Download the Youth Leadership and Climate Action Symposium Program and Schedule (PDF format):

SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM AND SCHEDULE

As you are well aware, climate change is among the greatest global challenges facing humanity today. The effects of rising ocean levels and unpredictable weather patterns are already a real threat to human existence and livelihoods. Human actions, deliberate or otherwise, contribute immensely to this global devastation.

Climate change agreements and protocols have been made at various global fora, but at times competing economies of efficiency, economies of location and urbanization have suppressed these good intentions.

Gaia 2031, focusing on children, youth, adults and policy makers outlines the possible mitigative human actions and behavior that must be encouraged and practiced in order to preserve life through environmental conservation, among other actions.

Children Now is of the firm conviction that thought leaders around the world have a compelling obligation and duty to urgently address these climate change challenges. It is out of this realization that Children Now decided to organize this symposium which will bring together global thought leaders. It is expected that practical and actionable initiatives will be developed from the symposium proceedings, such as:

• Appropriate climate action material will be harvested and repackaged for dissemination to children through schools, sports, religious outlets and communities.

• Information and best practices that can influence behavior change in individuals, governments and corporations to help make the larger global population more ethically and environmentally sensitive and responsible.

• Identified areas in which governments, academia and other stakeholders can engage in placing the concerns of the youth and children at the center of climate change actions.

The vision for the symposium is a healthy planet earth that can sustain life, especially human life, in perpetuity.

The mission is to develop youth leadership for climate action and inspire every human being to participate in protecting the environment.

The symposium aims to address:

1. The need to encourage and maintain human behavior which is consistent with environmental conservation efforts.

2. Suggest and encourage actions which are supportive and sensitive to the preservation of life in general.

3. Support consumption and livelihood patterns which are sensitive, respective and supportive to the future generations.

4. Outline areas in which governments, academia and other stakeholders can engage in placing the concerns of the youth and children at the center of environmental conservation efforts. A possibility of a pilot program to inculcate youth and children into a culture that is sympathetic and sensitive to environmental conservation issues could form a part of the discussion. It will be a unique opportunity to share the knowledge, increase the awareness and deepen the discussion on climate change issues.

Overall topics discussed throughout the duration of the symposium include:

• Climate change and action - a global scenario

• Adapting to climate change - solutions and best practices

• Barriers to implementing climate change solutions

• Government policies and individual actions

• Education and corporate social responsibility

• Developing a climate action plan and charter of responsibilities

Sub-topics/Action areas

• Energy

• Biodiversity

• Water

• Diseases

• Food and agriculture

• Urbanization

• Resilient communities

Youth Leadership and Climate Action Newsletter Vol 1 - No 1

Youth Leadership and Climate Action Newsletter Vol 1 - No 2

Youth Leadership and Climate Action Newsletter Vol 1 - No 3

Youth Leadership and Climate Action Newsletter Vol 1 - No 4

Youth Leadership and Climate Action Newsletter Vol 2 - No 5

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Youth Leadership and Climate Action Newsletter Vol 3 - No 9

Youth Leadership and Climate Action Newsletter Vol 3 - No 10

Youth Leadership and Climate Action Newsletter Vol 3 - No 11

The Charter of Global Ecological Responsibilities launched following the International Symposium on Youth Leadership and Climate Action by Children Now

The aim of the Charter of Global Ecological Responsibilities is to safeguard the rights of all present and future generations to a healthy and ecologically balanced global environment. This is made possible by supporting and promoting the protection, enhancement and prudent care of the environment everywhere on Earth as well as to empower the youth as future environmental leaders to think holistically and envision truly creative solutions to ecological problems.

We invite you to read the Charter which provides details on the Responsibilities of Businesses, Governments, Parents & Educators, Individuals and the Media. Some of these responsibilities include reducing, reusing and recycling natural resources, and minimizing the demand for new materials by embracing circular economy principles. More details can be found in the Charter.

Read the charter here.