Climate change has become a hot topic in today’s society, and one that is of great concern to millennials and GenZs worldwide. The 2021 Global Young Leaders Dialogue (GYLD) Annual Forum brought up this very issue with a panel of outstanding young representatives from varied fields during its two-day concluding session in Beijing from July 29 to 30. 

The year 2021 thus far has witnessed several promising outlooks in the field of climate change. In February, the United States announced its return to the Paris Agreement. Some five months later, on July 14, the European Union (EU) adopted its first ambitious climate bill, laying out a “roadmap to turn Europe’s bold emissions goals into concrete commitments and legislative action,” according to EU policymakers.

China on its part has incorporated the creation of an ecological civilization into its national strategic layout, actively cooperated with other countries in climate governance. At the 75th General Assembly of the United Nations, China announced it would peak its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

In the face of these global challenges that affect the future of humanity, the question remains how international actors, ranging from countries to organizations and enterprises, should collaborate. Panelists at the GYLD Annual Forum exchanged their ideas on how to inspire, engage and mobilize younger generations in the promotion and progress of sustainable development by using their creativity and knowledge.

China International Publishing Group journalist Rafael Zerbetto, one of the participants, said, “It’s all about education and incorporating sustainable development into the school curriculum and making sure kids today gain the right understanding and practical application of the various sustainable concepts out there, from recycling to carbon emissions reduction.” 

Kseniya Otmakhova, Lead Manager of Beijing-based Ballistic Architecture Machine’s New Silk Road Initiatives, chimed in by adding that, “Younger generations are value-driven, and sometimes almost ideologically so. However, their values must also align with the realities of daily life. Otherwise, their value-driven choices may result in disappointment.” 

Joseph Mendo’o, co-founder of the China-Africa Youth Foundation and head of the delegation of African Youth in China, emphasized, “Young people must indeed get innovative and look into the use of new technologies, but should never forget about the natural resources in front of them already. They must learn to sustain what they have.”

All panelists unanimously agreed on one thing: further comprehensive communication on the topic is fundamental. 

Knowledge is power. 

Jointly initiated by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, the GYLD program is designed to nurture opinion leaders under the age of 45 from all regions, sectors, and disciplines, and foster a border-transcending dialogue among them.

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