Event: Youth Innovation Leads the Future: GSLDC Successfully Hosts “Climate Connections” Special Event at COP29 Green Zone

Baku, Azerbaijan, November 14, 2024 – The special event titled “Unlocking Youth Innovation for a Sustainable Global Future”, hosted by the UNITAR Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center (GSLDC) in the Green Zone of the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), garnered widespread attention. This event not only served as a critical component of global climate cooperation but also provided a significant platform for youth to showcase their innovation and leadership in addressing climate issues.

Opening Remarks: The Vital Role of Youth in Climate Action

The event was co-hosted by Jack (UN ICT Department Advisor and GSLDC COP29 Program Director) and Annie (Youth Ambassador of the International Youth Sustainable Innovation Conference). Drawing on their extensive experience and professional insights, the hosts guided the discussions with a high degree of interactivity and inspiration.

In the opening remarks, prominent speakers highlighted the importance of youth in climate action from various perspectives:

Erik Solheim (President of the Europe-Asia Center and former UN Under-Secretary-General) emphasized the immense innovative potential of youth and their indispensable role in achieving global climate goals. He urged the international community to enhance cooperation and provide more resources to help young people turn ideas into actions.

Marie Owens Thomsen (Senior Vice President and Chief Economist of the International Air Transport Association) underscored the importance of aligning science with policy. She noted that by integrating economic tools and policy innovation, young people could drive a balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

Helena McLeod (Deputy Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute) described youth as unique leaders of social change. She argued that green growth is not only a result of technological innovation but also requires active participation from all sectors of society, with youth playing an irreplaceable role.

Satya S. Tripathi (Chair of the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet and former UN Assistant Secretary-General) shared practical examples of youth involvement in international cooperation. He called for empowering youth, noting that this is not only support for the next generation but also a beacon of hope for the sustainable development of our planet. His speech received resounding applause.

Roundtable Forum: Key Pathways to Multisector Collaboration

A highlight of the event, the roundtable forum brought together renowned international experts and youth representatives to discuss innovative solutions combining technology and policy. Moderated by Janathan Schwestka (Deputy Director of the Europe Office at the Europe-Asia Center), the forum focused on how multi-stakeholder collaboration can advance global climate efforts.

Panelists included:

• Qiulin Liu (Climate Change Program Officer at the International Union for Conservation of Nature)
• Alice Ho (Director of Youth at the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate)
• Gismat Karimov (GSLDC Youth Climate Diplomacy Ambassador)
• Alexander Kormishin (President and Director-General of the BRICS Youth Energy Agency)
• Jiadan Yu (Chief of Public and Government Affairs at UNITAR’s Multilateral Diplomacy Division)

The discussion explored topics ranging from technological innovation to policy guidance and international collaboration. Panelists agreed that incorporating youth perspectives is essential for developing and deploying technological tools, particularly in interdisciplinary cooperation and policy implementation, where young people exhibit unique flexibility and leadership.

Looking Ahead: How Youth Can Advance Climate Goals

The event concluded with a summary speech by Grace Gao, a representative of the GSLDC organizers. She remarked, “Today’s discussions have demonstrated the tremendous potential of youth in the climate agenda. Moving forward, GSLDC will expand opportunities for youth participation and support their influence on the global stage.”

The GSLDC plans to launch several follow-up initiatives over the next year, including a global youth leadership training camp, climate tech education programs, and new partnerships with international organizations. These initiatives aim to empower youth and provide stronger support for achieving global climate goals.

Encouraging More Youth Participation in Global Climate Action

The success of the “Climate Connections” event reaffirmed the central role of youth in climate action. By empowering and integrating resources, young people are not just the hope of the future but are also the changemakers of the present. This event injected new momentum into global climate cooperation and provided a broader international platform for emerging youth leaders.