Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future

Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future: Insights from the 2024 CIES Conferences

This week, our team had the incredible opportunity to present our behavioral climate change education project at the 2024 Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) conference. The experience was profoundly enlightening, reinforcing my belief that education is inherently radical. It is a transformative tool capable of instigating societal change. Our presentation highlighted innovative approaches to climate change education, focusing on how we can harness the potential of the record-breaking 1.8 billion young people in the world today.

The Rising Concern of Climate Change Among Youth

Climate change has emerged as the top concern for young people globally. The environmental degradation resulting from climate change is not a distant threat but an imminent harm affecting their daily lives. The adverse impacts on their physical health, socio-emotional well-being, and academic and career outlooks are evident. However, despite their deep concern, many young people lack the resources and opportunities to learn about the climate crisis and develop crucial skills. This deficiency has widened the gap between their aspirations and actions, leaving the talent gap open.

The Enthusiasm and Challenges of Gen-Z

Studies show that about 70% of Gen-Zers are willing to proactively devise climate change solutions and take direct action on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, key stakeholders have noted that young people aged 15-24 years old often lack access to skill-building programs. Moreover, employers frequently fail to recognize the unique competencies of young candidates that contribute to their intended job positions.

Addressing Youth Concerns Through Education

Addressing the top concerns of young people requires a multifaceted approach that spans various sectors simultaneously. Here are some key insights into what issues young people care about the most, the skills and resources they need, their biggest obstacles, and how education can play a transformative role:

1. Key Issues for Young People:

• Climate Change: The foremost concern, affecting their health, well-being, and future prospects.

• Social Stability and Economic Recovery: The SDG talent gap hinders sustainable development, impacting their communities and job markets.

• Skill Building: The need for programs that equip them with practical skills to address climate challenges.

2. Necessary Skills and Resources:

• Climate Literacy: Comprehensive education on the science of climate change and its impacts.

• Technical Skills: Training in sustainable technologies, renewable energy, and green practices.

• Leadership and Advocacy: Empowering youth to lead climate action initiatives and advocate for policy changes.

3. Overcoming Obstacles:

• Access to Education: Expanding access to formal and informal educational opportunities.

• Recognition of Competencies: Employers and educational institutions must better identify and value the unique skills of young people.

• Resource Allocation: Increasing investment in youth-led climate action projects and educational programs.

4. The Role of Education:

• Storytelling: Serving as a catalyst for building community, fostering empathy, and initiating localized actions.

• Tech-Savvy Pedagogy: Leveraging the technological prowess of youth to engage them in climate education.

• Multistakeholder Partnerships: Bringing together talents from various industries and disciplines to guide youth in their quest for climate education and activism.

• Beyond the Classroom: Education must extend beyond traditional settings, integrating experiential learning and community engagement.

Love & Future’s Approach to Climate Change Education

Our programs at Love & Future (L&F) are designed to delve deep into young people’s top concerns about climate change and social injustice through interactive workshops, podcasts, and panel discussions. We provide an open platform for youth to share their stories, build communities, and celebrate different cultures.

Digital Media and Hybrid Learning:

With the assistance of digital media, our virtual and hybrid education/vocational training programs enable youth around the world to socialize, exchange insights, and forge transnational allyship. These platforms support intergenerational conversations and multistakeholder partnerships, connecting young people with educators, scholars, industry leaders, and youth entrepreneurs, unconstrained by physical distances.

Youth-Led Innovation Incubator:

Our youth-led innovation incubator amplifies young voices on climate and social issues, personal development, and self-exploration. Youth reflect on how they can better collaborate with family, friends, and local communities to achieve SDGs through love, endeavor, and compassion.

Youth Initiatives and Leadership:

We see the huge potential in today’s tech-savvy and aspiring youth with change-making agency. Our pedagogy centers on youth voices and their lived experiences, promoting youth initiatives and leadership.

Multistakeholder and Intergenerational Dialogues:

We bring young people together with educators, scholars, social workers, and entrepreneurs to share skills and stories. These dialogues foster a community of care and mutual support.

Intersectionality and Humanism:

We view climate change as both an environmental and a social issue. Our work is rooted in humanism, leveraging youth agency to carry out climate actions

Program Highlights"

• Digital Literacy: Teaching high school students to use social media and emerging technology to share stories and forge global connections.

• Remote Learning Modules: Offering 8 remote learning modules that democratize knowledge about SDGs and emerging technology.

• Tech and Humanity Podcast Topics: Covering themes such as sustainable wellness, youth leadership, climate migrants, ecofeminism, and indigenous knowledge.

Actions and Outcomes:

• Building Awareness: Increasing awareness about climate issues and sustainable practices.

• Sharing Stories: Empowering youth to share their experiences and insights.

• Forging Alliances: Creating global networks and alliances for collective action.

• Sparking Inspirations: Inspiring youth to take proactive steps towards sustainability.

Our initial outcomes have been promising. We’ve gained strong support from our youth audience, connected young people with youth educators and leaders, and brought youth voices to larger platforms.

In the age of possibilities, every young person can be a change maker, building a sustainable future. By giving them the chance to create, we enable them to reach heights beyond imagination. Education is not only a key to success but also a power for survival.

As we reflect on the insights shared at the CIES conference, we are more convinced than ever that the future lies in the hands of our youth. It is our responsibility as educators, activists, and leaders to provide them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we can transform education into a force for climate action and social change, ensuring a better world for generations to come.