Green Deal Calls for Youth Inclusion in Green Skills to Promote Environmental Justice
As the world celebrate the International Youth Day with the call to address the crucial challenges encountered by young people, Green Deal, an organization that focuses on empowering and equipping grassroot communities, Human Rights Defenders with strategic tools to advocate for climate action has asked relevant authorities to provide skills to young people and empower them to champion environmental justice to enable them effectively respond to the escalating global climate crisis.
In a press statement issued August 12, 2023, titled Empowering Youth for a Sustainable and Environmentally Conscious Future’, Green Deal noted that Uganda’s youth play a pivotal role in this struggle and should be provided with opportunities and platforms to voice their concerns.
‘’ As we commemorate this year’s International Youth Day, we acknowledge the vital role of youth as emerging Environmental Human Rights Defenders. This year’s commemoration centered on the theme “Green skills for youth: Towards a sustainable World” reminds us of the pressing need to equip young people with skills and knowledge to love, protect and defend the environment. At Green Deal we are aware that this calls for concerted efforts through innovative strategies, collaborative efforts and active participation of our youth’’, reads a statement from Green Deal.
Uganda boasts one of the world’s largest youth populations, affording the country a youth dividend that can either be harnessed for positive change or neglected at their own peril.
‘’As an organization, our primary objective is to equip Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs) with the tools needed to safeguard our environment. In harmony with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Green Deal Uganda acknowledges the intrinsic link between environmental conservation and the achievement of broader societal and economic goals. This year’s international theme aligns with persistent environmental concerns, serving as a reminder that each individual carries the responsibility of equipping young people with green skills. These skills empower them to champion environmental justice and effectively respond to the escalating global climate crisis’’, reads further the statement.
The theme for International Youth Day in 2023 is ‘Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World’
‘’we implore government agencies, civil society, private sector partners, and all stakeholders to address the recurring challenges faced by young people in as far as participation is concerned. These challenges encompass areas such as unemployment, education, financial resources to foster innovation, and the impacts of climate disruption. Furthermore, it is of paramount importance that our youth are equipped with green skills, which will steer us toward a green economy and contribute to the realization of the 2030 Agenda. Our organization remains unwavering in its commitment to equipping young emerging Human Rights Defenders with the necessary skills and knowledge’’.
This preparation according to the Green Deal will enable them to be potent advocates for climate justice and a sustainable society, ultimately fostering a green economy.
‘’On this International Youth Day, let us persist in empowering and supporting young people from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that equal access to opportunities prevails for all. Together, we can construct a future where the youth stand as defenders of human rights, guardians of the environment, and champions of a sustainable world’’,concludes the statement.