustainability. In each edition, the pitches address two critical UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants engage in a comprehensive experience, including expert-led workshops, sustainability literacy assessments, and the creation of compelling, action-driven pitch.
Winners will receive a € 100 Patagonia voucher. All Students who complete the program will be awarded a Certificate in Sustainability.
John Cabot University students are joined by peers from Richmond University, Oxford Brookes University, Politecnico di Torino, University of Arkansas Rome, Igbinedion University Okada, Covenant University, University of Benin, University of Lagos, Benson Idahosa University, Universidad de las Americas (UDLA).
In Fall 2026, Triggering Change will feature a collaboration between John Cabot University and the Office of Innovation of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, and focus on SDG 12, Responsible Production and Consumption. Specifically, the competition will concentrate on sustainable fashion and how bio-based materials and circular design can reshape the way the fashion industry undertakes sourcing and production.
Students will have direct exposure to FAO’s global network of innovators, partners, and donors. FAO experts will participate in the selection of the finalists and winners.
Participation requires the completion of all steps by the following deadlines:
How to Create a Winning Pitch, by Barbara Della Rovere,
FAO Innovation Champions Network
Led by Helena Lindemann, Bioeconomy and Agriplastics Specialist, FAO Environment Office
Learn how to use creative storytelling, research, and multidisciplinary perspectives to design a pitch that is disruptive, emotive, and creates a dialogue related to sustainability, leading the audience to want to create change and make the planet a better place.
Specifically, understand the importance played by bio-based materials and circular design in reshaping the way the fashion industry undertakes sourcing and production. Fabrics, textiles, and fashion affect us all. Rethinking the way fashion is produced and consumed can make a big difference in making our lives more sustainable.
Triggering Change - Library Resources
The pitch consists of a two-minute video. While students have total freedom in choosing an unusual, creative, and dynamic pitch format (a dialogue, poem, performance, song, etc.) in a setting that is suitable and engaging (a street, shop, beach, forest, etc.), they will be disqualified for using static PowerPoint presentations or sitting in front of a screen and reading a script. AI-generated images and texts are not acceptable.
Every pitch must be addressed to a specific audience – fellow students, children, pregnant mothers, etc.
Proposals should be environmentally, socially, and economically just and fair. A solution to a specific environmental problem in an industrialized country might have negative social repercussions in a developing country. Don’t make the solution to a challenge in your backyard someone else’s problem further afield.
Read about past winners of the competition and watch their pitches!
Participate, learn, and contribute to sustainability while building valuable skills.
Registration is open from September 16 to October 2. Register for Triggering Change Fall 2026.
Registered participants will receive a confirmation email with access to the official Guidelines, including a password. The Guidelines contain all the information needed to successfully complete the program and qualify for the Certificate in Sustainability.
Check the Guidelines regularly for possible updates. All students (including those working in pairs) must register individually.
When does the registration period to participate in Triggering Change start?
Registration is from September 16 to October 2, 2026. After signing up through the registration form, students will receive all necessary information via email.
I have registered — what’s the next step?
After submitting the registration form, you’ll receive a confirmation email with access to the official Guidelines, including a password. These Guidelines contain all the information needed to successfully participate and qualify for the Certificate in Sustainability.
Be sure to check the Guidelines regularly, as they will be updated throughout the program.
Do participants have access to resources to learn about the SDGs?
Yes. Participants have access to our detailed Library Resources for a solid understanding of the SDG, and a comprehensive guide to the essentials of videomaking.
Triggering Change - Library Resources
When is the submission deadline for the Triggering Change pitch?
The pitch submission deadline is November 5, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted. When submitting, please follow the Guidelines. For team entries, include all team members’ names in the file name. All participants must register individually, even if they are participating as part of a team.
Can I participate in Triggering Change if I miss a Prep Session?
Attendance at all Prep sessions is mandatory. However, if you can’t attend online, you can catch up by accessing the session recording in the official Guidelines. All Prep sessions are recorded.
Is the Sulitest Survey mandatory? Is it graded? What does it involve?
The Sulitest Awareness Survey is a learning and knowledge-assessment tool intended to increase participants’ eco-literacy. The results of the Sulitest are anonymous and have no impact on your assessment.
You are required to take the survey to participate in Triggering Change. Not completing both surveys sessions will result in not receiving credit for the pitch and not being eligible for the Certificate in Sustainability.
What are the key elements to cover in my Triggering Change pitch?
Your pitch should focus on the SDG. Ensure that your pitch is actionable, relevant, and demonstrates a clear understanding of the challenge from a social and environmental perspective.
Are there specific guidelines for audio and visual quality when recording?
Ensure both audio and visual quality are excellent, especially when recording outdoors. This might affect the evaluation of your pitch.
Are there any restrictions on the format or content of the pitch video?
Yes. Videos using PowerPoint presentations, static monologues in front of a screen, or AI-generated content will be disqualified. Creativity, originality, and active engagement are key to a successful pitch.
What format should my Triggering Change pitch take?
Your pitch should consist of a two-minute video, either done individually or in a pair. Be creative! Choose an unusual venue and a creative format that helps engage the audience and make it want to act!
You can choose a format and method appropriate to your idea, which might include a dialogue, prototype, or even a performance held in an engaging space. Be creative and catch your audience’s attention!
What do I need to do to earn the Certificate in Sustainability?
To be eligible for the Certificate in Sustainability, you must complete all program requirements: submit both survey sessions, participate in the Prep sessions, and submit your pitch on time.
What are the judging criteria?
