TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Youth representatives from Taiwan and the world gathered in Okinawa, Japan for the United Nations Global Youth Sustainable Development Goals Forum in October.
Nearly a hundred university and high school youth ambassadors from 30 countries gathered to discuss and provide suggestions on the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The event allowed Taiwanese youth to express their climate concerns at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), per Business Today.
During the three-day, two-night forum, activities included cross-border workshops, lectures, student impact project presentations, and sustainability presentations. Youth representatives were divided into 16 groups to propose action plans for the 16 UN SDGs.
Wei Ming-tsong (魏名聰), chair of a Taiwan-based youth growth foundation, said the venue was originally Palau to highlight climate challenges faced by small islands. It was changed to Okinawa due to political factors.
Wei said that most Taiwanese students at the forum were from experimental schools, which shows parents are looking beyond traditional educational systems. This can equip students with climate and environmental education resources.
The forum promulgated the "Okinawa Declaration," read by youth representatives in their native languages, symbolizing the commitment and consensus of global youth on climate action.
The Okinawa Declaration focused on the importance of climate change as it affects island countries. The declaration called for industrialized countries to take greater responsibility and assist island nations.
The forum also arranged workshops to provide young representatives with opportunities to engage in sustainable development education.
Many youth representatives said the forum built their self-confidence and abilities. For Taiwanese high school students, it was a way to learn about climate change and sustainable development, and how they can contribute to a changing environment.
Hsu Chun-hsi (許淳曦), a Taipei Kuei Shan School student, attended COP28 last year and said she could share this experience to awaken more people to climate challenges. Hsu said young people face the most serious risks of climate change but also have the most to gain.
Kuo Yi-chun (郭羿群), another student from Kuei Shan School, said the school promotes SDGs and ESG-related workshops, ranging from recycling old shoes to a campus carbon inventory.
"The current generation will face the most serious climate impact. We use a student-led approach to allow senior students to spread environmental awareness so that junior students can feel it through experience, thereby creating changes," said Kuo.
The student added, "Many people, including students in our school, think that I am only in high school and I don't have any influence or the opportunity to change anything. So the slogan of our student union this year is to believe in change.”
Jack Huang (黃一展), a COP project consultant for Asia-Pacific, served as a workshop host and lecturer.
Huang guided the students in discussing international climate issues and praised the high school students' performance. He also praised their excellent cooperation over a short period and the ability to effectively express their ideas and opinions.
“We are like writing a love letter to the earth, conveying this love and responsibility to COP29. We want to ignite the passion of young people and also express their firm belief in speaking out for the earth,” Huang said.
The content of the Okinawa Declaration involves SDG goals such as poverty, hunger, education, and climate justice. It calls on governments and businesses to accelerate actions to support small island countries in achieving sustainable development.
The declaration also hopes to resonate with industrialized countries about the needs of island countries, emphasizes the vulnerability of these regions, and calls for a world of justice, peace, and prosperity.
Through the Okinawa Declaration, Taiwanese students hope to remind the world that climate action is urgent and that every country and generation is responsible for jointly creating a sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous planet.
2024 Okinawa UN-SDGs Forum
The Declaration for Our Common Future and Sustainable
Jointly made by 2024 Youth Delegates
At the 2024 Okinawa UN-SDGs Forum, over 100 youth leaders from 30 countries and regions united to voice their commitment to a sustainable, just, and resilient world. Through hard work and collaboration, we, the youth, present this declaration to show our deep concern and our determination to drive change. Youth voices matter—they are the changemakers of today and tomorrow. We urge the world to recognize and empower us as we lead toward a better future.
We, the youth, envision a world where poverty and hunger are eliminated, supported by sustainable financing, inclusive governance, and equal opportunities in quality education. Education is the foundation of sustainable growth and must be accessible, equitable, and lifelong. We call for partnerships with restaurants, supermarkets, and governments to develop mobile food banks and organize community kitchens for those in need. Additionally, mental health education is essential to breaking the stigma and ensuring well-being for all. Our future depends on empowerment through education that builds skills, awareness, and resilience in our communities.
Our economies must evolve to balance sustainable growth with environmental respect. We stand for economic development driven by green skills, eco-friendly innovations, and investments in renewable energy and power storage systems. We urge governments and businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create affordable energy options that support smart cities with rainwater storage, electric transit, and energy-efficient housing. Responsible, sustainable consumption will allow us to protect resources for future generations.
A peaceful world relies on justice, strong institutions, and fair policies. We call for climate justice, equitable resource distribution, and inclusive decision-making that represents all communities. To tackle domestic violence, we advocate for stronger protections and accessible support services. Justice and peace must be priorities if we are to create safe, resilient societies where everyone can thrive. Transparent policies and collaborative actions across borders are essential to building accountability and fostering unity.
Our natural resources are our legacy, and we commit to protecting forests, oceans, and biodiversity. Sustainable forest action and marine conservation are essential to safeguarding biodiversity and promoting climate stability. We support forest restoration, ocean-based solutions, and policies that empower communities to act as guardians of their ecosystems. Through education and systemic change, we can inspire responsible stewardship of the environment, ensuring that our planet remains vibrant and resilient for generations to come.
Together, we are powerful. The Sustainable Development Goals are more than targets; they are a promise to create a world where all people live with peace, justice, and opportunity. We, the youth, pledge to this journey. We will work across borders, foster responsible consumption, and champion innovation. This is our commitment: to inspire others, to act with urgency, and to build a fair, healthy, and thriving future for everyone.
This declaration is both a call to action and a roadmap. Our commitment, grounded in the SDGs, is to lead with innovation, fairness, and urgency. Together, we will build resilient communities, protect our planet, and stand for justice and peace. Youth are the present and the future—we are ready to lead, and we ask the world to walk with us in creating a sustainable world for all.