Transformative youth empowerment: the YESI Initiative's role in a just transition
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) of the Netherlands Embassy in South Africa recently launched the Youth Empowerment through Sustainable Innovation (YESI) initiative, themed "Reimagining a Just Transition through a Youth Lens." Read the story from the launch by our colleagues in South Africa!
Youth Empowerment through sustainable innovation
The YESI initiative focuses on empowering youth to drive sustainable innovation and equitable development, aligning with global efforts to address climate change and social inequalities. The role of young people in shaping South Africa’s sustainable future is indispensable; since the energy transition calls for innovative ideas and bold actions, who better to spearhead these efforts than South Africa’s youth – who are the future?
The initiative was inaugurated during South Africa’s Youth Month, which is a time when South Africa honours the courageous actions of youth during the Soweto Uprising on June 16, 1976. Over the span of the month, youth is acknowledged for their vital role in shaping the nation's future.
The YESI event saw the enthusiastic participation of 98 youth from diverse backgrounds, representing Tembisa, Soweto, Atteridgeville, Mamelodi, and Valhalla, with ages ranging from 16 to 37. Participants brought fresh perspectives to the discussions on sustainable innovations and climate, expressing a keen interest in being active contributors to a just transition.
Their involvement highlighted the importance of equity and inclusion, ensuring that all young people, regardless of background, have equal access to opportunities for empowerment and participation.
Panel discussion during the event
Opening remarks and messages of support from Joanne Doornewaard, Netherlands Ambassador to South Africa; Waseem Carrim, NYDA CEO; Mbali Baduza, Youth Commissioner at the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) and Busisiwe Nxumalo, YAC Chairperson; set an inspiring tone for the event.
The panellists, representing various sectors of the climate and energy industry, led a Youth-led Learning Workshop on Climate Action and the Just Transition. They shared their experiences and insights, emphasizing the need for accessible language and inclusive discussions. Participants actively engaged in the Q&A sessions, raising concerns about the exclusion of youth from high-level conversations and the challenges of bridging demographic differences.
Experts highlighted opportunities for youth within South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, encouraging attendees to participate in local sustainability projects and advocate for green policies at the local government level. The event concluded with a world café-style networking session, where youth-led organizations shared information about opportunities in their respective fields, including the Presidential Youth Employment Stimulation, NYDA, Youth Policy Advocacy, Tech and Innovation, and Climate Finance.
Challenges and opportunities
Youth participants were given the platform to voice their concerns, share their perspectives, and engage directly with experts and policymakers. The emphasis on practical engagement, skills development and inclusive communication ensured left participants with actionable knowledge and a renewed commitment to driving positive change in their communities.
At the same time, the event highlighted several challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize young people’s role in South Africa’s Just Energy Transition. These include language and the accessibility of discussions on youth and their role in South Africa’s sustainable energy future, overcoming financial barriers, maintaining high engagement levels, and addressing the diverse needs of youth from various backgrounds.
Pertinent discussions arose regarding how young people want to be engaged, or what support they need to implement their innovative ideas. A key question remained: how, as a society, do we make room for young people to take up space, while also learning from the experience of the older generation? Furthermore, how do we foster inter-generational exchange in a meaningful way?
Recommendations and outcomes
The recommendations derived from participants’ questions and discussions underscore the importance of continuous support, inclusive policies and collaborative efforts in achieving a truly just and sustainable transition. The impact of the YESI initiative on the participants was profound. Many expressed feeling more informed, inspired, and empowered to take actionable steps in their communities.
To add, the initiative successfully fostered crucial conversations around the just transition, serving as a beacon of hope and a model for youth empowerment globally. Indeed, through the YESI initiative, a solid foundation for continued youth engagement in climate action and sustainable innovation has been established.
It is imperative that the momentum is maintained, ensuring that young people are not only included in the conversation but are also at the forefront of driving the changes necessary for a just energy transition. Through sustained effort, collaboration and dedication, we can create a future where all South African youth have the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the global sustainability agenda.
The YESI initiative demonstrates the importance of youth participation in driving sustainable and equitable change. We thank the Dutch Embassy in South Africa’s YAC members Celeste Diale, Kopano Moraka, Yolisa Piliso, Kgothatso Tjebane, and Busisiwe Nxumalo for their dedication to this successful project, and we look forward to more impactful initiatives from the council in the future.