Youth Take Center stage in Global Sustainable Progress Efforts
Jakarta, January 13, 2025 – In a groundbreaking event organized by the UN in Indonesia and the Danish embassy,over 2,000 young leaders from five continents gathered for the international conference,“Uniting Youth: Youth-led Actions on a Global Scale for Sustainable Development.” Held in collaboration with the UN Association Indonesia (UNAI) and the Indonesia Youth Development Program (IYDP), the conference underscored the pivotal role of youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The Sustainable Development Goals are very vital,” emphasized Miklos Gaspar, Director of UNIC Indonesia. ”This reminds us of extensive and collaborative action and the importance of youth participation.” gaspar highlighted that the UN views youth as essential to sustainability efforts, ensuring their inclusion in transformative projects and empowering them to drive change within their communities.Jessica Lane, the 2024 Miss Earth, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Youth are not onyl part of the discussion but also have a role to lead. And we have the power to make a difference.” Her words resonated with the urgency for young peopel worldwide to take actionable steps toward sustainable development.
Key Themes and Discussions
Table of Contents
- Youth Take Center Stage in Global Lasting Progress Efforts: Insights from an Expert
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- The Role of Youth in Achieving the SDGs
- Youth and Habitat: Cooperation in Water and Waste Management
- Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities for Women in education
- Youth diplomacy as a Catalyst for Cultural Exchange and Sustainable Development
- A Global Network of Future Leaders
- Summary of Key Takeaways
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the conference focused on three critical themes:
- Youth and Habitat: Cooperation in Water and Waste Management
erika Torres Liquin, Environment Sector Councilor of the Danish Embassy, highlighted the collaboration between Denmark and Indonesia in sustainable water and waste management. She emphasized the role of youth initiatives and social media in driving impactful solutions.
- Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities for Women in Education
Rivalni Septiadi, an educator and UN Volunteer Australia, alongside Een Juliani, a national gender youth activist with UN Women Indonesia, stressed the importance of digital literacy, local collaborations, and overcoming barriers like sociocultural norms and economic inequality to empower women.
- youth Diplomacy as Catalyst in Cultural Exchange and Sustainable Development
Climate reality activist Ari Adipratomo emphasized the role of youth diplomacy in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and promoting environmentally friendly behaviors for a sustainable future.
A Global Network of Future Leaders
Bhagasjati Kusuma, Secretary General of UNA Indonesia, expressed his excitement at the turnout of future leaders.”This meeting will give young people a larger network to work together to address global issues,” he said. Romeo Matthew Pantouw,Hub Manager,added that young people must continue to amplify their voices and take practical actions to achieve the SDGs.
Vinicius Manfredini, a student from Paraíba State University in Brazil, shared his enthusiasm: “I am the only Brazilian here. So, I feel very connected to people from all over the world.”
Summary of Key Takeaways
| Theme | Key Points |
|—————————————-|——————————————————————————-|
| Youth and Environment | Collaboration in water and waste management; youth-driven solutions via social media. |
| Women in Education | Digital literacy, local partnerships, and overcoming sociocultural barriers. |
| Youth Diplomacy | Cross-cultural dialogue and eco-friendly practices for sustainable development. |
The conference not only highlighted the importance of youth leadership but also provided a platform for young leaders to connect, collaborate, and drive meaningful change. As the world moves closer to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the role of youth has never been more critical.For more insights into youth-led initiatives, explore how SDSN Youth is mobilizing global action.
stay updated with the latest news on sustainability and youth empowerment by following Tempo on Google News.
Youth Take Center Stage in Global Lasting Progress Efforts: Insights from an Expert
In January 2025, over 2,000 young leaders from across the globe gathered in Jakarta for the international conference, “Uniting Youth: youth-led Actions on a Global Scale for Sustainable Development.” Organized by the UN in Indonesia and the Danish Embassy, in collaboration wiht the UN Association Indonesia (UNAI) and the Indonesia Youth Development program (IYDP), the event highlighted the critical role of youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (sdgs). To delve deeper into the conference’s outcomes and the broader implications of youth-led sustainability efforts, we sat down with Dr.Amelia Hartono,a renowned expert in sustainable development and youth empowerment.
