Empowering Youth for Sustainable solutions: Leadership in Nature Conservation and Green Innovation
“Transforming the world with youth driven solutions”
Event Abstract:
The Youth Leadership and Green Innovation Seminar at COP29 aims to unite young leaders from more than 15 countries to address critical environmental challenges through sustainable solutions. This event will showcase the power of youth in driving nature conservation and promoting green entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on leveraging artificial intelligence. Through inspiring keynote presentations and an engaging panel discussion, participants will explore innovative strategies, exchange best practices, and forge partnerships to implement actionable initiatives for a sustainable future.
Background:
As the world faces escalating environmental challenges, the need for innovative and sustainable solutions has become increasingly urgent. Recognizing this, the recent UN Environment Programme’s Global Environment Outlook emphasizes that “Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today.” Youth participation is crucial, as it not only brings fresh perspectives but also mobilizes collective action towards sustainability. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) underscores the importance of amplifying the voices of youth in conservation efforts, recognizing their role as key stakeholders in shaping environmental policies and practices. In this context, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) highlights the vital role of digital technologies in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development. By empowering youth to leverage connectivity and innovation, we can foster a new wave of solutions that reflect their unique experiences and aspirations. This forum will provide a dynamic platform for young leaders to engage with experts, exchange ideas, and explore the role of technology—particularly AI tools—in driving green innovation and entrepreneurship. Our aim is to harness the energy, creativity, and leadership potential of youth worldwide to advance nature conservation and sustainable business practices.
Organizers:
- Primary Youth Organizers:
Global Youth Leadership Development Council (GYLDC) - International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Youth Advisory Council
Specialized Co-Organizers:
- United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- Europe-Asia Center(EAC)
- Green AI Institute
Key Focus Areas:
- Youth Leadership: Empowering young leaders to take actionable steps towards sustainability.
- Nature Conservation: Highlighting the importance of preserving ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Green Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Promoting sustainable business practices and innovative solutions.
- AI for Green Entrepreneurship: Exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance entrepreneurial efforts in sustainability and environmental conservation.
Objectives:
- Empower Youth Leadership: Equip young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take actionable steps towards sustainability and environmental stewardship in their communities
- Facilitate Knowledge Exchange: Provide a platform for participants to share best practices, innovative strategies, and success stories in nature conservation and green entrepreneurship, fostering a collaborative learning environment
- Promote Green Innovation: Highlight the importance of sustainable business practices and the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing entrepreneurial efforts aimed at addressing environmental challenges
- Amplify Youth Voices: Ensure that the perspectives and insights of youth are recognized and integrated into discussions on environmental policies and practices, emphasizing their role as key stakeholders in sustainability
- Encourage Networking and Partnerships: Facilitate connections between youth, international organizations, and industry leaders to foster collaboration and support for ongoing sustainability initiatives
- Explore Technological Solutions: Investigate how digital technologies, particularly AI, can be leveraged to drive innovative solutions for sustainability and environmental conservation
- Inspire Collective Action: Mobilize participants to commit to specific actions and initiatives that contribute to the advancement of nature conservation and green entrepreneurship.
Target Audience: Youth leaders, environmental activists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and stakeholders in the fields of sustainability and technology.
Date: Nov 13, 2024
| Agenda COP29 side-event at WWF Pavilion, Blue Zone, Baku
Moderator: Alice HO, Global University Alliance for Climate Change |
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| TIME | EVENT |
| 8:30 a.m. | Registration |
| 9 :00 a.m. to 9:05 a.m. | Welcoming remarks
• GYLDC • IUCN |
| 9 :05 a.m. to 9:25 a.m. | Keynote Speeches
● Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ● TBC, Vice Preseident, New Development Bank ● Mr. Erik Solheim, Former Under Secretary-General of the United Nations, Former Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Chairman, Europe-Asia Center(EAC) ● Mr. SHI Yongxin, Abbot, Shaolin Temple ● TBC, UNITAR |
| 9 :20 a.m. to 9:55 a.m. | Panel Discussion
“From Vision to Action: Implementing Sustainable Solutions Globally by multi-stakeholders” Moderator: William Wang, Director-General, Shanghai Climate Week Youth Council ● Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ● Mr. Erik Solheim, Former Under Secretary-General of the United Nations, Former Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) ● UNITAR ● Asian Development Bank ● Youth Representative, Harvard University/Green AI Institute ● Youth Representative, Anke de Boer, Chief of Staff, Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet ● Youth Representative, Peking University ● Youth Representative, WWF Youth delegation |
| 9:55 am to 10:00am | Closing Remarks and Group Photo |