The Youth Climate Diplomacy Forum (YCDF) successfully organized its first local event in Athens, bringing together over 80 young stakeholders, leaders, and professionals from across the region. The event underscored the essential role of young people in shaping climate diplomacy and strengthening regional cooperation in Southeastern Europe. The event began with an opening address by Natalia Vradi, Head of Operations at YCDF, who presented the Forum’s vision and objectives, emphasizing the importance of creating a sustainable network of young people working in the field of climate diplomacy in the region. Brief remarks were also given by Eleni Maïstrou, President of the Council of Architectural Heritage at the Elliniki Etairia (Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage), who spoke on the role of education in addressing climate change, and Theodora Vounidi, co-founder of the Balkan Youth Cooperation, who highlighted the need for inclusion of diverse voices and collaborations across the region.

A panel discussion followed, moderated by political editor Yiannis Anyfantis. During the discussion, Professor Emmanuella Doussis, UNESCO Chairholder and Professor of International Institutions at NKUA, emphasized that this is the first UNESCO Chair globally to approach climate change from a social sciences perspective. She presented NKUA’s innovative initiatives, such as the integration of climate policy courses, experiential activities in secondary education, and the activation of youth through collaborative networks. George Dikaios, lecturer at NKUA and Lead Researcher at the UNESCO Chair on Climate Diplomacy, focused on climate diplomacy as a tool of foreign policy, noting that progress requires cooperation among states and pressure from civil society—especially young people—for a transition to clean energy. Sokratis Vlachakis, expert in Environmental Justice and Climate Change Adaptation at UNICEF, spoke about the importance of youth political participation starting at the local level and presented new initiatives from the organization aimed at involving young people in climate policy design. Rania Papadopoulou, Chair of YCDF, addressed the paradox of a generation tasked with solving a crisis it did not create. She discussed the challenges youth face, such as brain drain and economic uncertainty, stressing that “our generation is the hope and will overcome the obstacles.”

The discussion concluded with closing remarks from Dimitris Kollias, advisor at the Ministry of Environment and Energy, who expressed his support for YCDF, stating: “The spark in the eyes of the youth when they spoke about this project at COP28 inspired me to contribute meaningfully to the effort.”

The second part of the event was dedicated to networking, offering participants the opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss challenges and solutions, and create new opportunities for cross-border cooperation. The vibrant participation and interaction among organizations, young professionals, and institutions showcased the project’s strong potential and real impact on regional cooperation for climate diplomacy. Supporters: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Flor De Caña, The Sky Spirits Company, Monin, Giannis Kagianni Photography Media Sponsor: CNN Greece