Event: Youth Empowerment Drives a Climate-Smart Future: GSLDC Hosts Key Forum at COP29 Blue Zone

Baku, Azerbaijan, November 13, 2024—The UNITAR Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center (GSLDC) successfully concluded its forum, “Empowering Youth to Drive Sustainable Solutions: Leadership in Nature Conservation and Green Innovation,” at the COP29 Blue Zone. Co-organized with the IUCN Youth Advisory Committee, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Europe-Asia Center (EAC), and the Green AI Institute, the event attracted prominent speakers and young leaders from around the world.

The forum was moderated by Jia Ziqun, COP29 Project Director at GSLDC, whose expert facilitation ensured the event’s discussions were both cohesive and impactful.

Esteemed Guests Explore Youth Leadership and Green Innovation

The forum began with opening remarks from distinguished speakers, setting the tone for the event. Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, emphasized the critical role of technology in advancing green transitions. He remarked:
“Artificial intelligence and digital technologies not only propel ecological preservation but also position youth as the driving force behind addressing the climate crisis. Providing them with resources and platforms is a crucial step toward achieving global goals.”

Erik Solheim, Chairman of the Europe-Asia Center and Former Executive Director of UNEP, proposed new perspectives on the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. He stated:
“Green innovation is not solely a technological issue; it requires a paradigm shift from thought to action. Youth are the core drivers of this transformation and the hope for a sustainable future.”

Satya S. Tripathi, Chairman of the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet and Former UN Assistant Secretary-General, shared tangible examples of how international collaboration supports youth-led climate action. He commented:
“Only through a global collaborative framework can we truly empower youth, transforming their creativity and capabilities into world-changing solutions.”

Roundtable Discussion: Advancing Multilateral Collaboration and Innovation

The roundtable session, moderated by Shi Yiran, Vice Chair of the Shanghai Climate Week Youth Committee, fostered insightful exchanges among the panelists.

Jerry Huang, Founder of the Green AI Institute at Harvard University, discussed how artificial intelligence enhances ecological conservation and reduces carbon emissions. He noted:
“AI serves as the bridge between science and practical action, with youth at the core of converting this tool into real-world solutions.”

Satya S. Tripathi expanded on the importance of integrating resources through international partnerships to accelerate green innovation. He emphasized:
“Climate action requires robust multilateral cooperation. Youth serve as irreplaceable catalysts in this process, bringing creativity and dynamism to global climate governance.”

The discussions underscored the power of collaborative efforts and provided attendees with actionable insights for future international partnerships.

Looking Ahead: Youth Leading Climate Action

Grace Gao, a representative of the GSLDC organizing team, concluded the event by highlighting the transformative role of youth in tackling the climate crisis. She stated:
“Youth are not only practitioners of sustainability but also the innovators driving climate solutions. Through this forum, we aim to provide a platform for young leaders to shine and collaborate with global institutions to achieve climate goals.”

Following the forum, organizers announced a series of follow-up initiatives, including expanded climate-tech education programs, youth empowerment workshops, and specific measures to deepen international cooperation. These plans aim to translate the forum’s outcomes into long-term impacts, solidifying youth’s central role in global climate action.

A Call to Action for Global Youth

This forum sent a clear message to the world: youth are at the heart of climate action. They are not only affected by climate change but are also the solution providers. By empowering and supporting youth, we can infuse global climate efforts with renewed momentum and drive toward a sustainable future. As echoed during the forum:
“A green future is not just our choice—it is our commitment.”