Day 2 - Wednesday, September 11
Theme: Evidence Sharing
Download a PDF version of the Agenda.
Download a PDF walking map to guide you to the Courtyard Marriott.
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8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Catalyzing Change: A Fireside Chat on Gender, Climate, and Collective Action with Michael Nyenhuis and Amara Ifeji
Room: Main Stage (Great Hall)
Organization(s): UNICEF USA and National Geographic
This fireside chat will feature Michael J. Nyenhuis, President and CEO of UNICEF USA, and Amara Ifeji, National Geographic Young Explorer. Their engaging discussion will explore the critical importance of centering historically underrepresented groups in climate action and the emerging green economy. Amara Ifeji, a passionate environmental advocate and recently named 2024 Marshall Scholar, will share her journey from high school stormwater management projects to becoming a leading voice for intersectional climate justice. Michael Nyenhuis will highlight UNICEF's innovative initiatives around green skilling and entrepreneurship. Together, they will delve into crucial topics, including climate migration, inclusive partnerships for collective action, policymaking, storytelling, and closing the gender gap in climate leadership.
Speakers:
Amara Ifeji, National Geographic Society Young Explorer
Michael J. Nyenhuis, President and CEO, UNICEF USA
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM
Youth and Cooperatives: Developing Solutions for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods
Room: Courtyard by Marriott
Organization(s): NCBA CLUSA
According to the UN, almost 90% of the world’s youth live in the Global South, many of whom live in rural areas with limited economic opportunities. Simultaneously, rural farming populations are aging at rapid rates. Agricultural cooperatives are a pathway for youth to access economic opportunities while also meeting the needs of rural farming communities. For example, the International Cooperatives Alliance found that cooperatives can be an important way to build social cohesion and integration of youth in the community and access credit and economic opportunities. In this session, presenters will share new evidence on challenges and opportunities for engaging youth in cooperatives from sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Participants will then work together, sharing their own experiences and expertise working with creating youth economic opportunities in rural areas, and leave with a comprehensive collection of effective approaches for engaging youth in cooperatives.
Speakers:
Natalie Petrulla, Gender Equity, Youth, and Social Inclusion Senior Program Manager, NCBA CLUSA
Jasmine Mesidor, Program Manager, NCBA CLUSA
A Systems Approach to Youth Employment: How Do We Get It Right?
Room: Spring
Organization(s): Technoserve, Argidius Foundation, and Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE)
This collaborative group problem solving session will empower donors, implementers, and other stakeholders to more effectively tap into the potential–largely unrealized to date–that systems approaches hold for supporting youth job creation and self-employment. Speakers from TechnoServe and the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) will discuss the theory behind why systems approaches are important, address some uncomfortable truths and unintended consequences, detail how to make youth job creation programs more effective, and share concrete examples of systems approaches implemented by TechnoServe. Participants will engage in discussion around the challenges in using systems approaches and the tactics and strategies that have helped to overcome those obstacles. The session will cover important elements of youth economic opportunity like financial inclusion and creating inclusive job markets.
Speakers:
Juan Carlos Thomas Soto, Vice President, Technoserve
Abigayle Davidson, Director of Research and Impact, Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE).
Harry Devonshire, Head of Advocacy & Research, Argidius Foundation
Resilient Futures: Trauma-Informed Approaches for Youth Empowerment
Room: Ellsworth
Organization(s): Chemonics International
This session explores Trauma-Informed Approaches (TIA) in International Development, presenting tools for youth empowerment and resilience. A Trauma-Informed Approaches Toolkit will be introduced, offering a unique Combined Approach to TIA, and adaptable strategies for any sector. Attendees will gain access to a Guide to Trauma-Informed Approaches for Youth Empowerment which outlines activities, tools, and a conceptual approach for mental health support during youth programming.
Success stories from integrating TIA in education, notably in Syria using the SDQ, highlight positive community impacts, emphasizing lasting effects through young adulthood. Additionally, three methodologies for mental health support in Mexico, targeting youth with disappeared family members, are discussed. Examples include didactic manuals, animated videos, artistic approaches, and a comprehensive publication to combat stigmatization. The session also incorporates a brief group exercise for practical application of the TIA Principles in action.
