Unlocking Youth Potential in Science, Technology, and Innovation

Youth, with their ability to rapidly adopt and utilize new technologies, are critical stakeholders in climate action. They represent some of the most powerful agents of change. There are 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10 and 24 – the largest generation of youth in history – whose contributions are vital in the fight against climate change. Having grown up witnessing the impacts of climate change, youth are uniquely positioned to recognize local challenges and drive innovative technological solutions to strengthen adaptation and resilience. For instance, flood safeguards; more resilient crops; water purification and recycling; and weather forecasting. Further, youth bring long-term thinking, innovative ideas, and consideration for future interests, which promote sustainability and inclusivity.    

Globally, 85% of youth live in low- and middle-income countries. Nearly 800 million young people in these developing nations are at risk of exclusion from the job market over the next decade. These risks are higher for youth from marginalized and vulnerable groups who face barriers due to poverty, education, gender, ethnicity, disability, and other social identities. Climate change is bound to exacerbate these risks. In this context, innovation and entrepreneurship are essential to generate green jobs and create inclusive, climate-smart technologies.

Young peoples are disproportionately impacted by climate change. According to a UNICEF report, 80 percent of countries ranking “Extremely High” in terms of child vulnerability to climate change are Least Developed Countries. The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region is already faced with climate-related risks – such as glacial melt, food insecurity, and migration, which are affecting mountain communities, particularly women and children. In this context, youth-led innovation in climate adaptation and resilience is critical, not only to transform but save lives in these regions.

While more than one-third of the population of the Hindu Kush Himalayan countries comprises youth between the ages of 13 and 35, limited access to education and opportunities in these mountainous regions restrict their participation in climate action. It is critical to bridge these gaps to empower youth and unlock their potential to lead inclusive climate solutions rooted in research, technology, and innovation.

Objectives:

  • Highlight the importance and urgency of youth action and innovation to drive both community-level and global climate change solutions.
  • Explore ways to create an enabling environment for youth engagement in science, technology, and innovation in developing countries.
  • Identify knowledge-sharing mechanisms to bridge the gap among youth, experts, researchers, etc.

Moderator

Harjeet Singh

Strategic Advisor, Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative

Keynote Speaker

Prof. Dr. Bhagwan Koirala

Nepalese Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Panelist

Dikchhya Baral

Network Coordinator, Nepalese Youth for Climate Action

Dikchhya Baral (She/Her), is  a Climate Justice Activist and National Network Coordinator of Nepalese Youth for Climate Action, the largest and oldest youth network tackling climate change. I have been actively engaged in advocating and raising awareness among young people, children, and communities about the impacts of climate change for about 5 years now. I have successfully organized two national conferences on climate change and one national-level training course on clean air and climate change. I was one of the youth delegates at COP 28 from my network and the recipient of the ISLA Program for COY 19 and COP 29 participation, and the Asia Solidarity Lab Fellowship Program 2024.. During these 5 years of Journey, I have been a part of and also led many campaigns such as Safe and Clean Air for All (SAFA), Know What You Breathe Campaign, Shift Campaign 2022/24, Red Alert Campaign, Generation Hope Campaign, and Fossil Fuel Non- Proliferation Treaty Campaign. My mission is to ignite global awareness and action against climate change through inspiring grassroots-level actions.

Prajal Pradhan

Assistant Professor at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands

Prajal Pradhan is an Assistant Professor at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. He has experience designing relevant research on sustainable development, climate change, and food systems. His current research focuses on understanding the necessary conditions for long-term sustainability, including achieving SDGs, food system transformations, and climate resilience. Prajal has received the ERC Starting Grant 2022. He was a lead author of the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Land and a contributing author of the AR6 IPCC WG III Report and the AR6 IPCC WG II Report.

Mr. Dan Sweeney

Research scientist and mechanical engineer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Dan Sweeney is a research scientist and mechanical engineer leading household energy and air quality research at D-Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (d-lab.mit.edu). Aligned with D-Lab’s approach, Dan’s work emphasizes “design with” as opposed to “design for”, in collaboration with community organizations and social enterprises that are serving their communities with household energy products and services. He co-leads Himalaya Home Energy, a consortium of universities, NGOs and social businesses that work with rural communities to design and distribute affordable and efficient energy technologies tailored to local needs and preferences. Prior to MIT, he was a Fulbright scholar and holds B.S. and Ph.D degrees in mechanical engineering.

Ms. Romchat Wachirarattanakornkul

UN Human Rights (OHCHR)

Romchat Wachirarattanakornkul is the regional focal point for climate change and the environment at the UN Human Rights (OHCHR), covering environment and climate change in Asia. She works to integrate human rights principles into climate change policy and governance, supporting governments, UN agencies, civil society, and regional actors in advancing rights-based approaches to environmental protection and climate action. Her work focuses on strengthening legal frameworks, advocating for environmental human rights defenders, and amplifying the voices of people in vulnerable situations, particularly women, children, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and climate-vulnerable communities. Romchat leads capacity-building initiatives, ensuring stakeholders can address human rights risks in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. She contributes to regional dialogues, policy development, and advocacy efforts, bridging the gap between human rights and environmental sustainability while promoting compliance with international human rights standards. Romchat holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Public Law and an LL.M. in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, specializing in Human Rights & Development, International Trade & Investment, and Business & Human Rights, along with certification in Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG).