The Role of Youth in Advancing a Just Transition: Experiences and Pathways Forward

This roundtable will explore how education, skills, and innovation can empower young people to play a central role in shaping just transitions toward low-carbon economies. Bringing together youth leaders and experts, it will focus on strengthening pathways for education, training, and inclusion in green job markets — with a particular emphasis on Latin America and the Caribbean, while drawing lessons from other regions.

Youth are at the forefront of reimagining the future of work in a changing climate. Their creativity, leadership, and use of digital tools are key to advancing climate resilience, circular economy models, and inclusive green growth. With the potential for up to 15 million new green jobs in Latin America and the Caribbean by 2030, investing in youth education and skills is both urgent and transformative. This includes developing technical and vocational skills for renewable energy industries, as well as interdisciplinary, digital, and networking capacities that enable young people to become effective actors and decision-makers in the transition.

Digital connectivity and inclusion will also be discussed as critical enablers of this transformation. Expanding access to digital infrastructure and skills allows young people to drive innovation — from AI-powered energy systems to data tools supporting circular economy and climate-smart agriculture. Bridging digital divides, especially in rural and underserved areas, is essential to ensure equal access to emerging green job opportunities.

By combining education, training, digital innovation, and youth engagement, this roundtable will highlight how empowering young people can unlock scalable, cross-sector solutions that advance climate action, social inclusion, and equitable economic opportunities across the region and beyond.