WAT-GP's Advocacy Coordinator, Johan at EU Climate Pact

Written by Akhona Vilakazi – Communications Officer (May 8, 2025)

The European Union hosted its highly anticipated EU Climate Pact Conference, a two-day summit convening youth leaders, policymakers, and civil society to shape a collective response to Europe’s climate future. Among the vibrant youth participants representing over 30 organizations, WAT-GP was proud to be in attendance -represented by Johan, a dynamic youth advocate championing intercontinental solidarity in the climate movement.

The conference featured an impressive roster of speakers and facilitators, including senior EU officials such as Wopke Hoekstra, the EU Commissioner for Climate Change and Clean Growth, who addressed pressing questions from youth and offered insights on Europe’s climate transition strategy. From technical plenaries to interactive workshops, the event spotlighted Europe’s role in advancing sustainable policy while ensuring youth inclusion in climate decision-making.

Throughout the summit, networking and collaboration were central themes. Johan engaged extensively with other youth leaders and institutional representatives during multiple breakout sessions, fostering connections that promise meaningful partnerships in the months ahead.

WAT-GP’s participation in such a forum reaffirms our dedication to building intergenerational alliances. Ambassadors of the EU Climate Pact - who played a key role in organizing the conference - shared their personal projects and insights with Johan and others, underlining the value of long-term cooperation between younger and older generations. These conversations explored not only the urgency of the climate crisis, but also the power of shared wisdom in finding equitable solutions.

Among the interactive activities, one that particularly stood out invited participants to scan a QR code and vote for a single word that they believed could encapsulate Europe’s leading solution to the global climate crisis. The term that resonated most was "degrowth" - a concept proposing a planned reduction of energy and resources in wealthy nations, designed to put the economy back in balance with the living world in a way that reduces global inequalities and improves wellbeing. While this garnered support from many youth delegates, European officials offered a nuanced counterpoint: Europe must also ensure its economic competitiveness, hinting at the questionable balancing act between sustainability and growth.

In one of the conference's most thought-provoking moments, Johan raised a compelling question that struck at the heart of the youth engagement discourse:

“The youth generation (ages 18–35) is active, but their engagement remains low. How can the EU encourage deeper participation in climate policy? Do you think it’s time to rethink the accessibility of European climate policies?”

This question not only sparked discussion among the panelists but also reflected a broader concern—how to bridge the gap between policy design and youth participation. It is a question that deserves to live beyond the conference.

Now, we turn it to you:

How do you believe institutions like the EU can make climate policy more accessible, inclusive, and actionable for young people? Share your thoughts using the hashtags #EUClimatePact and #MyWorldOurPlanet - because a sustainable future will require all of us at the table.

WAT-GP remains committed to ensuring youth voices are not only heard but amplified in every global conversation on climate justice. Johan’s presence at the EU Climate Pact Conference is a testament to that mission, and we look forward to continued collaboration across borders, generations, and sectors.