The New Generation of Decision Makers – IRENA Youth Forum @ the 11th IRENA Assembly

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) organised the second edition of the IRENA Youth Forum: The New Generation of Decision Makers, which took place on 14 January 2021 at the margins of the eleventh session of the IRENA Assembly. In response to travel restrictions prompted by the pandemic, the 2021 edition of IRENA’s youth-centred event was held virtually — allowing youth from all over world to engage with discussions on the challenges and opportunities of this year’s theme: ‘Promoting an Inclusive and Just Energy Transition’.

As demonstrated at the inaugural edition of the Forum, held in January 2020, interventions by youth have proven to be a key input into the energy transition discussion.

Through a series of interactive sessions, the forum provided an opportunity for participants to engage in discussions on the deployment of the promotion of an inclusive and just global energy transition. It also served to strengthen the existing network of young energy leaders with the latest insights from the renewable sector, and connected young people with global thought leaders, government representatives, and IRENA experts in identifying the space that exists for youth to contribute to the deployment of renewable energy and promotion of energy transition in the context of equity and equality.

With the exchange of views centred around the theme ‘Promoting an Inclusive and Just Energy Transition’, this edition of the IRENA Youth Forum also provided platforms for three thematic working groups for youths to provide their perspectives on achieving a just and inclusive energy transition on the following subtopics:

• The role of renewables in addressing key social challenges, including in humanitarian and health sectors;
• Creating opportunities for youth in the energy transition by addressing challenges related to gender equality, job creation and education;
• Promoting youth voices and work, such as community engagement, research and advocacy on renewable energy.

Participation

The 2021 IRENA Youth Forum was open to all interested youth who were invited to express their interest to attend by filling the registration form.

Applications for the 2021 IRENA Youth Forum and its thematic working group meetings were open between 17 December 2020 and 5 January 2021.

Once again, thank you very much for your interest in the IRENA Youth Forum!

Should you have any questions, please contact youth@irena.org.