Speakers:
Nada Raslan, Specialist, Gender Equality & Social Inclusion, Chemonics International
Riham Jabbar, Deputy Team Lead Technical, Chemonics International
Maria-Mercedes Ramírez Casariego, Project Human Rights Specialist, Chemonics International
Empowering Youth in South Africa's Green Economy: Opportunities, Barriers, and Quick Wins
Room: Fenton
Organization(s): Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator
This will be an interactive session which will delve into three critical areas:
Exploring Opportunities: Sharing a landscape view of the opportunities available for young people within South Africa's just transition to a green economy.
Identifying Barriers: Understanding the challenges and barriers that hinder South African youth from accessing these opportunities. Through real-life case studies, we will share our learnings from uncovering the systemic issues such as poor access to education; lack of capital/assets; social behaviors and perceptions about certain earning opportunities – as well as interventions adopted to overcome them.
Strategizing Quick Wins: Recognizing that systemic change takes time, the session will draw on the knowledge and experience of global partners to brainstorm actionable ‘quick wins’ that can catalyze progress towards dismantling barriers and facilitating more sustainable entry for youth into the green economy. In this segment, Harambee will also provide examples of tangible solutions to addressing barriers and identifying strategic wins.
Speakers:
Mbali Motsoeneng, Head of Strategic Partnership for Microenterprises, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator
Lutho Mbonambi, Systems Change Specialist, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator.
9:15 AM - 9:25 AM
Transition/Break
9:25 AM - 9:35 AM
Headline Address - National Geographic Society Young Explorer and UNICEF
Room: Main Stage (Great Hall)
Organization(s): Bezos Earth Fund
Speaker:
Amara Ifeji, National Geographic Society Young Explorer
Michael J. Nyenhuis, President and CEO, UNICEF USA
9:35 AM - 10:35 AM
Intergenerational Circle: Building Forward the Green Economy Together
Room: Great Hall
Organization(s): United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Bezos Earth Fund, UNICEF Generation Unlimited, Trust Africa and Youth Climate Justice Fund
The Green Economy has the potential to unlock an additional 24 million jobs by 2030. The promise of the green economy provides a tangible pathway towards addressing the youth unemployment crisis. Considering this, funders, youth serving, and youth-led organizations have embarked on implementing initiatives to drive forward green jobs and green youth-led enterprise support. While these efforts are commendable, there is still a need to leverage intergenerational partnerships and localization as tools to meaningfully drive forward a green economy together.
This plenary will therefore bring together funders and youth experts for an intergenerational circle on how together they can build forward the green economy. It will delve into funders and youth experts' priorities and programming for accelerating youth economic opportunities within the green economy, the existing pain points and opportunities for leveraging intergenerational partnerships and localization to complement their efforts.
Speakers:
Dr. Kevin Frey, Chief Executive Officer, UNICEF Generation Unlimited
Cecilia Martinez, Chief, Environmental & Climate Justice, Bezos Earth Fund
Joshua Amponsem, Co-Director, Youth Climate Justice Fund
Ann Vaughan, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Resilience, Environment and Food Security, USAID
Moderator:
Nekesa Wamalwa, Manager, Africa Youth Panel Initiative, Trust Africa
10:35 AM - 10:45 AM
Transition/Break
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Empowering Green Futures: Youth Entrepreneurship Meets Climate Finance
Room: Spring
Organization(s): SNV, Dutch Fund for Climate and Development, 2Scale and Generation Unlimited
What is needed to grow and scale youth-led medium and high market potential green enterprises? This session seeks to answer this question, illuminating the path for young entrepreneurs towards sustainable growth in the green sector. Discover how strategic investments and partnerships can transform systemic barriers into opportunities for innovation and scalable impact. Drawing from success stories like the 2SCALE program, the GrEEn project, and the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development, we'll explore actionable insights for aggregating investments and fostering inclusive ecosystems that support youth-led enterprises. This session promises a deep dive into overcoming market access challenges, stimulating green jobs, and unlocking capital for emerging entrepreneurs. Engage with leaders and innovators at the forefront of the green economy to equip yourself with the tools and knowledge for catalyzing change.
