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 Oxford Brookes University, Richmond University, University of Arkansas’s Rome campus, Stellenbosch University, and Politecnico di Torino.
In Fall 2025, Triggering Change will focus on SDG 3, Good Health and Wellbeing, and SDG 15, Life on Land.
Participation requires the completion of all steps by the deadline:
October 6, Prep Session 1: Target SDGs - Guest speaker, Ms. Nanette Medved-PoNanette Medved-Po is the founder and executive chair of HOPE, PCX Solutions and PCX Markets. Nanette serves on the Board of Trustees of WWF Philippines, of Endeavor Philippines, and of Winrock International, among others. She was honored as one of Forbes Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy and was recognized by The Asia Society as an Asia Game Changer Climate Hero.
October 16, Prep Session 2: Pitch workshop - Prof. Michèle FavoriteLearn how to sharpen your pitch, refine your arguments, and submit with confidence. Michèle Favorite is the Coordinator of Sustainability for Education Initiatives at John Cabot University, where she teaches Business Communication and Public Relations. She has a professional background in international media and PR.
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.
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 are discouraged from using static PowerPoint presentations or sitting in front of a screen and reading a script.
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 22 to October 3.
Registered participants will receive a confirmation email with access to the official Guidelines, including the password. They 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.
Prof. Francesco Bedeschi, Director, University of Arkansas Rome Program
Prof. Karen Cripps, Senior Lecturer in Responsible Management & Leadership, Oxford Brookes University
Professor Carola Hieker, Professor, Richmond American University in London; Honorary Professor, University College London
Professor Michèle Favorite, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Business and Communications, John Cabot University
Madiha Rehman, Malala Fund Education Champion and Director of Programmes at AzCorp Entertainment, Pakistan
Giacomo Di Capua, JCU Class of 2021, MPA candidate at Columbia University, EU Y7 Head of Delegation, Former Youth Delegate of Italy to the UN, Director at TNGO, TEDx Speaker
Asia Guerreschi, JCU Class of 2016, Ph.D. Università di Ferrara, Founder of Rethinking Climate
When does the registration period to participate in Triggering Change start?
Registration is from September 22 to October 3.
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 the password. This guide contains all the information you need 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 Guidelines, which include curated library resources for a solid understanding of the two SDGs, as well as a comprehensive guide to the essentials of videomaking.
When is the submission deadline for the Triggering Change pitch?
The pitch submission deadline is October 30, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
When submitting, please follow the Guidelines. For team entries, include all team members’ names in the file name.
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.
Is the Sulitest Survey mandatory? Is it graded? What does it involve?
The Sulitest Online 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 grade.
You are required to take the survey to participate in Triggering Change. Not completing both 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 one of the target SDGs and address a specific issue related to it. Ensure that your pitch is actionable, relevant, and demonstrates a clear understanding of both the problem and the potential impact of your proposed solution.
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?
