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Position Papers

In 2021, EYEN collaborated on a position paper on “Gaps and ideas for youth engagement”. In November 2022, participants of the first European Youth Energy Forum finalized a position paper on “The role of youth in the future of the European energy transition”. Curious to know more? Allow us to suggest a cup of tea, take a comfortable seat, and keep reading.

The role of youth in the future of the European energy transition

November 2022

At our first European Youth Energy Forum (EYEF), we gathered 45 young European professionals and students to participate in the event and develop the position paper on “The role of youth in the future of the European energy transition”.

It was a diverse group both in terms of nationalities, academic background and professional experience. Over the course of 3 months, they participated in a series of online meetings to brainstorm and research on the barriers to youth engagement within the energy sector and to developing proposals as a call to action directed towards key stakeholders. This journey ended in a five-day event in Lisbon, with round tables and workshops to refine the proposals and finalise the paper.

This paper was written by EYEF’s participants, while EYEN was the facilitator and organiser of the event.

EYEF's 12 proposals to improve youth engagement in the European energy transition

Youth Energy Council

Policy making
Energy Youth Standard
Policy making
Youth National Energy Survey
Policy making
Energy transition workshops for high school students
Education
Green Skills for educators
Education
Compel universities to provide SDGs and ET courses
Education
Youth NEETs just energy transition training
Education
One-stop-shop for youth energy engagement
Education
Work Study Programmes in the Energy Sector
Private sector
National Talent Pool for Blue Collar Workers within the Energy Sector
Private sector
Label for Youth Friendly Companies, Associations and Public Organisations
Private sector
Youth Non-Executive Board Programs and Positions
Private sector
Read the Position Paper

Gaps and ideas for youth engagement

February 2021

In the framework of the Climate Pact Launch, EYEN organised the satellite event Youth Shaping the Climate Pact showcasing the fundamental role of youth organisations in engaging citizens as well as sharing concrete actions and successful youth stories in energy and climate. We also co-developed the Youth Shaping the Climate Pact policy paper on “Gaps and ideas for youth engagement” to the European Commission.

Key Challenges identified in “Gaps and ideas for youth engagement” position paper

Inefficient information and knowledge sharing about climate and energy issues leads to lack of awareness in the young generations

Lack of skills and resources is a barrier to effective engagement with official entities in the Energy sector (governments, international organisations, multinational companies, etc.)

Tokenism and non-inclusive youth representation in non-youth spaces/dialogues prevent youth climate action to get the right recognition

International cooperation will be key to an effective mobilisation of youth and the available resources to them (within and across European borders)

Read the Position Paper

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