Glasgow, 8th of November, 2021. On behalf of young people across Europe, Young Friends of the Earth Europe organised an action outside COP26 today to demand intersectional system change and highlight young people’s visions for a socially just and ecologically sound future.
Intersectional system change is urgently needed in our society. Because change should be based on the visions and aspirations people have for their future, Young Friends of the Earth Europe organised an action outside COP26 today to amplify the voices of young people. Young activists presented the visions for the future, collected from thousands of youth across Europe over the past two years, emphasising in particular those being deliberately silenced by the current neoliberal, colonial, racist, and capitalistic forces in society.
We are currently at a tipping point, where we need bold demands and coordinated collective actions to build an equitable, sustainable, and socially just world that we all want to live in. Youth demands integrated solutions based on collaboration within and between communities, generations, institutions, countries, and sectors. All solutions should be inclusive and leave no one behind. Youth specifically call for:
- No more fossil fuels and false climate solutions;
- Fundamental human rights;
- Protection and restoration of ecosystems;
- A circular economy based on the principle of reduce-reuse-recycle;
- Transparent decision-making that belongs to the people;
- Decent work and fair salary for all occupations;
- No discrimination of people based on their gender, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, and disability;
- Clean, accessible and community-owned energy;
- Extensive sustainable transport infrastructures that are accessible, affordable, and safe;
- Access to healthcare, vaccines and treatments;
- Sustainable and regenerative farming systems that provides healthy diets;
- Objective, free and accessible education for all.
Quote from Young Friends of the Earth Europe activist:
“We are here today to address the elephant in the room: the inaction of the people in power. We are watching them and we demand immediate and meaningful action for the intersectional transformation we need.”
Josef Boraei, Young Friends of the Earth Europe
