Gender and Youth

International Youth Day 2024: Amplifying Youth Voices for a Just and Equitable Energy Transition

As we celebrate International Youth Day 2024, SEforALL underscores the critical role of young people in driving the global agenda for sustainable development. This year's theme, "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development," highlights the innovative and transformative potential of youth in the digital age. At SEforALL, we prioritise youth inclusion in our mission to achieve SDG7, ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

This year, SEforALL is amplifying youth voices for clean energy by directly engaging with young people worldwide. We asked young people across the globe “what message they have for their government leaders about the future of the clean energy transition in their respective countries”. We received over 50 inspiring messages from youth in 16 different countries and 5 regions including (Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, Latin America, North America, Caribbean).

The message board below showcases the passionate voices of youth advocating for a sustainable energy future. Their insights and calls to action reflect the urgency and creativity needed to accelerate the global energy transition. Join us in celebrating the power of youth in shaping a sustainable and equitable world.

Prioritize clean energy to secure our future: invest in renewables, phase out fossil fuels, support innovation to combat climate change and ensure a sustainable planet for future generations.

Zurufah Hudah, 24
Uganda

Subsidize clean energy services and ensure the sensitization of all nationals about clean energy sources and their advantages, while ensuring the availability of clean energy forms in all communities. Involve women, youth, and children at the forefront of clean energy drive campaigns. Governments should adopt zero tolerance to corruption to ensure clean energy funds are used for their intended purposes.

Victor Nahamya, 26
Uganda

Government and stakeholders must include youth and women in the fight against fossil fuels, invest in renewable energy, and organize workshops to educate rural communities on clean cooking practices. By decentralizing renewable energy solutions to grassroots communities, we can defeat energy poverty and provide affordable, clean energy.

Emmanuel Ongyeer, 26
Uganda

A significant portion of our population lacks access to energy, yet we already have all the resources needed to transition to a clean energy economy. A step towards a clean energy transition is a step towards increasing energy access and economic growth.

Aisha Suleiman, 26
Nigeria

Lead Nigeria's clean energy transition by investing in solar, creating jobs, and ensuring energy access for all. We need policies, incentives, and skills development to unlock our renewable potential and drive economic growth.

Gregory Ikpea, 27
Nigeria

Investing in clean energy is not just an environmental imperative but it is also an economic opportunity. Transitioning to renewable sources of energy can create new jobs, spur innovation, and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. By prioritizing clean energy now, we can build a more sustainable future for generations to come. It's time to act decisively and make the necessary changes to protect our planet and ensure a prosperous future for all

Shabibi Nurlyyeva, 21
Turkmenistan

It is said that there is light at the end of the tunnel, but I prefer to say that it is better to give one light to navigate the tunnel. A clean energy transition should begin with the unserved.

Jil Obeifuna, 20
Nigeria

Switching to clean energy is no longer a favor, but a necessity if we are to save our planet. This means not only stepping up policies, but also investing in access to sustainable, reliable and affordable energy, which is the key to development.

Nouhoun Diarra, 30
Cote d'Ivoire

To provide clean energy alternatives that mitigate climate change and protect the environment, we should focus on efficient solutions. Connecting villages to affordable electricity will enable the use of energy-efficient pressure cookers. Solar boxes, panels, and parabolic cookers are also effective, as they do not release carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. Increasing the share of renewable energy in our mix is essential, given that cooking accounts for a significant portion of energy demand.

Ronald Anguyo, 30
Uganda

Act now to strengthen public energy institutions for a fair energy transition and future legacy.

Jean Melice Merzier, 27
Haiti

I would ask the government and decision-makers to improve the structure and functioning of the electricity market, to promote a just energy transition, where renewable energies are incorporated without harming communities of people, as well as increasing locally distributed renewable energy generation.

Patricio Reyes, 27
Chile

Our planet's future relies on today's actions. The clean energy transition is vital for a sustainable, equitable society. We must invest in renewables, support innovation, implement strong policies, engage the public, and ensure equity.

Axell Sutton, 30
Mexico

It is urgent to work for an enabling environment to allow the private renewable energy sector fill the energy access gap.

Emma Bukera, 24
Burundi

Let's fast-track renewable energy projects, invest in geothermal exploration, and create a legal and financial framework that attracts even more clean energy investment. Let's work together, government, businesses, and young people like me, to make Djibouti a beacon of clean energy in Africa.

Yousouf Eusman, 34
Djibouti

Kenya needs investments to transition away from carbon intensive energy sources and to enhance energy efficient technologies. There is need for awarenss raising among Parliamentarians on the national and international climate change commitments that Kenya is a signatory to.

Kilonzi Charity Vivi, 27
Kenya

Prioritize investment in solar and wind energy, enforce energy efficiency, support research, strengthen regulations, and empower communities to ensure a sustainable and resilient energy future for Malawi.

Tizgowere Kamenya, 29
Malawi

Investing in clean energy is essential for our future. Prioritize renewable energy sources, support green technologies, and create policies that encourage sustainable practices, combat climate change, create new jobs, and ensure a healthier environment for future generations. Your actions today will shape the world we inherit tomorrow.

Mmabontle Anetta Tuelo, 32
Botswana

I would say, please pay attention. The world is on fire, flooded, cracked, and angry. She has been trying to tell you for decades, and we havenít listened. Climate change and global warming are real. As a self-proclaimed world superpower, the best of the best, you have the resources and power to actually change the world for the better. So do it.

Elaine Abrams, 26
United States

As a young professional committed to tackling climate change, I urge leaders to invest in renewable energy and support youth-driven initiatives. Small Island Developing States must lead by example, empowering young people to drive significant change and build a resilient future through policies that mitigate climate impacts and foster innovation.

Diana Mudarra, 25
Panama

Prioritize renewable energy sources and innovative technologies to create jobs, improve public health, and position our country as a leader in the global energy transition. Incentivize industries to collaborate with universities and technical schools to develop innovative solutions that can reduce harmful emissions of pollutants. Enact policies that drive this change, foster innovation, and support sustainable growth.

Samuel Oyefusi, 20
Nigeria

Our world needs to be protected by everyone who lives on it. The use of nonrenewable resources will eventually come to an end, and we need to focus on transitioning to clean energy. In the next five years, a certain percentage of our energy should come from clean sources. We can achieve this by building more hydro plants, wind turbines, and solar installations.

Ntuthuko Nembula, 33
South Africa

Let's unite governments, businesses, youth, Indigenous peoples, women, and marginalized communities to build a just, strategic, and actionable roadmap for a clean energy transition by 2030! By combining ancestral wisdom and cutting-edge technology, let's transform our energy story now!

Paola Flores, 25
Bolivia

I urge our leaders to prioritize investment in renewable energy and sustainable practices. Small Island Developing States, like ours, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, making it crucial for us to lead by example.We, the youth, have the power and passion to lead this transition, but we need the support and trust of our leaders to make it a reality. The transition to clean energy is a shared responsibility and an opportunity to build a better world for all people.

Diana Mudarra, 25
Panama

The greatest challenge of the country's energy transition lies in the effective integration of renewable energies, which implies overcoming technological, economic and political barriers, as well as promoting public policies that encourage investment and innovation in clean energies.

Gabriela Aguliar, 23
Mexico