June 5, 2024, Karapınar, Türkiye. – Today, on World Environment Day, youth leaders from around the world convened in Karapınar and were hosted at the Kalyon Solar Energy Plan, the fifth largest solar power plant in the world, for a transformative event focused on urban climate actions and the localization of the SDGs. Organized by the Zero Waste Foundation, UN-Habitat Youth Advisory Board, and supported by Kalyon OVC, this gathering brought together youth, government and the private sector to map a way forward to sustainability globally.
“Today, we unite to increase awareness and spur action in defense of our planet,” stated Michal Mlynár , Acting Executive Director for UN-Habitat, “Our urban environments are critical focal points in the fight for sustainability, and it’s essential to acknowledge the need for sustainable urban development and the role of youth in the vanguarde.”
Alexander Caldas, Director of the United Nations and Chair of the UN Geospatial Network, added his perspective, stating, “The integration of geospatial technologies with sustainable development practices is paramount in addressing global environmental challenges. By leveraging spatial data analytics, we can gain invaluable insights into patterns of urbanization, land use, and resource management, enabling more informed decision-making for a sustainable future.”
The event serves as a precursor to the upcoming Summit of the Future, where global leaders will convene to chart a course toward a sustainable and resilient future. Participants expressed optimism about the summit’s potential to drive meaningful change and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Zeina ElZein, Youth Advisory Board member, emphasized the need to empower future generations, stating, “To truly achieve sustainability, we must adopt a holistic approach to education, where young people have the opportunity to learn about different sustainability aspects, and to use their collective knowledge and resources to address the global interconnected environmental challenges, supporting a resilient sustainable future ”
Youth World Environment Day 2024 demonstrates the power of youth partnership with local government and the private sector in advancing environmental sustainability.
