Empowering Future Generations: The Critical Role of Youth in Climate Action

Around the globe, young people are speaking out against systems harming our climate. They’re passionate, diverse, and often overlooked. As the world faces challenges like geopolitical conflicts and economic crises, addressing climate change in policymaking is more important than ever. Today’s choices will affect not just this century but the future as well.

Youth Voices Matter

Young activists express their concerns in various ways. Some take a calm approach, while others are more direct. However, not all youth initiatives get the attention they deserve. For many policymakers, it’s not just about letting young people participate; it’s crucial to create spaces for them to challenge existing norms that contribute to environmental damage.

Despite being close to the impacts of climate change, youth often find their voices silenced or dismissed due to perceived inexperience. Too frequently, they are only given a token role in discussions, limiting their potential to bring fresh ideas to the table.

Real Participation in Policy

In June 2025, I joined a discussion with Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs. We talked about vital issues like climate diplomacy and human rights. The EU defines youth as individuals aged 15 to 29. While being included in high-level conversations is a step forward, true engagement requires that their opinions are genuinely valued.

To improve youth involvement, we need to go beyond just inviting them to meetings. We should empower them to lead and engage actively in decision-making, enabling them to express their ideas freely.

Recommendations for Change

The Global and Climate Diplomacy team made several important recommendations:

1. Empower Youth Leadership: Place young people in leadership roles to bring new perspectives on climate dialogues at all levels.
2. Accessible Resources: Create a digital platform for youth to find training, funding, and job opportunities easily. Recognize informal experiences, like volunteering, as valid qualifications.
3. Support Youth Organizations: Provide financial and institutional resources to youth-led groups, ensuring fair access to information and opportunities.

Youth Climate Conclave: A Step Forward

At the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), we emphasize the importance of connecting with young minds. We run the Youth Climate Conclave (YCC), which gathers around 100 young participants. The aim is to discuss critical issues like climate change while fostering creativity and cooperation. This initiative encourages youth aged 10 to 25 to propose solutions to environmental challenges.

The YCC is a collaborative effort involving several organizations, including UNICEF and the European Union. It nurtures vital skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, preparing young people to tackle future challenges.

Continuous Engagement is Key

The dialogue with Kaja Kallas is not an end but a beginning. For real change, we need sustained conversations and ongoing participation from young people. Their insights are essential for shaping future policymaking and ensuring that every voice is heard.

Engaging youth meaningfully takes commitment and effort. It’s about building relationships and fostering understanding, ensuring that young people are not just participants but active leaders in the fight against climate change. Their passionate involvement is crucial for a healthier, more sustainable world.

Source link