15/06/2022 - Youth Climate Conference 2022 -Tomorrow’s future, today
Young people in Luton are being urged to have their voices heard on climate change, by taking part in Luton’s first Youth Climate Conference (YCC2022) at Stockwood Discovery Centre, from 9am-3pm, on both 11 and 12 July 2022.
With Luton striving to be net-zero by 2040, the conference is an unmissable opportunity for those aged 11-25 who want to make a change on climate change.
Youth Network’s YCC2022 will be run by young people, for young people. In total, 20 young people will run the conference. Day one of the conference (11 July) will be open to trips from secondary schools, with schools asked to nominate students. Day two (12 July) will be for young people over the age of 18. Facilitated by Net Zero Luton, a Luton-based organisation who provides young people with a platform to improve themselves and their community, the conference’s agenda will focus on priorities for climate action that have been identified by young people. These include housing and energy, aviation, transport, conservation and green spaces.
Underlining the importance of giving young people a voice to shape a net-zero Luton, the conference is proudly supported by Active Luton, Bedfordshire Student Union, Luton Council, Luton Culture Trust, Luton Rising and Zero Carbon Luton. YCC2022 partners will be key to creating a legacy for ensuring Luton’s young people are part of the climate solution.
These organisations have representatives at the conference, contributing their expertise to the workshops. As key partners who will drive a net-zero Luton, each of these organisations wants to listen, explore and give a voice to the ideas that Luton’s young people have.
Raheed Salam, Director of Youth Network, said “YCC2022 represents an opportunity for learning, positive action and leadership with young people to create a better future for Luton and reverse/slow down some of the climate crisis we currently face.”
“So if you are aged 11-25 from Luton, please don’t miss this opportunity to share your ideas. The next innovation on climate change could come from our conference after all!”
Councillor Tom Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change at Luton Council, said “Empowering Luton’s young people to lead is crucial in sustaining action on climate change, which is what the conference will seek to achieve. Tomorrow’s future is actually today, so action is imperative if we are to achieve a net-zero Luton by 2040.”
Sam Javid, Creative Director of Culture Trust, said “The climate crisis has never been more urgent. All voices are needed to help us find solutions. Over two days we’ll be using our time at Stockwood Discovery Centre to make sure young people’s passion, energy, and ideas are at the forefront of collective action and initiatives.”
Schools and young people aged 18-25 can sign up for the conference here: https://www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/youth-climate-conference.
If you have any questions relating to the conference, what it will cover and how to get involved, please contact [email protected]. The conference is open to school trips, who are invited to get in touch and discuss their needs should they wish to attend.
