OUIK > Events > Collaborative research > Kanazawa > Final Presentation Session of the “Leadership Development Program for the Next Generation: Changing the World from Kanazawa, Ishikawa 2024” (Youth Empowerment Program)

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Final Presentation Session of the “Leadership Development Program for the Next Generation: Changing the World from Kanazawa, Ishikawa 2024” (Youth Empowerment Program)

日時 / Date : 2024/9/16
場所 / Place : しいのき迎賓館 / Shiinoki Cultural Complex

The final presentation session for the which was newly launched by OUIK this fiscal year, took place on September 16, 2024. The aim of this program is to cultivate global leaders from the local community to tackle global challenges such as sustainable development and climate change. Thirteen high school students from Kanazawa City participated and presented the results of their six-month study on local environmental issues and climate change. 

During the presentation, the 13 participating high school students shared the outcomes of their inquiry projects on local environmental issues, which they worked on during their summer vacation. Each student presented solutions and proposals they developed addressing the impacts of climate change and specific environmental problems in their region, actively responding to questions from the audience. 

The themes presented included: 

– Utilization of abandoned farmland 
– Moving away from a car-centric society 
– Proposals for improving ports and surrounding environments 
– Reducing emissions of alternative fluorocarbons 
– The relationship between Ishikawa/Kanazawa and water 
– Green infrastructure in Kanazawa 
– Circular economy 

The students’ presentations were based on specific data and often suggested realistic solutions. Notably, proposals that included collaboration with local residents and cooperation with government authorities garnered significant interest from participants. 

Next Step: Delegation to the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29)

Following the presentation, the participating students underwent individual interviews, and Kanazawa Izumigaoka High School student Nanako Kaji and Kanazawa University High School student Mari Honda were selected. These two will represent the UN University delegation and Kanazawa’s youth at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, scheduled to be held in Azerbaijan this November. They are expected to actively voice the perspectives of Kanazawa’s youth on an international stage and contribute to global climate change initiatives. 

This presentation event served as a highly meaningful opportunity to showcase how local youth engage with global issues and propose solutions from their own perspectives. Participants, inspired by the students’ passion and initiative, hold great expectations for their growth as leaders who will support not only their local communities but also the future of the world. 

Updates on the activities of the members selected for COP29 will be communicated through the official website and social media of the United Nations University OUIK, so please stay tuned!

Click on the link below to know more about OUIK’s Youth Empowerment Program:

Leadership Development Program for the Next Generation: Changing the World from Kanazawa, Ishikawa 2024 (Youth Empowerment Program)

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