When Young People Come Together to Discuss Sustainable Development
How can young people turn concern for the environment into meaningful action?
That question was at the heart of “Getting to Green - Youth Leading the Way,” a talk show organized by the UEF Center of Service-Learning on the morning of October 23. The event gave UEF students an opportunity to hear first-hand experiences from young people engaged in climate action and to explore how they themselves could contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
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The program attracted a large number of enthusiastic UEF students.
The program welcomed Ms. Dang Phuong Lan, Trade, Economics and Education Adviser, Embassy of Sweden, and Ms. Siri Ankarfors, Youth Delegate to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Representing UEF were Dr. Nhan Cam Tri, Vice President of UEF, and Ms. Tran Thi My Phuong, LL.M, Director of the UEF Center of Service-Learning, along with a large number of UEF students.
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UEF representatives presented gifts and letters of appreciation to the speakers and guests.
During the session, Ms. Siri Ankarfors spoke about climate change from both a global and personal perspective. She shared stories from her journey to becoming a youth delegate in Sweden and discussed what she had learned through her involvement in climate-related initiatives.
Ms. Siri Ankarfors emphasized that young people play an important role in building communities toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With their creativity, dynamism, and pioneering spirit, young people have the ability to drive positive change in society. They are not only beneficiaries of sustainable development but can also take the lead in implementing sustainable solutions.
In addition, technological development has opened up numerous opportunities for young people to connect and collaborate globally. Through social media and online platforms, they can share ideas, strategies, and experiences, creating a strong global network to support the SDGs.
Furthermore, young people can participate in policies and decision-making processes related to sustainable development by engaging in discussions and forums. This allows their voices to be heard and enables them to contribute to policymaking.
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The speaker provided UEFers with valuable insights and knowledge.
For students wondering where to begin, Ms. Ankarfors offered a straightforward suggestion: start by understanding what you already know and what you still need to learn.
Contributing to a greener society does not require everyone to follow the same path. Different fields call for different knowledge and skills. What matters is finding ways to apply one's abilities in a manner that reduces environmental impact and supports more sustainable forms of development.
She also encouraged students to become involved in community and environmental activities whenever possible. Such experiences can help young people develop practical skills, better understand real social issues, and discover where their own strengths can make a difference.
The discussion soon became a two-way exchange as UEF students raised questions and explored different aspects of the topic with the speaker.
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UEF students confidently raised questions to explore different aspects of the topic.
By the end of the program, students had gained not only a broader understanding of the SDGs but also a more practical view of what youth participation in sustainable development can look like.
The conversation showed that climate action does not always begin with a large project or an ambitious plan. It can begin with learning more about an issue, joining a community initiative, developing a useful skill, speaking up in the right space, or simply choosing to become involved.
For UEF students, “Getting to Green - Youth Leading the Way” was an opportunity to hear how another young person had found her place in the climate conversation, and, perhaps more importantly, to consider where their own journey might begin.
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