Title: International Youth Day 2022 to Highlight Green Skills and Youth’s Role in Promoting Environmental Sustainability
August 12 marks International Youth Day, a day dedicated to celebrating young people and their contributions to society. This year, the focus is on green skills and the vital role that young individuals play in promoting environmental sustainability. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, underscores the importance of equipping young people with the necessary skills and knowledge to shape a cleaner and greener future.
Recently, the UN had the opportunity to engage with members of Guterres’ Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change to discuss the significance of green skills. Saoirse Exton, a member of the group, emphasized the need to critically evaluate existing economic systems while maintaining optimism for change. Beniamin Strzelecki shed light on the importance of quantitative reasoning to identify and hold organizations accountable for greenwashing.
Jevanic Henry emphasized the necessity of green digital skills to bridge gaps in education, employment, and development agendas. Additionally, Joice Mendez highlighted the importance of non-violent communication in creating sustainable projects and supporting multiculturalism.
The Youth Advisory Group plans to deliver their message to world leaders during the Climate Ambition Summit to be held in New York this September. Saoirse called for enhanced collaboration between states and a shift toward proactive mitigation strategies, not just adaptation, to address the pressing climate crisis.
Beniamin advocated for urgent action, including tripling renewable energy capacity, halting fossil fuel extraction, and increasing investments in energy transition. Jevanic underscored the need for ambitious climate action to prevent the gradual extinction of small island developing states and vulnerable countries. Meanwhile, Joice urged world leaders to demonstrate greater ambition and provide financial support for community projects and intergenerational cooperation.
As International Youth Day approaches, it serves as a reminder of the power and capability of young individuals to spearhead environmental sustainability efforts. By focusing on green skills and empowering youth to drive change, we can work towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for generations to come.
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