As global plastic production continues to rise, so does the number of national and
international commitments to reduce plastic pollution. In September 2015, the United
Nations established the sustainable development agenda for the period until 2030. The
2023 Agenda for Sustainable Development contains the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) which are an urgent call for action by all countries.
All member states have accepted a best-efforts commitment to adapt their policies so that the goals can be met in 2030. The global partnerships aim to secure the rights and well-being of everyone on a healthy greener planet. While the issue of plastic has been specifically recognized in the UN SDGs under Goal 14 which is to: conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development, it also directly and indirectly touches SDG3 (Good health and well-being), SDG4 (Quality education), SDG6 (Clean water and sanitation) and SDG12 (Responsible consumption and production).
Young people are important stakeholders in the global effort to achieve the Sustainable
Development Goals. Their engagement at local, national, and international levels is vital for
building resilience and developing effective adaptation policies. Youth account for 16% of the global population, they are increasingly concerned and anxious about the impacts of climate change in which they have had little or no influence in creating.
Students across the countries are taking initiative to build the world they want to live. Their growing engagement in global climate change initiatives such as youth-led climate strikes, lawsuits demanding governmental action and vocal advocacy showcase their transformative power of advocacy and action.
For example, in August this year, a landmark climate trial in Montana, USA ruled young people have a right to a clean environment. This case was brought by 16 plaintiffs ranging in age from 5 – 22 who accused a state law preventing agencies from considering the impacts of greenhouse gases when issuing permits for fossil fuel development was unconstitutional.
Other youth-led climate lawsuits in different countries are also on the rise. Besides, the Egyptian 27 th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) Presidency prioritized youth involvement, through the creation of the first-ever youth-led climate forum, and the appointment of a Youth Envoy, Omnia El-Omrani. This allowed young representatives to present the Global Youth Statement, emphasizing their role in addressing the climate crisis. The establishment of the Children and Youth Pavilion at COP28 also provided youth access to negotiations and networking.
Youth voices are not just heard but also are listened to. They are the echoes shaping today’s
environmental actions and politics. I believed that empowering youth-led initiatives,
supporting their voices, and providing them necessary resources and science literacy will
unlock their transformative potential. To celebrate the new chapter of ZPL, let us
acknowledge and embrace the power of young people to build their own sustainable future.
Christine Yu
25 December 2023
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