ROME, OCTOBER 19 – “Defending the environment worldwide, and convincing adults to do so.” These are the “two duties” indicated by the Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto, to young people on the concluding day of the “Youth4Climate: Sparking Solutions 2023” event, which brought to Rome 130 individuals under 30 from 63 countries for a three-day discussion on actions to be taken in defense of the climate.
Over a thousand projects were presented, and 48 were awarded at the end of the event that minister Pichetto described as “successful” and that “has further strengthened the commitment of young people to support the fight against climate change.” Pichetto reiterated the Italian government’ support – it was Italy that launched this event in Milan in 2021 on the occasion of the Pre-COP26 – for young people and their ideas, which will be taken to the upcoming World Climate Conference, COP28 in Dubai, starting on November 30th. Italy’s commitment also includes the launch of a new call for a Youth4Climate fevent or the next year and a communication campaign with Rai (the Italian national tv network) on climate change.
The event was organized by the Ministry of the Environment with the secretariat of the UNDP Center in Rome. In addition to Pichetto, the winning projects were awarded by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani. Also present were FAO’s Deputy Director Helena Semedo and UNICEF’s Director, Bo Victor Nylund. In a video link, the Administrator of UNDP, Achim Steiner, participated in the final day.
“The best way to defend the environment is through pragmatism,” Tajani stated. “In this common and intergenerational goal, young people must engage as much as possible to spread innovative ideas and proposals. Their actions will always be strongly supported by this government.” (@OnuItalia)