Speakers:
Jean Muthamia-Mwenda, Global Lead, Youth Employment & Enterprise Development, SNV
Theophile Mudenge, Youth Inclusive Business Expert, 2SCALE: Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Nadi Albino, Deputy Director, Partnerships, Resource Mobilization & Innovation, UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited
Dr. Ademola Braimoh, Climate-Smart Agriculture Coordinator, Africa Region, World Bank
Hans Muzoora, Market Systems Finance Officer, USAID
Moderator:
Taha Bawa, CEO of Goodwall and GenU Board Member
Youth Power: Driving Systems Change for a Greener Future
Room: Fenton
Organization(s): Child Fund International and VSO
Join us for an interactive workshop where we explore concrete strategies to empower youth to drive sustainable development through a lens of systems strengthening and active youth citizenship. Evidenced through comprehensive programs in Tanzania & Ethiopia, learn how ChildFund and VSO are fostering climate-resilient commune plans and inclusive policy implementation while engaging youth as agents for change. Discover how youth leadership in programs develops their green technical skills alongside knowledge of working with duty bearers on rights and advocacy. Reflect on how gender equality and social inclusive practices are critical to create an enabling environment for the most left behind communities’ livelihoods. Don't miss this opportunity to drive smarter solutions and engage in meaningful dialogue for a sustainable future.
Speakers:
Michael Boampong, Senior Youth Advisor, ChildFund International
Shibru Fekadu, Livelihood Program Specialist, ChildFund International
Lilian Sospeter, Youth Engagement Officer, VSO Tanzania
Private Sector’s Critical Investment in Building a Green Workforce
Rooms: Courtyard by Marriott
Organization(s): EDC, Gigatone, SkillLab, and Fresh Coast Climate Solutions
This session will advance the discussion on the private sector’s investments to develop a green workforce. Tackling the challenges caused by climate change requires not only sound climate policies and appropriate funding, but also a workforce that is skilled to address the opportunities and requirements around the green economy. Participants will hear from three innovative companies who have taken unique approaches to supporting youth in building green skills and then in transitioning those new skills to green economic opportunities. Gigatonne trains teams to reduce GHG emissions, and provides jobs, food, and energy security to those in need. SkillLab uses AI to profile people’s skills, connecting them to sustainable careers. Fresh Coast Climate Solutions helps companies green their supply chains and verify their eco-friendly claims.
Speakers:
Alenka Zavasnik, Head of Community (Gigatonne) and Strategy Team (10 in 10), Gigatonne
Arthur Fioravante Chiba, Director of Solution Delivery & Impact, SkillLab
Jenny Oorbeck, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Fresh Coast Climate Solutions
Moderator:
Melanie Sany, Youth and Workforce Development Director, Education Development Center
Youth in the Agrifood Sector: Green and Inclusive Job Growth Spurred Through Digital Breakthroughs
Room: Ellsworth
Organization(s): Helvetas Swiss Inc, Seljak Me, and National Technical Working Group for Quality and Social Standards, Albania
Creating opportunities for youth by accelerating the inclusive green and digital transition of society is at the core of Helvetas’ work in Eastern Europe and South Asia. Agriculture, a vital sector for job and income generation in Albania, Bangladesh, Moldova, and Montenegro, faces significant climate change impacts, yet holds immense potential for absorption of cutting-edge green and digital practices and generating jobs and income for youth. This session will focus on opportunities at the intersection of youth and private-sector engagement. Helvetas’ ongoing programs will be highlighted as case studies outlining the process of creating agrifood opportunities for youth. Specific questions to be explored are:
