Empowering youth engagement in climate action

Successful strategies for environmental action

Hnin Wai Wai Aung explained Thant Myanmar’s initiatives, such as public awareness campaigns and community-driven waste management projects. She emphasized the importance of behavior change in reducing plastic waste and highlighted successful collaborations with local communities and organizations. Her insights showed that grassroots efforts and education drive sustainable practices.

Kyaw Nyunt Linn provided examples of Doh Eain’s climate adaptation projects, which focus on preserving heritage while improving public spaces. He emphasized the importance of integrating local knowledge into these projects, stating, “Local knowledge is the expert knowledge, and they (communities) should be the center of every action we do.” His experiences demonstrated that involving communities in planning and execution leads to more resilient urban environments.

Kyaw Sit Naing explained how the Yangon School of Social Work incorporates climate action principles into its curriculum. He pointed out that social workers can play a significant role in fostering community involvement in climate action. He encouraged young people to pursue their environmental efforts consistently, saying, "Environmental actions need continuous practice and raising awareness."

Role of youth in climate action

The three panelists unanimously agreed on the critical role of youth in climate action. Young people, they noted, bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Hnin Wai Wai Aung encouraged youth to lead by example in their daily lives by reducing plastic usage and promoting sustainable practices among peers. She stressed that small individual actions could collectively make a significant impact.

Kyaw Nyunt Linn urged young people to use local knowledge and engage in community-driven initiatives. He highlighted the importance of youth acting as a bridge between traditional knowledge and modern climate adaptation strategies. His message was clear: empowered youth can drive meaningful change at the community level.

Kyaw Sit Naing focused on the potential of young social workers to involve communities in climate action. He argued that social workers are uniquely positioned to simultaneously address social and environmental issues. Young social workers can help build resilience and promote sustainable practices by engaging with communities.

Challenges and recommendations

The panelists also discussed young people's challenges in contributing to climate action. These include financial constraints, limited networking opportunities, and political and social barriers. Despite these obstacles, the speakers offered several recommendations:

• Education and awareness: Increasing access to education and awareness programs to equip youth with the knowledge and skills needed for effective climate action.
• Networking and collaboration: Creating platforms for youth to network and collaborate with other stakeholders, including NGOs, government bodies, and international organizations.
• Support and resources: Providing financial support and resources to help young people implement their ideas and projects.

Ways forward

The "Youth Engagement in Climate Actions" event highlighted young people's potential and passion for addressing climate change. The insights shared by the speakers demonstrated that youth are not just leaders for the future but changemakers in the present. We can harness their energy and creativity to drive significant environmental progress by fostering an environment that supports and empowers young people.

As we move forward, SYP is committed to environmental sustainability and engaging in climate actions with the hope of building a sustainable future. We will continue to build on these discussions, ensuring that the voices of young people remain at the forefront of climate action initiatives. This event is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of youth engagement in creating a sustainable and resilient society in Myanmar.

This piece reflects on the "Youth Engagement in Climate Actions" event organized by SUMERNET Young Professionals (SYP) in Yangon on June 22, 2024. The event aimed to inspire and empower young people to take active roles in climate action, providing them with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to address environmental challenges. The event drew around 30 participants from diverse backgrounds, including education, the private sector, non-profit organizations, environmental advocacy, and engineering.

*Photo 1: Mr. Kyaw Nyunt Lin shared his insight on the importance of localization and community engagement. Photo: SYP Myanmar.

*Photo 2: Mr. Kyaw Sit Naing encouraged the youth to continue efforts for climate action. Photo: SYP Myanmar.

*Photo 3: Attendees of "Youth Engagement in Climate Actions" SYP Myanmar Event. Photo: SYP Myanmar.