Newcastle City Council has been shortlisted for a prestigious MJ Award for putting local communities at the heart of green decision-making.
The MJ Awards celebrate excellence in local government and this year recognise Newcastle City Council for its efforts to engage communities in the city’s journey to net zero.
Initiatives to involve and inspire young people are identified as areas of success, such as the annual Youth Climate Summit and Net Zero Hero events that give school pupils the chance to have their say on the council’s climate action plans.
A green careers guide, developed in collaboration with young people as part of a green careers programme, is also highlighted and in use across Newcastle schools to encourage the next generation of green leaders. The programme achieved award recognition of its own as a finalist at the 2025 LGC Awards last month.
Newcastle’s Climate Change Forum, which brings together the city’s businesses, universities, hospitals and local government, is also recognised as a platform to empower residents to be part of the council’s net zero decisions.
Cllr Juna Sathian, Newcastle City Council Cabinet Member for Climate and Transport, said: “Net zero is a fundamental part of everything we do and we’re constantly moving forward and making progress with our ambitious plans to achieve decarbonisation in Newcastle.
“I’m delighted to see our approach to engagement has been shortlisted for an MJ Award and particularly proud of our work with our city’s youth communities. Young people will be most affected by our changing environment and so it’s vital they are informed, engaged and on this journey with us from the start.”