1. How to ensure the competitiveness of the agrifood sector in the era climate crisis and greening international trade?
2. How to build effective cross-sectoral partnerships to integrate climate-smart practices into traditional farming?
3. How can innovative green & digital approaches attract and retain youth in the agricultural sector?
Speakers:
Ana Tibuleac, Deputy Team Leader of OPTIM project, Moldova, Helvetas
Klajdi Ceka, Quality Standards Expert, Albinspekt bio.inspecta
Eni Koçillari, Program Officer, Helvetas
Tim Lann, Program Manager, Helvetas USA
AI-Driven Skills for Youth: Bridging Education and the Job Market
Room: Great Hall
Organization(s): Biz Nation
In "AI-Driven Skills for Youth: Bridging Education and the Job Market," you will gain hands-on experience with AI tools for workforce development, including techniques for curriculum personalization, job market trend analysis, and the creation of career readiness programs. We'll explore specific AI platforms useful for educators and workforce developers, such as machine learning algorithms for data insights and AI content creation tools for engaging learning materials. Participants will learn to apply these technologies to enhance program effectiveness, preparing youth for employment in the digital age.
Speakers:
Stephanie Carvajalino, Co-Founder, Biz Nation
José Mauricio Duque, Passport to Youth Leadership Co-Lead, Biz Nation
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Transition/Break
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Building Better TVET Systems: Global Insights and Practical Lessons
Room: Fenton
Organization(s): IREX, Making Cents International, World Bank, and Instiglo
The World Bank’s recent major publication, Building Better Formal TVET Systems, notes “At times of high youth unemployment worldwide and record enrollment in basic education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) can provide an opportunity for many to transition quickly to the labor market, to perform critical jobs with higher productivity, and to support the transition to sustainable and resilient societies.” Yet, as the report outlines, the promise of TVET has not been realized – due to lack of interest in or access to TVET, unsupported teachers, weak incentives for providers, and the inadequate links between TVET and labor markets. This session will highlight this new evidence from the World Bank and feature three examples from global TVET investments that illustrate lessons from the paper — including gaining private sector engagement, focusing on student support for equity, and using results-based financing instruments to improve impact.
Speakers:
Victoria Levin, Senior Economist, World Bank
Hillary Proctor, Senior Director, Economic Opportunities, Making Cents International
Marcel Ricou, Deputy Director, Education Practice, IREX
How Education, Training, and Agri-food Systems Act Together to Accelerate Skilling for Sustainable Futures
Room: Courtyard by Marriott
Organization(s): VVOB, Government of Ecuador and Gulu University
This session is for entrepreneurs, youth leaders and youth development professionals who are transforming the agri-food system into an ally in the fight against climate change and who want to see public education and training providers ramp up their programs for this purpose. We introduce two interventions co-implemented by Ministries of Education, professional development providers and VVOB in Ecuador and Uganda that empower secondary school teachers and leaders to deliver programs that whet learners’ appetite and skill them for sustainable futures in the food and agriculture sector. The session hones in on three P’s – Purpose, Pedagogy, and Position – for collaboration between stakeholders from education & training and from the agri-food system to enrich curricula and programs and improve the delivery thereof.
With your active engagement this session will generate practical ideas for cross-silo collaboration and how to spark innovative ways of integrating green skills in agriculture education and training.
Speakers:
Maud Seghers, Global Strategic Education Advisor, VVOB
Dr. Walter Odongo, Head of Department of Rural Development and Agribusiness, Gulu University
Lizeth Carolina Cueva Montaluisa, National Director of Secondary Education, Ministry of Education, Ecuador
Andrea Salomé Villareal Donoso, National Director of Secondary Education, Ministry of Education, Ecuador
Maribel Jarrín Puente, Strategic Education Advisor M&E and Research, VVOB
Rita Rhoda Akello, Strategic Education Advisor, VVOB
The Role of Youth Leadership in Building Climate Change Resilience in Central America
Room: Spring
Organization(s): Catholic Relief Services
How can youth leadership increase climate change resilience of smallholder farming communities in Central America? What are effective ways to engage youth on this issue? Using the PYD framework, the Water Smart Agriculture initiative leverages youth leadership and skills development to increase the dissemination of farming practices that help smallholder farmers and young people improve their production while conserving their natural resources and increasing climate resilience.
