Youth Leadership at the Forefront of Global Sustainable Development

In January, Gege Dong (Founder of Love&Future)  and Shuhan Li (Program Manager at Love&Future)  had the privilege of attending the 2024 ECOSOC Partnership Forum at the United Nations Headquarters with our professor Dr. Pamela Koch. The forum, a pivotal event for global dialogue and cooperation, revolved around the critical theme of “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions”. It gathered leaders and practitioners from various fields, including technology, education, food security, urban planning, and beyond. Within the short one-day period, we got to explore the strategies for multistakeholder collaboration in climate actions, food security, and education transformation. While the events were divided according to the specific SDGs, we deeply realized that we could not talk about these goals in silos. If we are to address one, we must consider all the others. The interconnectedness of these goals further necessitates transnational and transdisciplinary solidarity.

The partnership forum allowed us to network with multi-stakeholders, learn about the different types of climate action and education being developed, and communicate new ideas, expectations, and priorities for the work ahead in SDGs. During the side event, we exchanged insights with local authorities, major group leaders, young entrepreneurs as well as academics and professionals. In particular, we got the chance to talk with mayors about the most urgent issues to our society and our planet: quality education, youth participation, climate change, and so much more. We have reiterated the importance of having youth at the center of the decision-making table. Change cannot happen without unity, nor would it take place without young people’s power.

Recalling the core missions of our Center for Sustainable Futures, we felt more determined to do something tangible for the next generation. As educators, we are always concerned about how to leverage young people’s knowledge, skills, and leadership to give back to their community. We are dedicated to promoting climate literacy, creating inclusive spaces for vulnerable communities, and preparing the next generation for better integration into the global community. We need actions speak louder than words. What issues do they care about the most? What skills and resources do they need? What are their biggest obstacles and how can they conquer the difficulties? What the role of education can play? The answers to these questions require persistent conversations directly with young people and on a whole-society scale.

The Partnership Forum is only the beginning of a long quest in 2024 journey. We hope to continuously be the trailblazer of transformative education and youth empowerment.

Writer: Gege Dong (Founder and CEO of Love&Future) Shuhan Li (Program Manager of Love&Future) https://www.tc.columbia.edu/sustainability/news/stories/2024-partnership-forum-of-the-economic-and-social-council-reflection/