The Role of Youth in Achieving the SDGs
Senior Editor: Dr. Hartono, the conference emphasized the importance of youth in driving sustainable development. Why do you think young peopel are so pivotal to achieving the SDGs?
dr. Amelia Hartono: Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers of today. Their energy, creativity, and willingness to challenge the status quo make them uniquely positioned to drive innovative solutions for sustainability. Moreover, with the world facing unprecedented environmental and social challenges, the urgency for action has never been greater.Youth bring fresh perspectives and are frequently enough more adaptable to new technologies and collaborative approaches, which are essential for achieving the sdgs.
Youth and Habitat: Cooperation in Water and Waste Management
Senior Editor: One of the key themes at the conference was youth involvement in water and waste management.Can you elaborate on how young people are contributing to these areas?
Dr. Amelia Hartono: Absolutely. Young people are at the forefront of initiatives that address water scarcity and waste management. as an example, in Indonesia, youth-led projects have leveraged social media to raise awareness and mobilize communities for clean-up drives and water conservation efforts. These initiatives not only address immediate environmental issues but also foster a culture of sustainability. The collaboration between Denmark and Indonesia, as highlighted by Erika Torres Liquin, is a great example of how international partnerships can amplify the impact of youth-driven solutions.
Senior Editor: Another critical theme was empowering women in education. What are some of the challenges and opportunities in this area?
Dr. Amelia Hartono: Women and girls face numerous barriers to education, including sociocultural norms, economic inequality, and lack of access to digital resources.However, there are also significant opportunities for change. Digital literacy programs, local partnerships, and youth-led advocacy can help overcome these barriers. Educators like Rivalni Septiadi and activists like Een Juliani are doing amazing work in this space, ensuring that women and girls are not left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development.
Youth diplomacy as a Catalyst for Cultural Exchange and Sustainable Development
Senior Editor: The conference also touched on the role of youth diplomacy. How dose this contribute to sustainable development?
Dr. Amelia Hartono: Youth diplomacy fosters cross-cultural dialog and mutual understanding, which are essential for global cooperation on sustainability. By engaging in international exchanges and collaborative projects, young people can share best practices, learn from each other, and build a global network of future leaders. Climate reality activist Ari Adipratomo’s work is a testament to the power of youth diplomacy in promoting environmentally amiable behaviors and driving collective action for a sustainable future.
A Global Network of Future Leaders
Senior Editor: The conference brought together young leaders from around the world. How significant is this global network for achieving the SDGs?
Dr. Amelia Hartono: This global network is invaluable. It provides a platform for young leaders to connect, collaborate, and share ideas.As Bhagasjati Kusuma mentioned, such gatherings empower young people to work together on global issues.The enthusiasm and commitment of participants like Vinicius Manfredini, who traveled from Brazil, highlight the importance of these connections. By building a strong, interconnected community of young leaders, we can accelerate progress towards the SDGs and ensure a more sustainable future for all.
Summary of Key Takeaways
| Theme | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Youth and Environment | Collaboration in water and waste management; youth-driven solutions via social media. |
| Women in Education | Digital literacy, local partnerships, and overcoming sociocultural barriers. |
| Youth Diplomacy | Cross-cultural dialogue and eco-friendly practices for sustainable development. |
The conference not only highlighted the importance of youth leadership but also provided a platform for young leaders to connect, collaborate, and drive meaningful change. As the world moves closer to the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development, the role of youth has never been more critical. For more insights into youth-led initiatives, explore how SDSN Youth is mobilizing global action.
Stay updated with the latest news on sustainability and youth empowerment by following Tempo on Google News.