Speakers:
Juan Carlos Durán Bonilla, Technical Advisor for Youth Programs, Catholic Relief Services
Ana Danitza Bonilla Salgado, Technical Associate, Catholic Relief Services
Josselin Vilches, COCEPRADII
Using AI and Data to Map Green Jobs and Skills Transitions for More Aligned Program Design
Room: Great Hall
Organization(s): Accenture and FHI 360
The green jobs and green skills transition is appealing for many youth facing climate change crises and economic insecurity, but the process of how this transition takes place and how youth can be prepared to capitalize on it, is often not clear. Companies entering into a greener sector may not easily find employees equipped with the right ‘green skills’ to help them compete. Training institutions may be unfamiliar with how to adapt courses and degrees to changes in greening industries. The paring of FHI 360’s Green LMA, and Accenture’s AI-driven Skills.AI tool demonstrates how, when aligned, the transformation of a sector and job from conventional to green can occur, and how this transformation maps to a real-world example in Morocco, with real opportunities for youth.
Speakers:
Obed Diener, Project Director and Technical Advisor, FHI 360
Shiksha Benimadho, Africa Lead, Accenture Development Partnerships
Egypt: Pioneering a Market Responsive Approach to Job Skills for Youth
Room: Ellsworth
Organization(s): Management and Training Corporation
Employers around the world continue to express concerns about the shortage of a workplace ready, skilled workforce for their current and future demand. This session will detail how large businesses are putting their money where their mouth is and taking a significantly more active role in workforce training through sponsorship, co-investment, co-design, and strategic leadership of to introduce a new model of modern, attractive, and labor market-oriented vocational training in Egypt called International Applied Technology Schools (IATS).
A panel discussion will delve into the what, why, and how this new model is unprecedented and resulting in higher quality TVET education and increased access, connections, and gainful employment opportunities or continuing education for students with employers. The panel will describe the new roles being played by private sector partners and government and weigh the pros and cons of increased private sector involvement from various stakeholders’ perspective such as: concerns about industry monopolies and balancing private sector autonomy with public sector oversight, regulation, and quality control.
Speakers:
Mr. Mohamed Fawzy, Chief of Party, USAID Workforce Egypt, Economic & Social Development, Management & Training Corporation
Gamal Hassan, CEO, ADH International
Gregory Niblett, Vice President, Management & Training Corporation, Economic & Social Development
Salem Helali, Director, Program Management & Senior Technical Advisor, Management and Training Corporation (MTC)
Gehad Montaser, Student, Ahmed Dief Alla International Applied Technology School
Jana Mustafa, Student at Elsewedy International Applied Technology School
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Networking Lunch
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
It’s Not Too Late: Building Blocks for Intersectional Inclusion in Youth Economic Opportunities
Room: Courtyard by Marriott
Organization(s): ACDI VOCA
This session will highlight how three projects in Colombia, Honduras, and Serbia are addressing the issue of lack of economic opportunities for all youth through an intersectional inclusion lens. Youth are a diverse group and while greater attention is being paid to the intersections of age and gender, working with youth with diverse identities is still nascent. Participants who are interested in learning how their projects can start working with marginalized youth should attend. Presenters will share the journey and lessons learned of how projects can start to work with youth with disabilities, LGBTQI+ youth, and youth from minority ethnic groups to identify and facilitate access to skills building and resources for youth to access and participate in economic opportunities. Participants will have the opportunity to go in-depth with speakers on this topic and learn that it’s never too late for intersectional youth inclusion.
