The Young Activists Summit 2024, themed ‘Go Far, Go Together,’ showcased the impactful work of five Laureates tackling urgent global issues such as climate change, gender-based violence, and racism. The summit emphasizes the role of youth in fostering positive change and highlights inspiring stories from young leaders like Sohanur Rahman and Marley Dias.
The Young Activists Summit, established in 2019, has become a pivotal forum for empowering young leaders dedicated to human rights and environmental protection. The 2024 summit, themed “Go Far, Go Together,” highlighted the inspiring achievements of five exceptional individuals aged 19 to 30. These Laureates are addressing critical global issues such as climate change, gender-based violence, homelessness, and racism through their innovative initiatives. Among this year’s Laureates, Marley Dias is advocating for racial diversity in literature, while Shanley Clemot McLaren focuses on combating online gender-based violence. Alvaro Quiroz is utilizing art to uplift the homeless, Cynthia Houniuhi is leading legal campaigns against climate change, and Sohanur Rahman is promoting climate justice and democratic reforms in Bangladesh. Their collective work exemplifies the resilience and impact of youth-led solutions to major societal challenges. Notably, Sohanur Rahman’s journey began after he survived the devastating super-cyclone Sidr. This experience motivated him to establish YouthNet for Climate Justice in 2016, driving awareness of climate issues among youth. His organization played a crucial role in the Bangladesh Parliament recognizing the climate crisis, leading to the prevention of coal plant constructions. Sohanur’s recent advocacy also contributed to peaceful protests that resulted in the ousting of a long-standing Prime Minister. He continues to influence climate policy discussions within the interim government. During his time in Geneva, Sohanur engaged with prominent figures such as EU Ambassador Lotte Knudsen and participated in discussions with young professionals from the EU. The summit serves as a catalyst for youth activism, promoting collaboration and shared learning among changemakers. Maimouna Ba, a previous Laureate, encapsulated the summit’s spirit by stating, “For me, the Young Activist Summit was quite literally a new breath of air,” reinforcing the profound importance of this gathering for aspiring activists seeking to make a difference in the world.
The Young Activists Summit aims to connect and empower youth around global issues, particularly those related to human rights and environmental sustainability. By spotlighting the accomplishments of young changemakers, the summit fosters a community focused on driving systemic changes. The 2024 event emphasized collective action, encouraging participants to view challenges as opportunities for collaboration. Engaging youth in advocacy not only amplifies their voices but also aligns with broader goals for sustainable development and social justice across nations.
In conclusion, the Young Activists Summit highlights the vital contributions of young leaders addressing significant global issues. Through their diverse and impactful initiatives, the Laureates demonstrate the potential of youth-driven activism. The stories shared during the summit inspire collective action and underscore the importance of collaboration among young changemakers, creating pathways for a more just and equitable future.
Original Source: www.eeas.europa.eu
