Empowering Young Professionals Through Education and Skill Development for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth

Sustainability challenges are global in nature, affecting both people and ecosystems across the planet. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts among governments, the private sector, and civil society. A critical part of the solution lies in engaging youth and young professionals—equipping them to contribute meaningfully throughout their careers and lives.

Traditional economic metrics like GDP have long been criticized for their limitations. GDP does not account for environmental degradation, unpaid labour, or broader measures of well-being. Recent global initiatives—including the Sustainable Development Goals, the Copenhagen Declaration, and others—emphasize the need for inclusive employment and gender equality as key components of sustainable development.

Organized by the International Institute for Sustainable Development, this side event explores innovative educational tools and approaches to bridge gaps in learning and skill development. The focus is on empowering youth and young professionals to actively engage in reshaping discussions around the goals of sustainable development and implementing solutions for a more sustainable and inclusive future.

In alignment with the Copenhagen Declaration, the session also emphasizes employment strategies that support equitable sustainable development. It promotes the integration of knowledge, technical skills, and values—such as environmental stewardship, inclusivity, and gender equality—into educational systems. The goal is to foster sustainable lifestyle choices, raise environmental awareness, and dismantle systemic barriers to inclusion.

The session highlights digital tools designed to foster active participation, critical thinking, and practical application of sustainability concepts. These tools address shortcomings of GDP by promoting alternative indicators that measure well-being, natural capital, and social inclusion.

Agenda

Opening | 15:00 – 15:10

• Livia Bizikova, Lead, International Institute for Sustainable Development

Keynote | 15:10 – 15:25

• Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, Executive Director, Earthna: Center for a Sustainable Future, Qatar Foundation

Panel | 15:25 – 16:10

• Gitanjali Sah, Strategy and Policy Coordinator, International Telecommunication Union
• Megha Sud, Senior Science Officer, International Science Council
• Nathalie Delorme, Associate Political Affairs Officer, Beyond Lab
• Livia Bizikova, Lead, International Institute for Sustainable Development (moderator)
• Dr. Ebru Canan-Sokullu, Director, UNITAR Global Water Academy and Associate Head, CIFAL Global Network

Closing | 16:15

Event Partners