Building a Green Generation: Empowering Youth to Shape a Sustainable Future at COP29
November 22, 2024
The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) themed "In Solidarity for a Green World" took place in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11 to 22, 2024. The Conference is organized around two primary zones: the Blue Zone: the formal negotiation space managed by the UNFCCC where government representatives, negotiators, and accredited observers who discuss global climate policies, strategies, and agreements are hosted. The Blue Zone is where critical decisions are made, such as setting climate finance goals and reviewing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs); and the Green Zone: a space showcasing contributions from various stakeholders, including businesses, NGOs, indigenous groups, and youth organizations, that is open to the public. The Green Zone serves as an interactive hub for exhibitions, discussions, and demonstrations of climate innovations and community-driven solutions. These zones collectively emphasize the importance of collaboration between governments, private sectors, and civil society to address climate challenges effectively.
Junior Achievement was involved in a Green Zone event hosted by our partner, Deloitte on November 18, 2024. This event was held on Day 8 of COP29 that was focused on Human Development, Children and Youth, Health, Education. Kirk Kenny, Chief Development Officer at Junior Achievement Asia Pacific, took part in Deloitte’s COP29 pavilion session, “Building a Green Generation: Youth Perspectives on Driving Change.” A panel discussion was hosted by Moderator- Stasha Santifort, Global Sustainability & Climate Leader and Panelists:
Hikaru Hayakawa, Executive Director and Founding Director, Climate Cardinals
Louise Graymore, Chief of Private Climate Partnerships, UNICEF
Kirk Kenny, Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific, Junior Achievement
Martin Baxter, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, IEMA
Kirk Kenny emphasized how JA’s mission to inspire and prepare young people for success in the workplace aligns closely with empowering youth to take meaningful climate action. He highlighted the importance of equipping young people with essential green skills—not just to excel in future careers but also to develop innovative, sustainable businesses. Kirk also shared insights into JA’s experiential learning approach, which combines practical experiences with values-based education. He underscored the pivotal role that businesses can play in supporting and advancing such initiatives, fostering a generation capable of driving both economic and environmental progress.