Moderator:
Melissa Matlock, Director, Gender and Social Inclusion, ACDI/VOCA
Speakers:
Ivana Božić, Human Capacity Development/Inclusion Manager, ACDI/VOCA, USAID/Serbia Big Small Businesses Project
Angela Betancur, Manager, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, ACDI/VOCA, USAID/Colombia Youth Resilience Activity
Maria Jose Martinez, Entrepreneurship Specialist, ACDI/VOCA, USAID/Honduras Transforming Market Systems Activity
Cultivating Green Jobs: Innovative Models and Tools for Youth Green Jobs in Agriculture
Room: Great Hall
This session will showcase emerging innovations and models that catalyze youth green jobs in the agriculture sector. Through a deep dive into three case studies, the session will explore systems-based approaches that unlock barriers and create opportunities to advance green jobs for youth. In this TEDx style session you will hear from 1)Andrew Magunda, Challenge Fund for Youth Employment Country Lead, providing a proven pathway to enhance female engagement in complementary value chains such as bee-keeping, 2) Andrew Ireland, a climate financing expert on the development of the “Financing Nature Database” a tool which brings together fund managers and nature-based businesses seeking investment, and 3) Team Lead Mathew Rupanga, who will present the Uganda Climate Innovation Fund, a catalytic tool driving innovation in Uganda’s efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate change. Participants will leave with new tools and models that advance both youth employment and environmental sustainability.
Speakers:
Katy Vickland, Inclusive Development Team Lead, Palladium
Andrew Ireland, Manager, Climate and Nature Team Palladium
Mathew Rupanga, Team Lead of Uganda Climate Smart Jobs program funded by the UK Government’s International Climate Fund
Andrew Magunda, Country Lead, Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE) Programme in Uganda, Palladium
Challenges and Enabling Factors to Achieve a Just Transition in Sub Saharan Africa
Room: Ellsworth
Organization(s): RTI International
Core and transferable skills are vital to an inclusive transition for a greener future. A wide range of both technical and core skills is needed to support the green transition. ILO estimates of the impact on occupational skill needs in two global scenarios (energy transition and circular economy) reveal the core and technical skills that are potentially transferable, within occupations, from declining to growing industries; but retraining will be needed to enable workers to acquire new skills for use in the latter. Of particular importance will be core (or soft) skills, which can confer a comparative advantage as they can be transferred across occupations. Some core skills are needed by all workers, regardless of the skill level of their occupation. Therefore, it is importance for both the academia and industry to create a strong linkage so as to develop and utilize the market relevant skills needed by young people to management energy transition and create economic opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa.
Speakers:
Francis Kangure, Senior Technical Advisor, Energy, RTI International
Justin Larson, Senior Manager, Climate Change and Energy Programs, RTI International
Responding to a World at Flux: Building Ukrainian Youth Entrepreneurs
Room: Spring
Organization(s): USAID Ukraine National Identity Through Youth (UNITY), Making Cents International, and IREX
Embark on a dynamic journey with the UNITY Ukraine team in this TedEx-style session. Discover firsthand how they've cultivated a robust program amidst adversity, empowering youth entrepreneurs to thrive in the face of war. Explore strategies for resilience, from embracing freelance work to navigating a wartime economy. Ukrainian youth entrepreneurs in the green economy will share their stories of adaptation, uncovering the "magical kick" for growth. Gain insights from UNITY's partner, a business-serving organization, on providing timely support for business expansion despite global challenges. Join us for a session brimming with practical wisdom, real stories, and a roadmap for resilient entrepreneurship in today's world.
Speakers:
Inna Lubynets, Making Cents International, Team Lead
Mehri Druckman, Ukraine Country Director/Senior Advisor for Global Programs, IREX
Yelyzaveta Osadcha, Co-founder & Co-owner, TOIWT LLC (Melt Water), Participant of Unity Business Support Program for Youth-led Entrepreneurs
Mykola Kysleiko, Co-founder & Director, Kysleiko PE (Future Farm), Participant of Unity Business Support Program for Youth-led Entrepreneurs
Oksana Bryndzak, Co-founder, Vbrani, participant of UNITY Business Support Program for Social Youth-led Entrepreneurs
Alina Bocharnikova, Senior Mentor, School of Mindful Entrepreneurship
Disrupting Social Norms: Transforming Challenges into Economic Opportunities
Room: Fenton
Organization(s): World University Service of Canada
Social norms are key drivers of behavior in economic systems, directly and indirectly impacting the paid and unpaid roles which young men and young women take on and at times reinforcing locally identified social inequalities. In Jordan, there are strong cultural and social norms reinforcing the place of young women in the household, contributing to some of the lowest female labour force participation rates in the world. In Ghana, women are active participants in many sectors; however, are largely excluded from lucrative opportunities in the trades because these are not viewed as appropriate career options for young women. In this problem solving session, WUSC will share its experience disrupting discriminatory gender/age-related social norms in Jordan and Ghana, sharing diagnostic tools and youth-focused social marketing strategies, followed by a participatory session to identify additional strategies to engage parents, employers and peer groups to enhance employment opportunities for youth.
