Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future
Gabriele Casella, coordinator at the UN's Young Ambassadors Society, is on a mission to amplify young voices in global policy. At a time when the world races to meet the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Casella believes youth are not just stakeholders – they are game changers.
From Climate Action to Hunger Relief
Under Casella's leadership, the Young Ambassadors Society has launched initiatives that blend grassroots energy with data-driven strategies. Recent campaigns include:
- Global Climate Dialogues: Bringing together 1,200 youth delegates from 90 countries and regions to design community-based adaptation plans.
- Hunger Hackathons: Collaborating with NGOs and tech startups to prototype low-cost food distribution platforms, reaching over 50,000 households in pilot regions.
- Renewable Energy Bootcamps: Training 3,000 young innovators on solar and wind technologies, aiming to power 100 villages by 2025.
A Call to Action
Casella notes that young people represent over half of the global population under 30. He argues that investing in youth-led ideas unlocks scalable solutions that benefit communities and economies alike.
As global challenges mount – from energy access to social inequality – Casella is developing digital platforms to let young changemakers share progress, secure funding, and influence decision makers in real time.
Looking Ahead
With just a decade left to reach the SDGs, Casella's message is clear: empowering youth is not optional. It is essential. By weaving young voices into the fabric of global governance, the world stands a better chance of delivering a sustainable, equitable future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
