Empowering youth for sustainable development pathways: Perspectives of youth in China

The role of youth in addressing environmental issues

Dr. Li Lailai, member of the SUMERNET steering committee emphasized the critical role of youth in addressing climate change in the Mekong region. She highlighted that technological innovation is vital while climate change impacts accelerate, and adaptation is essential. Youth are uniquely positioned to drive this innovation by embracing new technologies and creative solutions. Dr. Lailai encouraged young people to think beyond traditional frameworks and leverage their creativity to significantly impact sustainable development.

Inspired by Dr. Lailai and other young professionals, the participants shared their perspectives on the role of youth in addressing environmental issues.

We, young people, may be victims of climate change, but we are also INNOVATORS and ACTIVISTS (a participant).

Another participant emphasized the agility of youth in adapting to new technologies:

Young people can quickly embrace cutting-edge innovations to tackle environmental challenges. We should leverage these technologies to lead a new wave of international environmental awareness.

The youth also discussed the importance of promoting meaningful participation in environmental initiatives. They suggested collaborating with corporations and utilizing technology for dissemination. One participant likened promoting sustainable development to selling a product: “We should think about who our ‘target customers’ are, what interests them, and what they hope to gain from sustainable activities.”

However, young people face challenges, such as a lack of funding and field experience. Some felt that the influence of young people is still restricted, making it challenging to drive significant change.

“I’m starting with the man in the mirror. I’m asking him to change his ways. If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then make a change.” Mr. Shi Youwei, a PhD candidate at Peking University, shared the lyrics from the song Man in the Mirror. He encouraged young people to begin with themselves and to initiate change, even if it starts small.

Despite the challenges, Ms. Zhang Yu, founder of GreenGeek and a student at the Communication University of China, offered an optimistic perspective: “As young people, we often find that senior experts are eager to support us, offering their guidance and resources. That’s a big advantage of being young.” She urged the participants to adopt a positive mindset and take the first step toward making a difference.

Looking forward

The youth participants called for more significant support and resources to effectively contribute towards sustainable development and address the existing challenges. They emphasized the need for information channels, knowledge-sharing platforms, and comprehensive training systems. The participants expressed a desire for more opportunities to learn from senior experts and peers and gain a deeper understanding of the Mekong Region by bridging information gaps. SYP is expected to provide a platform for regular knowledge exchange, both online and in person.

The youth are eager to participate in SUMERNET projects, particularly those focused on social inclusion, and are ready to tell Chinese stories to the broader community.

Conclusion

Youth demonstrate significant potential in regional and global sustainability and environmental protection efforts. They actively seek solutions to challenges through innovative thinking and diverse interdisciplinary backgrounds. SYP should offer more communication and international exchange opportunities as a youth network to meet the youth's learning and participation expectations. Through these efforts, youth can more effectively contribute to sustainable development and play a crucial role in future environmental governance.

This piece reflects on the "Decarbonization and energy transition: Empowering youth for sustainable development in the Mekong Region" event organized by SUMERNET Young Professionals (SYP) in Beijing on June 30, 2024. The event aimed to inspire young people to be actively involved in sustainable development and contribute towards making the Mekong Region more resilient and sustainable through meaningful collaboration.

*Photo 1: Participants playing an SDG board game to understand SDGs better. Photo: Bouanong Lathouly.

*Photo 2: Dr. Li Lailai encouraged young people to think outside the box and leverage their strength to make change. Photo: Bouanong Lathouly.

*Photo 3: Participants of SYP National Event in Beijing, China. Photo: Bouanong Lathouly.