An article by Marsel Haka, Chair of the YRN Committee for a Green & Sustainable Europe
6-8 December 2024 – The 2nd International Youth Climate Summit in Slovenia was a fantastic event organised by the Youth Health Organization (YHO), held in the picturesque coastal city of Koper. This gathering brought together passionate young climate advocates from diverse backgrounds and organisations from different countries, united by a common goal of addressing environmental challenges and mental health.
The summit was a dynamic blend of interactive workshops, insightful discussions and networking opportunities. Participants had the chance to share perspectives, work on innovative ideas, and strengthen connections with like-minded individuals. Experts from organisations such as Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) and Escape4Change delved into critical topics through their workshops and presentations. Particularly the first workshop facilitated by Escape4Change, which involved a cooperative game that challenged participants to uncover hidden secrets. As we navigated through the game, we gained valuable knowledge and insights into climate change issues. This interactive approach made learning enjoyable and effective through gamification.
Another highlight was the workshop on eco-anxiety prepared by YEE. This session shed light on the mental health impacts of climate change, providing participants with important concepts of eco-anxiety and eco-emotions. The workshop fostered open dialogue and reflection, leading to valuable discussions and shared experiences. Representatives from the Institute for Health and Environment shared a valuable presentation on the intersection of health and environmental topics directly relevant to the Summit’s focus, making the picture clearer for the attendees.
The Summit culminated in a Hackathon day where participants formed teams to develop innovative solutions for pressing environmental issues. This hands-on experience allowed young people to put their creativity and problem-solving skills to work. This part fostered collaboration and inspired young people to take action and drive positive change. The event’s success can be attributed to its engaging format, diverse range of topics and the passion of its participants.
In addition to the working agenda, the Summit offered an opportunity to explore the beautiful nearby cities. The festive atmosphere of Christmas added a special touch to this trip, creating memories among new friends in the beautiful month of December. By the end of the Summit, all participants left feeling motivated to continue their cooperation and drive a positive impact on their future environmental initiatives.
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The YRN Thematic Committee on Green & Sustainable Europe drafted a position paper for the UNFCCC COP29. This paper will be presented for formal adoption at the YRN General Assembly 2025. You can already read the draft position here:
