Program Overview: Exploring Sustainability and Innovation: Youth Leadership and Climate Action by Multi-stakeholders

Program Overview: Exploring Sustainability and Innovation: Youth Leadership and Climate Action by Multi-stakeholders

This immersive program aims to equip university students with the knowledge, skills, and leadership tools necessary to address the urgent challenges of climate change, sustainable development, and the role of youth leadership in driving action. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on workshops, site visits, and cross-cultural dialogues, participants will engage with experts and leaders from international organizations, explore Japan’s innovative environmental practices, and gain practical experience in designing and advocating for climate action initiatives.

The event, hosted by the UNITAR Global SDGs and Leadership Center in partnership with the Global Youth Leadership Development Council, OSG Alliance, Japan-China Cultural Exchange Center, will take place from February 4 to February 9, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan. It will focus on the intersection of climate change, sustainable development, and youth leadership, providing participants with a holistic understanding of the global climate agenda, while offering opportunities to collaborate with peers and experts on actionable solutions. This program will empower students to become advocates for climate action and sustainability within their communities and beyond.

Event Background

The global community is increasingly recognizing the need for urgent action to address the intertwined challenges of climate change, sustainable development, and the role of youth in advancing solutions. With the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a framework, youth have become central to driving change at local, national, and global levels. As the impacts of climate change intensify, the need for innovative, collaborative, and inclusive solutions has never been greater. This program will provide a platform for youth leaders to engage with global experts and multistakeholders from various sectors to explore how they can contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

This event, titled Exploring Sustainability and Innovation: Youth Leadership and Climate Action by Multistakeholders, brings together university students from China, India, and ASEAN countries to explore the critical intersection of climate action, sustainable development, and youth leadership. It will focus on how young people can be instrumental in shaping policies, driving innovation, and advancing solutions to global climate challenges.

Through interactive sessions and field visits, participants will delve into topics such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate adaptation strategies, inclusive growth, biodiversity, and the role of multistakeholders (governments, the private sector, civil society, and youth) in accelerating action.

Target Audience

This program is primarily designed for university students from China, India, and ASEAN countries, especially those with a passion for or background in:

• Sustainable Development: Students studying environmental science, sustainability, international development, or related fields.
• Climate Action: Youth leaders, activists, and advocates involved in climate change, environmental protection, and sustainability projects.
• Leadership Development: Aspiring leaders in global governance, policy-making, entrepreneurship, or other fields with a focus on driving sustainable solutions.

Participants will have the opportunity to network with global experts and peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, forming a strong, cross-cultural network of youth committed to taking action on climate change and advancing sustainability.

Event Objectives

The primary objectives of the program are to:

Raise Awareness: Deepen understanding of the role of climate change in achieving the SDGs, and the importance of youth leadership in driving global efforts for sustainable development.

Empower Youth: Equip young people with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to become leaders and advocates for climate action, focusing on policy advocacy, innovation, and grassroots initiatives.

Promote Multistakeholder Collaboration: Foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing between youth leaders, international organizations, the private sector, and local communities, encouraging joint action on global climate challenges.

Enhance Global Leadership: Provide participants with the insights and tools needed to lead and advocate for sustainable development in their communities and on the international stage.

Develop Practical Skills: Strengthen participants’ problem-solving abilities, innovative thinking, and analytical skills through a combination of lectures, hands-on workshops, and field visits to relevant sites in Tokyo.

Build Cross-Cultural Understanding: Facilitate dialogue and collaboration among youth from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds, deepening mutual understanding and respect for different perspectives on climate action.

Broaden Knowledge of Climate Governance: Provide participants with practical exposure to international organizations such as the United Nations University and explore real-world climate solutions through visits to sustainable water management and waste management facilities in Tokyo.

Day-by-Day Agenda

Day 1: Arrival & Introduction
Date: February 4, 2025
Activities: Arrival in Tokyo, check-in at the National Olympic Youth Center.

• Meet fellow participants and program organizers.
• Overview of the program and setting expectations for the week.
• Icebreaker activities to foster networking and collaboration.

Day 2: Key Lectures on Climate Change and Global Governance
Date: February 5, 2025

Morning:

• Lecture: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals & Environmental Protection

Afternoon:

• Lecture: Climate Change and AI

Day 3: Climate Change and Inclusive Development
Date: February 6, 2025

Morning:

• Lecture: Climate Change and Inclusive Growth in Asia
  Expected supporter: ADB Institute
  Content: Exploring how climate change impacts economic growth and social inclusion across Asia, with case studies on integrating climate adaptation into social and economic policies.

Afternoon:

• Lecture: Climate Change and Biodiversity
  Expected supporter: IUCN
  Content: Understanding the effects of climate change on biodiversity, and exploring successful conservation strategies for protecting ecosystems and species at risk.

Day 4: Youth Dialogue & Leadership Development
Date: February 7, 2025

Morning:

International Youth Dialogue: Youth Perspectives on Climate Change
Location: University of Tokyo
Content: Youth leaders from around the world will discuss the challenges and solutions they face in addressing climate change. This dialogue will foster collaboration and inspire global action.

Lecture: Climate Change and Youth Leadership
Speaker: UNDP
Content: Highlighting the vital role of youth leadership in shaping climate policies and driving sustainable solutions, with examples of successful youth-led projects.

Afternoon:

• Workshop: Designing a Zero Carbon Campus & Climate Action Campaign
  Content: Participants will collaborate in teams to design a Zero Carbon Campus and create climate action campaigns, focusing on practical skills in project design, advocacy, and public communication.

Day 5: Site Visits & Student Presentations & Closing Ceremony
Date: February 8, 2025

Morning:

• Visit: United Nations University (UNU)
  Content: Participants will learn about UNU’s contributions to global environmental governance and how the university fosters international cooperation on sustainability.

Afternoon:

Student Presentations:
Participants will present their Zero Carbon Campus proposals and Climate Action Campaigns to a panel of experts, showcasing the innovative solutions developed during the program.

Event Wrap-Up:
A reflection on the key lessons learned, next steps for continuing involvement in climate action, and recognition of outstanding contributions.

Day 6: Site Visits & Real-World Cultural Exposure
Date: February 9, 2025

Morning:

• Visit: Tokyo Metropolitan Sewerage System (Water Reclamation Center)
  Content: A tour of one of the world’s most advanced water reclamation systems, showcasing Tokyo’s approach to sustainable water management and climate resilience in urban infrastructure.

Afternoon:

• • Free Activities & Self – Cultural Exploration:
    Participants will have the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of Tokyo. Suggested activities include:
    • Visit to Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple: Experience the traditional charm of old Tokyo and explore the famous Senso-ji Temple, one of the city’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temples.
    • Stroll through Ueno Park: Discover art, nature, and history at one of Tokyo’s most famous public parks, home to museums, temples, and a zoo.
    • Explore Meiji Shrine: Visit this iconic Shinto shrine, located in a beautiful forested area near Harajuku, to learn about Japan’s imperial history and spiritual traditions.
    • Shopping in Ginza District: For those interested in modern culture, explore Tokyo’s upscale shopping district, home to luxury boutiques, art galleries, and cafes.

 

• • Cultural Immersion Options:

• • • Try traditional Japanese tea ceremonies or calligraphy workshops.
    • Experience the bustling local markets or sample authentic Japanese cuisine.
    • Visit art galleries or interactive cultural exhibitions to deepen your understanding of Japanese traditions and contemporary culture.