The creativity and ingenuity of youth are essential to achieving the ambitious targets of tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. Through targeted initiatives, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) creates opportunities for youth to contribute to policy development, showcase innovative solutions, and lead the way in building a just and inclusive energy future.
Serving as a hub for young people of diverse background to exchange knowledge and best practices in the energy transition actions, the IRENA Youth Forum marked its sixth edition this year, convening150 young delegates from across the globe. Organised with the invaluable support of the IRENA Youth Council, the Forum spanned eight days, from 9 to 16 January 2025, with a dynamic agenda. It includes a high-level opening ceremony on 9 January at the Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi and a high-level event on 11 January at the 15th IRENA Assembly, among others.
Additionally, IRENA will engage with youth leaders during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) through various events, guided by a vision that empowers the next generation to drive an inclusive energy transition. With the theme Youth for Accelerating the Renewable Energy Transition: Innovation, Action, and Impact', the 2025 Youth Forum aligned closely with the vision of the 15th IRENA Assembly, placing youth leadership at the forefront of critical global issues such as energy security, socio-economic development, and innovative financing mechanisms.
The IRENA Youth Forum offers a valuable opportunity for the youth. Through diverse activities, the Forum inspires innovations and mobilises actions by:
- Facilitating inclusive intergenerational dialogue.
- Integrating diverse youth perspectives into energy transition and energy access policies at all levels.
- Recognising youth as strategic contributors to renewable energy and energy transition planning.
The 2025 IRENA Youth Forum highlighted the pivotal role of young people in accelerating the renewable energy transition. The Forum emphasised on fostering an environment for young innovators to catalyse a faster, more inclusive transition to a renewable energy future. The main discussions in this edition of the IRENA Youth Forum seek to promote action on:
Provide a platform for youth to engage in intergenerational dialogues and share perspectives, ensuring their priorities and solutions are reflected in global renewable energy strategies.
Deliver training and capacity-building sessions to support youth in developing and implementing policies, projects, and innovations aligned with SDG 7 and the Paris Agreement goals.
Explore innovative financing mechanisms and empower youth to navigate funding opportunities for renewable energy projects and initiatives.
Build connections between young professionals, policymakers, industry leaders, and academia to foster long-term collaboration and mentorship opportunities.
- Amplifying Youth Voices in Global Energy Policy
- Enhancing Youth Capacity for Policy and Project Development
- Highlighting the Role of Youth in Financing the Energy Transition
- Strengthening Networks and Partnerships
During the session at IRENA's 15th Pre-Assembly on 11 January, a high level panel discussed current innovation and youth involvement, lessons from the renewable energy sector and the impact of global evaluations on youth participation in the energy transition.
"There's a sense of lack of respect, and we are often not taken seriously simply because of our age. Though we don't have enough experience, our education and innovative ideas prove that when given the opportunity, our voices can lead to groundbreaking solutions." Said Omaira Jajbhay, IRENA Youth Delegate 2025 when reflecting on the challenges faced by young people in the renewable energy sector. She added, "We need to assert dominance in our field as the youth and as women in STEM, we are not here to just pretend, we're here to make an impact and we are here to lead," emphasising the fact that young leaders and women can be the agents of change to drive the energy transition.
H.E. Khalid Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority, United Arab Emirates emphasised the need to empower young minds and harness their innovative spirits and ambitions to drive a global renewable energy transition and build a sustainable future that benefits the planet and its people. "Investments in youth is an investment in all of our futures, as the future belongs to those who think and act beyond perceived boundaries and challenges - recognizing them as the true guardians of our planet."
Underscoring the essential role that young leaders play in coming up with fresh solutions to lead collaborative efforts in the energy transition, Gauri Singh, Deputy Director General of IRENA said during her keynote address, "We firmly believe that it is the youth who have the commitment, vitality, and courage to achieve these honorable goals. Your innovative ideas and active engagement in forums like these demonstrate that the youth are not only ready to meet the challenges but are also pivotal in scaling renewable energy solutions worldwide,"
Towards the end of the forum, small breakout sessions allowed the young leaders of tomorrow to gain insights across various fields with a priority on turning their curiosity and ambition into action, empowering participants post the IRENA youth forum to scale up their initiatives.
"Don't just wait for change, make change happen. We are going to create, we are going to lead a revolution for sustainable future and the time to act is now. So don't wait for change let's be the change we wish to see." said Omaira Jajbhay, echoing the sentiments shared that the youth of today will be the decision makers and changemakers who are empowered with the skills, knowledge and ambition to push for an inclusive energy transition.
All speakers in the session agreed that policies must not only reflect the ambitions and needs of young people, but also support their readiness for a job market designed for a sustainable future. By investing in and empowering young people with the skills and resources, they can lead on innovative solutions and drive progress towards a more just and equitable world.
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