Events
The Climate Crisis and Its Threat to Security & Development
Speaker:
Brigadier General Gerald Galloway, Advisory Board Member, The Center for Climate and Security
Eileen Lin, Senior Corporate Engagement Advisor, Global Cities, The Nature Conservancy
Isabella Caltabiano, Research Assistant, The Wilson Center
Emily Sample, Genocide Prevention Program, George Mason University School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution
Background:
The four focus areas for this session of The Youth Assembly are Human Development, Environment, Peace and Technology, however, it is increasingly clear that each of these fields is intimately connected. In particular, with the effects of climate change beginning to take a toll on the ground, it has become apparent that climate change risks driving hundreds of millions into poverty and creating a major global security threat. If land, air, and sea continue to be polluted, natural habitats unsustainably destroyed, and fish stocks diminished, the world could face dangerous shortages in food, water, and energy, which in turn could cause serious tension and the potential for conflict. This is not to mention the increased risk of disasters from climate change, which can cause sudden and drastic shortfalls of various resources. This panel will discuss just how significant a threat climate change poses to security and other fundamental human needs, as well as offering insight into how this risk might best be addressed, and the role that youth may be able to play in this process. Technology will also be included in the discussion, with an assessment of just how much hope technology gives us in mitigating these risks.
Possible Discussion Points:
- How much effect is climate change already having on the ground in the world today?
- How does climate change affect developing countries differently? What particular risks do developing countries face?
- Climate change is caused by a variety of factors, including air pollution, natural habitat loss and agriculture – which aspects are most dangerous and why?
- How exactly does climate change pose a risk to security? What is a potential conflict scenario that might pan out?
- Recent reports have cited biodiversity, especially in the oceans, as being particularly under threat – could this lead to a security risk as well?
- How can the security risks from climate change be avoided?
- What is the best pathway forward for the international community to address climate change?
- How might new technology aid efforts to mitigate climate change?
- Does new military technology make environmental conflict more or less likely?
- What are the best things young people can do in their communities to help with this issue?
Introduction to Fundraising and US Grant Applications
Speaker:
Elizabeth Madjlesi, Community Outreach Manager, Foundation Center, Candid
Description:
This workshop will give you tips and tools to succeed in fundraising, one of the most difficult parts of implementing a new project or initiative. In particular, it will offer information on grants from the US, which offers by far the most domestic and international grants of any country in the world, and will give advice on how to successfully apply.
A Different Way of Doing Business: Rooting Out Inequities in Supply Chains
Speakers:
Jane Hwang, President and CEO, Social Accountability International
Thao Pham, Senior Vice President of Community and Social Equity, Clif Bar and Company
Altair Rodriguez, Farmer and Coordinator for the Living Income Cacao Program, Consultant, Clif Bar and Company
Description:
Solving global poverty demands doing business differently — but what’s possible?
In this session, Social Accountability International (a world-leading non-profit organization) and Clif Bar (a company renown for their social responsibility) will highlight how the business community can create a positive impact on the world. In particular, they will look at how imbalances in global supply chains can leave farmers and workers earning far less than a living wage or income. They will share examples from their work, including a unique partnership with cacao farmers, and will show you how to:
- Inspire people to make living income and wages a business norm.
- Mobilize consumers to demand ethically- and sustainably- produced products.
- Inspire policymakers to make and enforce effective laws promoting human rights in global supply chains.
A Different Way of Doing Business: Rooting Out Inequities in Supply Chains
Speakers:
Jane Hwang, President & CEO, Social Accountability International
Thao Pham, Senior Vice President of Community and Social Equity, Clif Bar and Company
Altair Rodriguez, Farmer & Coordinator for the Living Income Cacao Program, Consultant, Clif Bar and Company
Introduction to The World Bank Group and Its Impact in Technology and Job Creation
Speakers:
Angelica Silvero, Head of Speakers Bureau, The World Bank Group
Maheshwor Shrestha, Economist, The World Bank Group
Action and Impact Hub
Description:
Come learn about impactful work being done by fellow delegates in this unique opportunity to network and get involved with the Global Action and Impact Network.
Youth Speaking Truth to Power: Taking Responsibility for the Climate Crisis
Speakers:
Emery Kiefer, Campus Corps Program Coordinator, The Climate Reality Project
Melissa Parrott, Climate Leader and Mentor, The Climate Reality Project
Matthew Kim, Climate Reality Leader, Distinguished Youth Speaker
Description:
The Climate Reality Project is the project of former US Vice President Al Gore, the pioneer, and leader of the global movement for climate action. In this workshop, Climate Reality will explain just how grave the climate crisis has become, with the latest facts and evidence, and will give you specific training and opportunities to scale up your own climate action.
Positive Youth Development (PYD) and how to Leverage YouthLead for Change
Speakers:
Maria Brindlmayer, Senior Knowledge Management Specialist, Making Cents International
Nilima Raut, Knowledge Management and Communications Fellow, Making Cents International
Abolaji Omitogun, Knowledge Management, YouthLead.org, Making Cents International
Ikenna Anyadike, Knowledge Management and Engagement, YouthLead.org, Making Cents International
Description:
Positive Youth Development is an intentional, pro-social approach that engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups, and families in a manner that is productive and constructive; recognizes, utilizes, and enhances young people’s strengths; and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships, and furnishing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths.
This workshop will show you can directly benefit from the movement for positive youth development and will guide you through YouthLead.org, a fantastic resource for young leaders.