UN HLPF Side Event: Youth Leadership on Ocean and Climate Action Through Intergenerational Capacity Building Programs

As part of the UN High-Level Political Forum 2025 (HLPF), this side event will showcase youth empowerment and leadership for ocean conservation and climate action through educational programs to drive positive change for the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, with a special focus on SDG 14 and the UN Ocean Decade. The objective of this session is to explore and showcase storytelling as a powerful capacity-building tool in addressing the climate crisis. Through engaging narratives and compelling examples, we aim to highlight both the profound impacts of climate change on various communities and ecosystems, as well as innovative and effective solutions being implemented around the world.

The interplay of science, policy, and storytelling is crucial in shaping the climate movement. While data and policy frameworks lay the groundwork for understanding and addressing the climate crisis, it is storytelling that has the power to resonate deeply with individuals, inspiring action and fostering a collective sense of responsibility.

Equally important are the stories of success—narratives that showcase effective solutions, resilience, and innovation. By sharing these stories, we can shift the climate narrative from one of despair to one of possibility, demonstrating that while there is no single solution to the climate crisis, a multitude of effective strategies exist. These stories serve as beacons of hope, motivating individuals and communities to engage in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and climate action, reinforcing the idea that a sustainable future is within reach.