Highlighting critical role of youth in driving climate action
WVR - Accoding to German diplomat Simon Kreye, youth participation is key when it comes to addressing climate change.
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| Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Simon Kreye speaks at the event. (Photo: German Embassy in Hanoi) |
On October 9, 2024, the German Embassy in Hanoi, in partnership with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and the Academy of Journalism and Communication, hosted the event “Youth Engagement in Vietnam’s Just Transition” featuring a panel discussion and an exhibition showcasing the work of young Vietnamese on climate change related issues.
This event marked the 3rd edition of “Hanoi Climate Talks”, a series of events aimed at addressing various climate change-related topics. The theme for this talk highlighted the critical role of youth in driving climate action, advocating for sustainable practices, and shaping a just future for their communities.
In his opening speech, Simon Kreye, Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany emphasized: “Due to global warming, children born today are likely to face seven times more extreme weather events than their grandparents. Typhoon Yagi is one recent tragic example. Therefore, youth participation is key when it comes to addressing climate change. First, young people bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. Second, engaging youth in decision-making processes ensures that policies reflect the needs of future generations. To the journalism and communication students: Your role is vital. As future leaders, communicators, and storytellers you have a unique opportunity to raise awareness about climate change. Your words can inspire and empower people to take action. Achieving net-zero, here in Vietnam, in Germany and across the world is possible if all actors play along. We need the active engagement of young people."
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| Discussion panel at the event. (Photo: German Embassy in Hanoi) |
Supported by the German Embassy in Hanoi, and in collaboration with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, the youth took a central stage in the public event hosted by the Academy of Journalism and Communication under the Hanoi Climate Talks series. It allowed the audience to learn about the current stage of Vietnam's energy transition, raising awareness of the necessity for climate action in one of the most affected countries by climate change, and empowering participants to get involved.
The young climate ambassadors from the Green Youth Labs project, a training and innovation program funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and a representative from MONRE (Department of Climate Change) commented on the presentations and provided an outlook on the government's plan for a Just Energy Transition, facilitating dialogue between youth and policymakers. Following the panel discussion, an exhibition showcased contributions of youth representatives to Vietnam's climate action and their innovative ideas, fostering a shared commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.
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| Delegates at the event. (Photo: German Embassy in Hanoi) |