Speakers:
Catherine Walker, Market Systems Advisor, Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship, World University Service of Canada (WUSC)
Appiah Wiafe Adofo, Project Director, World University Service of Canada (WUSC)
Abir Mejri, Project Manager, World University Service of Canada (WUSC)
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Transition/Break
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Reflections from Multi-Stakeholder Youth Employment Alliances: Unpacking Successes, Bottlenecks, and Looking Ahead
Room: Great Hall
Organization(s): World Bank, UNICEF Generation Unlimited, Global Opportunity Youth Network (GOYN), Aspen Institute, and International Labour Organization
Over the past 10 years, donors and governments have come to recognize youth employment as one of the leading development issues to tackle. The international attention to youth employment has given rise to several different donor-initiated multi-stakeholder alliances devoted to coordinating across key development actors to address youth employment. Major activities of these initiatives have included research and evidence sharing, testing of new youth employment models, advancing learning to earning pathways for youth, and pooled funding for youth-led innovations, among others. Several of these initiatives have been active now for around 5-10 years, so this session seeks to hear about their experiences, progress and opportunities.
Speakers:
Namita Datta, Program Head, Solutions for Youth Employment, World Bank
Jamie McAuliffe, Director and Founder, Global Opportunity Youth Network, Aspen Institute
Urmila Sarkar, Deputy Director, Programmes, UNICEF Generation Unlimited
Amber Barth, International Labor Organization
Moderator:
Nancy Taggart, Vice President, Making Cents International
In the Driver’s Seat: Youth-Led Climate Justice and Green Jobs Advocacy
Room: Fenton
Organization(s): Our Climate and Baranquilla+20 Foundation
Join us for an empowering session on how youth and women-led organizations are shaping an intergenerational and just future. This event will spotlight the crucial role of young leaders in advancing climate justice and green jobs advocacy. Gain insights from Barranquilla+20 and Our Ocean as we explore the grassroots and climate justice movements on the frontlines. Discover the importance of investing in youth and women, and how their leadership and green development skills are influencing both local and global discussions. Learn about the essential strategies and campaigns that harness youth abilities to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, resilient planet. Drawing from experiences in environmental multilateral agreements and global decision-making, we will delve into innovative approaches to gender and intersectionality. This session will address the unique challenges faced by diverse youth and women in climate action. Join us to highlight the significance of green jobs and their alignment with youth aspirations for climate justice in a time of governance crisis. Learn how to mobilize youth in environmental politics, with a particular focus on climate change advocacy. Through interactive discussions, participants will be equipped to drive environmental change and contribute to a greener economy. Don't miss this opportunity to amplify youth voices and empower the next generation of environmental leaders.
Speakers:
Estevan Marin Quintero, Legal coordinator of Barranquilla+20 Foundation, Barranquilla+20 Foundation
Catherine Kakolo Mongella, Executive Director, Our Climate
Unlocking Tomorrow's Opportunities: Private Sector Contribution into a Sustainable Future
Room: Courtyard by Marriott
Organization(s): GAN Global, GAN Guatemala, CACIF Youth Commission, U.S. Council for International Business and Adaptive Construction Solutions
Join us for an engaging discussion on how private sector investments are shaping the future of Discover towards sustainability. Explore innovative strategies driving green economy initiatives, resilience-building measures, and workforce development. From green skills training to fostering a resilient workforce, we delve into the transformative power of private sector investments. Gain insights and real-world examples to navigate the intersection of sustainability and the future of work. Join us for an interactive discussion with industry leaders, sharing practical insights and collaborating on sustainable workforce solutions. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of shaping the future together.
