Launched in January 2024, Youth Together for Arctic Futures is a four-year EU-funded initiative that seeks to equip Arctic and European youth with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to engage in shaping effective climate and nature policies for the Arctic. This June, the second Arctic Youth Dialogue will take place in Levi, Finland as part of the annual EU-Arctic Forum. This flagship event offers an important opportunity for Arctic and European youth to connect with Arctic policymakers and experts, develop actionable policy recommendations, and gain the experience needed to further their engagement in Arctic issues.
In the days leading up to the Arctic Youth Dialogue, 36 young people will engage in workshops and discussions to develop recommendations under the theme “Youth Needs-Based Suggested Actions for a Just and Sustainable Transition.”
This year, Erik Koeken from EYP Netherlands will be one of the the head facilitators, leading workshops and discussions among the participants. Participants will take part in workshops on policy writing, negotiation and consensus-forming. Lead by peer facilitators, they will then write their policy recommendations and learn how to present their ideas effectively. The policy recommendations will be published online on June 26th.
The EU-Arctic Forum gathers a broad range of stakeholders, including government officials, international organisations, researchers, and indigenous communities. The forum will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Arctic today, from the impacts of climate change to sustainable governance. The Forum starts with youth at the centre, featuring young leaders in different fields. EYP Alumna Maxine Buchert will share her journey as the founder and CEO of a social media marketing agency.
The EU-Arctic Forum will help shape a strategic outlook for the years to come, providing an opportunity to assess progress in Arctic policy and discuss challenges and opportunities in the future. Read more about the EU-Arctic Forum here.
The Arctic Youth Dialogue will take place on the 27th of June. One of the key outcomes of the pre-event workshops will be the policy recommendations developed by the young participants. These recommendations will be presented directly to decision-makers at the Arctic Youth Dialogue, ensuring that youth perspectives are actively included in shaping the policies that affect the Arctic. The recommendations, to be published online on June 26th, will address a wide range of issues, from environmental protection to indigenous rights and climate change adaptation strategies. By offering young people a space to conceptualise their ideas and present them to the relevant stakeholders, the Arctic Youth Dialogue plays a critical role in ensuring that youth have a say in the future of the Arctic.
You can read last year’s policy recommendations here: The Arctic Youth Dialogue 2023 Recommendations.
The Arctic Youth Dialogue and the Youth Together for Arctic Futures project are important steps toward ensuring that the youth of today are fully engaged in the decision-making processes that will shape the future of the Arctic and the world. Through collaboration, skill-building, and direct interaction with policymakers, young people are empowered to take on leadership roles and contribute to sustainable solutions.
We look forward to seeing the outcomes of this year’s event and continue to support the next generation of Arctic leaders as they work to create a more sustainable future for all.
Youth Together for Arctic Futures is led by the WWF Global Arctic Programme (GAP), alongside Tromsø Municipality, the Saami Council, the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists, the Arctic Mayors’ Forum, the Arctic Youth Network, and us, the EYP, being the largest partner organization.
This project is funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the the European Youth Parliament and partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
