- 2030 Agenda, paragraph 53

Energy transition is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and young people are crucial stakeholders.

As the Asia-Pacific region is home to about 60 per cent of the global population, 60 per cent of the global youth population, 50 per cent of global energy demand and 60 per cent of global fuel-related GHG emissions, youth have a critical opportunity to lead a just energy transition.

For young people, the energy transition represents an opportunity to reshape the world they will inherit. The youth of today are not just passive bystanders in the energy transition. They are active innovators and changemakers. From software developers creating smart grids to engineers designing more efficient renewable energy technologies, young people are driving technological advances.

One notable example is the rise of clean tech startups founded by young entrepreneurs. These ventures focus on creating solutions for everything from waste-to-energy technologies to creating sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. They are harnessing the power of entrepreneurship to demonstrate that sustainable energy solutions can also be economically viable.

Youth have consistently been at the forefront of climate action. Through campaigns and advocacy, they have raised awareness and held leaders in different administrations accountable for their lack of action on climate change.

Young people are also pushing for policy change and influencing political agendas. They are advocating for stronger climate policies, more significant investments in renewable energy and a just transition for workers who may be displaced by the energy shift. Youth want systemic change, to ensure that energy transition efforts are aligned with the broader goals of environmental justice, social equity and economic resilience.

As future leaders and professionals, youth must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate and contribute to the energy transition. Many young people are studying fields such as environmental science, renewable energy engineering and sustainable business, positioning themselves to drive change in energy sectors.

Youth are not just learning; they are also conducting impactful research and using digital platforms to raise awareness. Online forums, podcasts, social media campaigns and documentaries have all become powerful tools in educating and mobilizing a global youth network.

This generation recognizes that sustainability can drive both innovation and job creation. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the renewable energy sector could create millions of jobs globally, with youth - especially in developing regions - poised to fill these roles though their high levels of digital literacy and innovation

The global climate crisis demands collaborative solutions. Young people are crossing borders, forging partnerships with like-minded individuals, NGOs and social enterprises to advance the energy transition. Whether it’s participating in international youth climate summits or sharing solutions on social media, young people demonstrate the power of solidarity and collective action in driving systemic change.

However, young people face challenges, particularly in accessing resources and opportunities. Despite their passion and ideas, many lack financial capital, networks or platforms to scale their solutions.

ESCAP plays a critical role in fostering international cooperation on regional and global issues. The Ministerial Declaration of the Third Asian and Pacific Energy Forum, the only ministerial platform on energy under the auspices of the United Nations in Asia and the Pacific, emphasized the need to involve youth in energy policy discussions at every level. The goal is to foster a new generation of energy leaders who can shape a sustainable and inclusive energy future.

In February this year, ESCAP is hosting the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD). The Forum convenes United Nations system entities, member States, civil society and other stakeholders whose reflections inform the annual High-level Political Forum in New York, which reviews sustainable development progress at the global level. Youth groups actively engage in APFSD to ensure their voices are heard at the regional and global levels.

Moreover, ESCAP acts as the regional focal point for the World Programme of Action for Youth and is an active member of the Asia-Pacific Interagency Network on Youth. ESCAP recently launched a project on Supporting Youth Empowerment for Energy Transition in the Asia-Pacific Region. Through this platform, young activists and organizations can receive mentorship, funding and technical support to launch innovative energy solutions and advocacy campaigns.

In 2024, ESCAP and the International Society for Energy Transition Studies organized the first Global Competition of Youth Voice on Energy Transition; a platform that elevates technologies, solutions and ideas to foster a sustainable and equitable energy future.

The finalists showcased their solutions at the global final at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, China, engaging in dynamic exchanges with peers, host university students and youth from other institutions. The global finalists then participated in the Youth Dialogue at ESCAP during the International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development in December 2024. Going forward, the competition will be organized regularly to enable young people to present their ideas to a diverse audience of policymakers, industry leaders and academics.

The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and their involvement in the energy transition is not just a necessity, but a transformative force. Youth efforts today will determine the energy landscape of tomorrow, and the momentum they create will continue to push the world towards a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.