In this newsletter, you will gain access to valuable insights on climate change, sustainable development, and innovative, non-formal educational approaches to tackling climate topics.
We’re excited to bring you the latest updates on what the project has been up to, including highlights from the 2nd Youth Climate Summit in Slovenia and its related events, reflections from COP29 in Baku, and valuable resources from our partners.
Dive in to stay connected with our community!
Event Highlights
Sustainable NGOs Project: International Conference Highlights
On December 5, 2024, the Institute for Health and Environment hosted the International Conference to promote the results of the Sustainable NGOs project. This hybrid event brought together youth leaders, NGO representatives, and practitioners to promote environmental sustainability in the youth sector.
Key results of the project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ program, were presented, including:
- Guidelines for Sustainable NGOs: A framework supporting NGOs in sustainable transitions.
- Sustainable NGOs Academy: Online modules providing tools and skills for a greener future.
- Carbon Footprint Calculator: A tool to measure and reduce environmental impacts.
2nd Youth Climate Summit
On December 6–7, 2024, the 2nd International Youth Climate Summit (IYCS) brought together young activists, leaders, and experts in Portorož, Slovenia, to collaborate on bold solutions to the pressing climate challenges of our generation.
Part of the Sustainaware project and co-funded by the European Union, the summit featured interactive workshops, expert presentations, and networking opportunities for young changemakers.
Participants co-created the IYCS 2024 Declaration, outlining commitments such as adopting sustainable practices, collaborating with governments, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting climate education. This declaration is a powerful call for collective action!
Want to know more? Read Stefans’ (member of our Youth Technical Advisory Board) reflections on the summit on our website here.
Young People "Hacked" Climate Solutions
The Hack for Climate Action hackathon, organized by Youth Health Organization (YHO), one of the partners in the Sustainaware project, took place on December 7–8, 2024, right after the 2nd IYCS in Portorož. Young participants collaborated to create innovative climate solutions, with seven teams working on ideas that ranged from low-carbon travel apps to sustainable greenhouses and food waste repurposing.
The Hack for Climate Action hackathon, organized by Youth Health Organization (YHO), one of the partners in the Sustainaware project, took place on December 7–8, 2024, right after the 2nd IYCS in Portorož. Young participants collaborated to create innovative climate solutions, with seven teams working on ideas that ranged from low-carbon travel apps to sustainable greenhouses and food waste repurposing.
The winning team proposed a two-year Erasmus+ project focused on environmental conservation and empowering women in agriculture. They will submit the project to the International Youth Health Organization (YHO), which will allow them to earn free participation in future YHO events, as well as prizes from Slovenian companies.
A big thank you to all participants for their creativity and collaboration for a better future!
UNFCCC COP29
Held in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC was a dynamic two-week summit of intense multilateral climate negotiations. It provided a platform for diverse actors to come together and discuss bold solutions to the climate crisis.
The Project Lead for Sustainaware on behalf of Youth and Environment Europe (YEE), attended the summit to advocate for bolder climate action and promote the project’s mission of cross-sectoral collaboration. They participated in various panels and discussions, focusing on the importance of collaboration across sectors, particularly through innovative initiatives like the digital escape room.
Additionally, they also conducted interviews with young changemakers from around the world as part of the project’s series, aiming to understand what cross-sectoral collaboration and the conference meant to them. You can check out the interviews here and here!
In the spotlight
Youth Technical Advisory Board (YTAB)
The Youth Technical Advisory Board (YTAB) is already halfway through its mandate — time flies! Here’s a look at what they’ve been up to:
- Guiding the Development of the Digital Escape Room: YTAB has played a key role in shaping this initiative, ensuring it reflects the project’s objectives.
- Capacity-Building Sessions: The board has actively engaged in learning and discussions on a variety of important topics, including:
- The interconnections between health and the environment
- Eco-emotions
- The UNFCCC COPs
Their contributions are invaluable in steering the Sustainaware project toward success and empowering youth climate action.
Partner Resources: Tools to Empower Your Advocacy
Are you concerned about the future of our planet? Feeling overwhelmed by climate anxiety or uncertainty about the environmental challenges we face?
You’re not alone. Many young people today experience a mix of emotions—from hope to fear—when it comes to the planet’s future.
Youth and Environment Europe (YEE), one of Sustainaware’s project partners, has developed an open-access handbook: Youth, Emotions, and the Planet, exploring the powerful relationship between our emotional well-being and the climate crisis.
Check it out and share it with your networks!
In this newsletter, you’ll discover key insights into climate change, sustainable development, and creative non-formal learning methods for addressing climate-related challenges. We’re excited to share the latest news from our project, along with a selection of useful resources developed by our partners.
