Company
FHI360
USA, Thailand
Project
Elevating youth voices
in intergenerational climate action
Impact
Intergenerational
Co-collaboration
The challenge
By 2025, Gen Z will exceed over 30% of the global workforce. The sheer magnitude of Gen Z has allowed them to be a key driver in most workplace trends. We need to find new ways to harness the unique advantage Gen Z brings; whether it’s their creativity, technological adaptability, or unique problem-solving approaches. But where do we start?
Our approach
A. New perspectives
We recruited established young leaders, who shared both their intersectional lived and industry expertise in solving climate change, reproductive health, air pollution, infectious diseases, carbon credits, and future of work. They came from Egypt, Nepal, Thailand, Australia, and Fiji.
B. Engagement frameworks
We broke down our research model on power and youth engagement. We discussed the role of shifting power systems and what the key factors are to ensure youth can be fully engaged to integrate their expertise meaningfully.
C. Mapping barriers
We explored the intersectional lived experience of young leaders and articulated the access barriers blocking youth-led change and engagement. We worked with policymakers to unpack their perceived barriers and challenged their assumptions.
D. Co-design
We co-created solutions to allow for youth engagement to happen across the climate, health and employment spaces. We leaned in to the wisdom that came from conversations between policy-makers and youth.
E. Co-collaboration
We explored and become openly curious about the possibilities. We imagined how we could invite young people as equal partners in implementation, not just the design of solutions. We shared this in a roundtable. And we all wished we had more time.
Results
The interactive program explored new models to collaborate with our existing and new workforces, inspiring intergenerational social action within organisations. It provided actionable steps, ideas, and a plan for global policymakers to engage young people differently. It brought together young leaders from 5 countries, international decision-makers and UN officials.