The problem
The inextricable link between climate change and the rights of future generations is often overlooked in policy discussions, leaving youth voices underrepresented in addressing these interconnected issues.
Goals
The Transnational Youth Forum 2022 aimed to:
- Foster mutual dialogue between youth, experts, and policymakers on climate change’s impact on the rights of future generations.
- Raise awareness and inspire action through education and policy recommendations.
- Encourage active participation of young people in policy advocacy at national and international levels.
Approach
The project, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Commission, brought together stakeholders from various countries to engage in a structured dialogue on climate justice and human rights. Key elements included:
- Workshops and Research Projects
Youth participants prepared five research projects over a year, culminating in the publication of the final report: “Climate Change, Global Concerns, and the Rights of Future Generations.” - Advocacy Training and Recommendations
Forty participants from Cyprus, Portugal, Italy, and the UK attended an advocacy workshop in Nicosia. They developed and presented policy recommendations to local and international stakeholders. - Collaborations and Discussions
The final conference provided a platform for engaging environmental NGOs, youth organizations, and policymakers to amplify the youth perspective on climate change and intergenerational rights.
Features
The initiative’s strengths included a collaborative environment fostering youth-led research, capacity-building activities, and dissemination of key findings through online and offline channels.
Lessons learned
- Engaging policymakers in meaningful dialogue required innovative strategies to ensure their participation.
- Visibility and advocacy were essential to amplifying youth voices in institutional environments.
Key Outcomes
- The final report and policy recommendations provided actionable insights for stakeholders.
- Awareness was raised through dissemination efforts, reaching broader audiences and encouraging participation in climate justice initiatives.
What you can do
Use the report’s findings as a reference to organize local advocacy campaigns and workshops. Engage with stakeholders to discuss the importance of linking climate action to intergenerational equity.
For more information, visit the Hope for Children CRC Policy Centre.