Speakers:
Maria José Nichols, President, CACIF Youth commission
María Cristina Rodil Schlesinger, Directora de Proyección de CACIF y Coordinadora de GAN Guatemala
Francisco Menéndez, Youth Director, CACIF
Jose Arroyo, Policy Manager, Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs, US Council for International Business
Dr. Mardy Leathers, Executive Vice President, Adaptive Construction Solutions
How Government-led Systems Strengthening can Unlock Sustainable Opportunities for Youth
Room: Spring
Organization(s): Office of the President of South Africa, GIZ and Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator
The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) is South Africa's most comprehensive effort to address the country's youth unemployment crisis. It is a Presidency-led intervention that partners with government department and their agencies, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The primary goal of the PYEI is to link young people successfully from learning to earning and it has made coordination, partnership, and innovation central to its approach. By driving systems change, stimulating and aggregating demand, and increasing the visibility of opportunities, the PYEI has provided workseeker support to over 3.8 million young people and unlocked over 1.27 million earning opportunities for the most excluded youth since 2020. The workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of the PYEI, its systems approach, partnership model, and its impact on young people.
Speakers:
Tshego Walker, Director in the Project Management Office, Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
Bianca Peters, Implementation Lead, GIZ
Mosuoe Sekonyela, Chief Government Relations Officer, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator
Youth-led Green Innovation Labs: Youth Innovation that is Local, Inclusive and a Force for Climate Action
Room: Ellsworth
Organization(s): Save the Children, Youth Innovation Lab-Bangladesh, and Breaking the Silence
Participants will hear from a young woman and a women’s led organization who have been running Youth-led Green Innovation Labs. These labs facilitate the creation of sustainable youth-led businesses to tackle local environmental problems. Through game playing and hearing directly from a youth leader and partners’ experiences, participants will be exposed to the labs’ methodology, how they are locally driven and designed for inclusion from the start.
Participants will also see examples of how the businesses created by youth are driving environmental action and social change that is locally relevant. This interactive session will provide an overview of environmental youth driven innovation in 3 categories: services, processes, and products. It will also highlight the importance of and how to include all young people, independently of their socio economic, gender and disability status or level of education.
Speakers:
Monica Caminiti, Sr. Director Skills to Succeed, Save the Children
Rubina, Entrepreneur, Youth Led Innovation Lab
Roksana Sultana, Executive Director, Breaking the Silence
4:15 PM - 4:35 PM
Transition/Break
4:35 PM - 5:35 PM
Private-Sector Perspectives: Driving Forward a Just Transition
Room: Main Stage (Great Hall)
Organization(s): Climate Group, CSO Copilot, and SAP
The raging climate crisis will result in approximately 80 million full- time jobs being lost by 2030 and global economic losses amounting to $2,400 billion.1 According to the ILO, youth are three times more likely to be unemployed than adults. While private sector is increasingly making commitments to shifting to more environmentally friendly and sustainable sectors and practices, these changes may negatively impact opportunities for youth and other traditionally marginalized communities, such as reduced incomes or job opportunities or involve value chains with poor work conditions. This indicates the urgent need to accelerate a just transition more so with a focus on decent and viable economic opportunities for the next generation. To effectively realize this just transition, partnerships, and investments particularly from the private sector remain critical.
This plenary brings together thought leaders from the private sector to share their perspectives on the just transition. It will delve into how each of these actors are contributing to a just transition, the initiatives they are investing in, their incentives and challenges they’re grappling with. From supply chains to the apparel industry to the energy sector, panelists will share their perspectives on how they are moving the needle in their sectors to accelerate the just transition.
Speakers:
Angela Barranco, Executive Director of North America, Climate Group
Ashley Allen, Founder and President, CSO Copilot
Hemang Desai, Global Program Director, Social Sabbatical Portfolio, SAP Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), SAP
Moderator:
Rebecca Villalobos, Founding Partner, Earthly Strategies