Two years into the ‘Decade of Action’, it is critical that we address the climate crisis – urgently! With parts of the world reporting extreme heat and other parts experiencing unprecedented flood levels and wildfires, how can we flip the negative impact? To mark International Youth Day, UNDP’s monthly SDG Talks highlighted the needs to encourage  intergenerational solidarity to address the climate crisis.

Speakers included Aretha Aprilia, Head of the Environment Unit at UNDP Indonesia, Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, the Chairman of the Advisory Board on Climate Change Policies at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Wahyu Tini Astuti, the Deputy Director SDG Academy Indonesia, Hanif Falah, Senior Program Manager of CSIRO Australian Embassy in Jakarta, Michelin Sallata, Chair of Barisan Pemuda Adat Nusantara, and Andyna Sary, lecturer from London School Public Relation. During the breakout session, UNFPA’s SDGs Youth Hub Representative, Ndaru Tejo Laksono, and UNV Indonesia’s representative, Mazayannisa Suyuthi.

Aretha Aprilia in her remarks emphasized the objective of creating an equitable world. “Ageism has challenged our society to implement a fair policy for all. Youth will be  responsible for various policies set by their predecessors. Thus, youth are crucial parts to be involved in this process. However, those considered as the “older” generation, also play a role since the climate crisis impacts everyone,” she said.

The discussion highlights the role of indigenous people and the need to create smaller systemic change, especially given the diverse cultural and socio-political situation in regions in Indonesia. In addition, it is imperative to include the youth voice and activism into policy making. Sarwono Kusumaatmadja emphasized the relevance of bringing intergenerational solidarity. “Throughout history, youth have mobilized action and change. It is time for us to move forward and push on the solidarity between generations, “he said.

Michelin Sallata addressed the perspective from indigenous groups “I just came back from a trip discussing with young people in East Nusa Tenggara. Many of them decided to return home to contribute to regional development and revive the spirit that indigenous communities play an important role to address the climate crisis,” she said.

Indonesia began its so-called “demographic bonus” In 2020, with the millennial generation being the largest groups in the country’s total population, followed by Gen Z, Gen X, and baby boomers. Over 50 percent of millennials  live in urban areas [2]. Creating solidarity among all ages also addresses social and cultural challenges by considering the aging population and the impact of their experience.

Asked about the challenges faced by the youth these days, Mr. Hanif Fallah noted, “unequal access has been an  issue in discussions about the climate crisis. Infrastructure and technology are the future and the current variables to equip our youth living in many other regions to create systemic changes within their communities.”

Wahyu Tini Astuti also noted the changes in the education landscape. “A holistic education approach is needed to transform and equip our society, when we talk about how to involve young people,” she said.

Following the discussion, participants joined breakout sessions where discussions focused on the importance of creating solid networks, raising awareness on inclusivity such as gender equality, voicing aspirations through writing, and learning to systematically find solutions from the grassroots perspective.

Activism takes on greater significance when conducted effectively and consistently. Creating awareness has helped youth understand the climate crisis, and conservation. In addition, on policy makers should provide solutions based on current needs, by listening to, and including the youth activists throughout the process.

Text: Enggi Dewanti

Photo: UNDP Indonesia