International Youth Day

Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today. With their innovative ideas, technological savvy, and passion, youth are at the forefront of the global sustainability movement. They can bring fresh perspectives to longstanding issues, challenge the status quo, and inspire communities to adopt more sustainable practices.

According to a survey by Global Youth Energy Outlook, nearly 75% of youth expressed being ‘concerned’ or ‘very concerned’ about pollution and emissions from the current global energy system. This concern is especially pronounced among youth from developing and emerging regions, with 89.2% in Latin America, 89.0% in Southeast Asia, and 85.2% Despite facing obstacles, young people are championing the untapped potential of youth to drive the sustainable energy transition leading up to 2030. 87.2% of youth expressed intentions to pursue employment or volunteer opportunities in the energy sector.

Across the globe, young individuals and groups are spearheading initiatives like climate awareness, sustainable entrepreneurship, and community engagement that have a profound impact on sustainability. These range from advocating for environmentally friendly practices, to recycling programmes, to educational workshops and the promotion of renewable energy usage and its certification. For example, the 2022 IRENA Youth Forum, themed ‘Youth-led solutions to accelerate the energy transition and achieve climate objectives,’ showcased the role of young people in promoting renewable energy transitions to meet climate targets and sustainable development goals.

GYEO (Global Youth Energy Outlook), an initiative by Student Energy, engages youth in renewable energy advocacy and policy, including promoting the importance of renewable energy certification.

Young people have participated in various COPs in different capacities as part of their countries' negotiation delegations.

Youth National Climate Councils in countries such as Chile, Denmark, Estonia, the Netherlands, Poland, and Brazil are emerging as key mechanisms to advise environmental ministries or their equivalents on domestic climate change policies.

Communities can play a crucial role by supporting youth-led initiatives. This includes involving them in local sustainability projects, providing platforms for youth voices, and celebrating their achievements. Connecting people with mentors and experts in the field can also provide invaluable guidance and support to youth who are passionate about making a difference and contributing to the field of sustainability. This can lead to more active involvement of youth in the sustainability movement and lead to more job creation opportunities. In fact, it is estimated that by 2030, an impressive8.4 million jobs globally will be created for youth supported by the green transition!

On this International Youth Day, let’s celebrate the incredible contributions of young people to sustainability and commit to supporting their efforts. By empowering youth, we invest in a sustainable future for all. Together, we can build a world where the voices of young people are heard and valued, and recognise that our future is closely linked to the significant contributions and choices made by young people.