Youth as Catalysts of Climate Action: Advancing Environmental Sustainability and the SDGs Beyond 2030, Hassan Alzain, Kibiriti Majuto

Hassan Alzainand Kibiriti Majuto
Yale University
USA

Abstract: 

Youth are emerging as one of the most powerful drivers of climate and sustainability action in the twenty-first century. From grassroots movements to formal representation at multilateral platforms, young leaders have demonstrated their ability to influence policy agendas, mobilize communities, and challenge traditional approaches to development. This paper examines the critical role of youth advocacy in advancing environmental sustainability and climate action as the world transitions beyond the 2030 deadline of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Drawing on case studies from both the Global South and Global North, the paper explores how youth-led networks and organizations contribute to shaping climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, while highlighting the systemic barriers that continue to limit meaningful youth participation in decision-making. It argues that youth must be positioned not merely as beneficiaries of sustainable development but as essential co-creators of solutions, particularly in areas such as climate justice, renewable energy transitions, and biodiversity protection.

The paper also assesses institutional frameworks, including the UNFCCC process and national climate strategies, to identify opportunities for integrating youth perspectives into policy design and implementation. By analyzing innovative models of youth-government-private sector collaboration, the study provides insights into how intergenerational partnerships can accelerate environmental sustainability, drive inclusive economic growth, and strengthen resilience in the post-2030 era.

Ultimately, this paper demonstrates that empowering youth as catalysts of climate action is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity for achieving long-term environmental and development goals.