Two Commonwealth Youth Networks covering climate and sustainability are hosting a virtual consultation for young people to exchange ideas and have input into Commonwealth work on protecting the environment in 2023.
The Climate Change Network (CYCN) and the Commonwealth Youth for Sustainable Urbanisation (CYSU) are hosting a virtual ‘Townhall’ meeting on 4 March 2023 at 7-8:30pm GMT to give young people the chance to input into the work the Commonwealth Secretariat, and the Youth Networks, undertake to help combat environmental and sustainability issues throughout 2023.
The event is free and is open to all under-30s with an interest in these areas.
This year is significant as it marks the 2023 Commonwealth Year of Youth. Mandated by Commonwealth Heads of Government, it will see 12 months of high-profile events designed to empower and support the 1.5bn under-30s living in the Commonwealth.
There is also an increased focus from leaders and stakeholders on youth-focused issues and policies, meaning there has never been a better time for young people to make their voices heard.
The ‘Townhall’ meeting invites young people from across and beyond the Commonwealth to consider how we can better unite and direct our efforts to improve measurable outcomes in our effort to mitigate the climate and sustainability crisis. Key features of the meeting include:
- A keynote speech from Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Development at The Commonwealth Secretariat;
- Reflection on key events and their outcomes over the past year (COP27, COP15, and the recent Commonwealth youth-focused meetings);
- A platform to hear Commonwealth youth perspectives on what the Commonwealth Youth Networks’ priorities for the theme of Climate and Sustainability should be for 2023.
Participants will be divided into groups to discuss some guiding questions on topics such as climate finance, energy transition, just transition and sustainable urbanisation. This input will be compiled, published and reflected on with the relevant stakeholders.
The feedback will also be used to support the production of annual youth statements like our youth statement on Climate presented at COP every year.
There will also be more details about the 13 Commonwealth Youth Networks, what areas each cover, available volunteering opportunities and how to join.
Should you not be able to join us live, please still fill in the Zoom registration form for us to capture your written input.
Learn more and register your interest to join one of the 13 Commonwealth Youth Networks
For further information, please contact: [email protected]
