WGEO Special
H.E. Emmanuel Jiwoh Abdulai, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Sierra Leone
Dr. Aaesha Alnuaimi, Global Green Innovation Initiatives Lead, WGEO
As global efforts intensify to shift towards a sustainable and resilient economy, the role of youth becomes increasingly crucial. Today’s young people stand at the forefront of the green transition, a movement that presents both immense challenges and opportunities. It is essential that youth are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the evolving job market dominated by green technologies and sustainable practices. The transition demands a new set of competencies, from technical know-how in renewable energy solutions to innovative problem-solving skills in resource management.
This panel is an effort to dissect the current landscape of youth education and training in relation to the green economy, highlighting recent developments and the increasing need for robust educational and experience sharing frameworks that can deliver these vital skills
The panel will delve into the critical areas of skill development and the active engagement of youth in the green economy. Panel discussions will explore effective strategies for integrating essential green skills into educational curricula and professional training programs.
The dialogue will also cover how these educational efforts and other experience sharing and learning initiatives align with current and emerging job market demands and the types of policies needed to support this alignment.
Furthermore, the panel will discuss the potential for youth entrepreneurship within the green economy, examining how innovative business ideas can be nurtured and supported through both public and private sectors.
1. What are the essential skills needed for young people to be effective contributors to the green economy?
2. How can policy makers support the development of green skills among the youth?
What opportunities exist for youth entrepreneurship in the green economy, and how can these be amplified?
WGEO Panel Discussion
Mr. Ovais Sarmad, Steering Committee Vice-Chair, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Former Deputy Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC
Ms. Catherine Atkin, Climate Data Policy Initiative Co-chair, CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics
Mr. Christopher Lilholm, Global Head of Sustainability and Head of Global
Key Account Management, DNV
Mr. Umamaheswaran Krishnan, World Green Economy Organization
Background
The accelerating climate crisis necessitates urgent and transformative actions across all sectors to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The GHG Protocol, a globally recognized framework for measuring and managing emissions, is essential to this effort. By implementing the GHG Protocol, industries, businesses, and governments can accurately track their emissions, set effective reduction targets, and ensure compliance with global climate commitments such as the Paris Agreement.
Industries play a critical role in the global response to climate change. As the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stresses, rapid decarbonization is required across all sectors of the economy to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The GHG Protocol enables industries to systematically identify emission sources, adopt energyefficient technologies, and reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining competitiveness and improving operational efficiency.
Strategically, adopting the GHG Protocol aligns businesses with the global push towards sustainability. Politically, it positions industry leaders as active participants in policy development and regulatory compliance. Financially, it opens doors to new markets, attracts environmentally conscious investors, and secures long-term economic benefits through resource efficiency and risk mitigation.
To effectively reduce GHG emissions, businesses must adopt a comprehensive approach to implementing the GHG Protocol that considers the entire value chain. This requires:
1. Strategic Integration:
2. Political Engagement:
3. Financial Opportunities:
By fostering innovation, adopting sustainable practices, and embedding the GHG Protocol into their operations, industries can build new business opportunities, enhance their environmental performance, and improve their reputation among stakeholders. Furthermore, they contribute to a more resilient and equitable global economy for future generations.
1. How can industry leaders foster systemic changes to achieve sustainability goals more rapidly?
2. What innovative practices can industries adopt to significantly reduce their carbon footprint?
3. How can industries be incentivized to integrate GHG Protocol principles into their core strategies?
WGEO Panel Discussion
H.E. Ruleta Camacho Thomas, Climate Ambassador, Antigua and Barbuda
Mr. Efrem Bycer, Global Sustainability Policy Lead, LinkedIn
Mr. Moustapha Kamal Gueye, Director, Priority Action Programme on Just Transitions, International Labour Organization
Mr. Carel Cronenberg, Senior Technical Advisor Climate Change, Technical Assessment and Monitoring Directorate, Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB)
Ms. Nina Kolybashkina, Senior Social Development Specialist, Climate Investment Funds
The transition to a green economy requires a skilled and knowledgeable workforce capable of driving sustainable innovation and implementing climate-friendly solutions. Investing in human capital development is essential for building the capacity needed to achieve a just and equitable transition. Recent reports by the International Labour Organization (ILO)[1] highlight the importance of skills development for a sustainable future.
Developing a workforce that is equipped to support a green economy requires a comprehensive approach that addresses education, training, and skills development. Key strategies include:
What skills and knowledge are essential for supporting a workforce in a green economy?
How can educational and training programs be adapted to meet the demands of a green economy?
What role do public and private sectors play in fostering human capital development for sustainability?
WGEO Special
Mr. Daniel Schneiders, Global Director of Bayer’s Climate program, Bayer
Ms. Susan Smith, Chief Executive, Australian Industry Greenhouse Network (AIGN)
TBC
Mr. Benjamin Basmaci, Regional Climate Change Specialist, United Nations Development Programme
Sustainable reporting is essential for businesses to communicate their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance to stakeholders. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) provides a globally recognized framework for sustainability reporting, enabling companies to disclose their impacts and progress towards sustainability goals.
Recent studies have demonstrated the increasing importance of sustainability reporting for investors, consumers, and other stakeholders. By adopting GRI standards, companies can enhance their reputation, attract investment, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
GRI standards offer a comprehensive framework for sustainability reporting, covering a wide range of topics such as environmental performance, social impacts, and governance practices. By adopting these standards, companies can:
How can GRI standards facilitate more transparent and accountable sustainability reporting?
What are the benefits of adopting GRI standards for companies transitioning to green practices?
How can stakeholders be engaged effectively through sustainability reporting?
Panel Discussion by Model UN, WGEO Partner
TBC
TBC
TBC
TBC
ModelCOP is a transformative educational platform designed to engage middle and high school students, as well as university students in the intricacies of global climate negotiations. By simulating real-world international climate conferences, ModelCOP equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become future leaders in environmental sustainability. The platform promotes inclusive participation, fosters sustainable development, and empowers youth. With the right investment and support, ModelCOP aims to scale globally, reaching over 5 million students in the next three years.
Simulation of International Climate Negotiations:
Scalable and Flexible Platform:
Strategic Global Expansion:
Scalability and Impact: Reaching Over 5 Million Students in 3 Years
Measurable Outcomes
Investment Opportunities
High-Impact Investment in Youth of the World
Brand Alignment and Visibility:
ModelCOP is poised to become a transformative force in global environmental education, with the potential to reach over 5 million students in the next three years. This expansion will not only foster a deeper understanding of climate change among the next generation but also empower young people to become proactive leaders in sustainability. Your investment in ModelCOP will drive significant social and environmental impact, positioning your organization as a leader in supporting innovative, scalable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
Register for this session© 2024 WGEO- World Green Economy Organization. All Rights Reserved.