Credit: UNU-EHS

Recording

Organizers

This event was hosted by Iberdrola, UNICEF, and the International Labour Organisation

Background

Iberdrola is a global leader in renewable energy and in developing sustainable and efficient energy solutions. Iberdrola develops its activities in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal. Building green skills and capacities for youth is directly linked to the achievement of sustainable, decarbonised, and resilient economies and societies. Enhancing the skills and capacities of youth, including those in vulnerable situations and considering the gender dimension, is an enabler for the just transition and an accelerator to achieve the 1.5oC scenario. Supporting the investment in renewable energies, climate-friendly solutions for final energy uses and new green industries that create jobs and socioeconomic value needs to be twinned to the development of effective green capacities and skills for youth that allow to ensure competitiveness and prosperity. 

Building green skills and capacities for youth is directly linked to the achievement of sustainable, decarbonised, and resilient economies and societies. Green investments contribute to build and enhance the skills and capacities of youth (including those in vulnerable situations and considering the gender dimension) which is an enabler for the just transition and an accelerator to achieve the 1.5oC scenario. Supporting the investment in renewable energies, climate-friendly solutions for final energy uses and new green industries that create jobs and socioeconomic value needs to be twinned to the development of effective green capacities and skills for youth that allow to ensure competitiveness and prosperity. The green jobs created represent a direct and effective way to measure the impact of capacity-building actions as well as to comply with the goals of the climate agenda and the net-0 pathway, by enhancing the accountability and the credibility of the commitments made.  

Objectives

• Animation of an informal, honest, and open dialogue among representatives from institutions, companies, academia, and youth aiming at generating a meaningful and inclusive debate. 
• Exchange views and best practices, share concerns, proposals, ideas and experiences on how to develop the capacities and skills that youth need in order to have a successful green career that contributes to the energy transition and the SDGs. 
• Enhance coordination among stakeholders and build an effective exchange platform.  
• Finally, agree on common key recommendations to be disseminated after the session. 

Structure & Speakers

Speakers

Moderator

Gonzalo Saenz de Miera, Iberdrola

Key Outcomes

• Necessity to adapt the education/academic system to meet the labor market's demand for green skills and capacities. Additionally, there is a need for climate education at all levels; understanding the challenges we face and the skills required during the transition is crucial for providing effective solutions.

• All stakeholders must be actively involved in the conversation, especially the youth who are directly impacted. They need to participate in decision-making processes and training design. Additionally, the private sector, crucial for job creation, should be included, emphasizing the importance of establishing networks with all relevant actors.

• There is a need to change the narrative and cease viewing youth solely as youth; instead, recognizing them as professionals, solutions providers, and changemakers. Opportunities, including funding for youth-led projects, youth-led organizations, and decent job opportunities, should be provided, moving beyond the scope of unpaid internships.

Resources

Iberdrola presentation slides

Leading the fight against climate change - Iberdrola

Iberdrola and UNICEF launch an international alliance for the training and employment of young people in situations of vulnerability - Iberdrola