YOUNG GLOBAL CHANGERS - Volume 01 - The Global Solutions Initiative
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CONTENT FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 YOUNG VOICES // GLOBAL ISSUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Giulia Carsaniga: Policymaking knows no age limit: What decision-makers can learn from Millennials and Generation Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Yasmin Morais: The importance of youth to reach the Sustainable Development Goals: The roles young people may take toward realizing the SDGs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Johanna Bärnreuther: Warm hearts and cool heads: CONTENT How we fundamentally need to change our approach to major problems in the world . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 TECHNOLOGY, DIGITALIZATION & CIVIL SOCIETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Viliana Dzhartova: Can technology and innovation help us with social and environmental priorities? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Beck Hayes: It just makes “cents”: Innovation and technology align economic activity with social and environmental goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Gina Marcela Cortés Valderrama: Technology and innovation fall short without an intersectional feminist approach: The key towards a more equitable, healthier, and just system for all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Yelena Novikova: ESG investing and disability integration: Could the pandemic move us through a civil rights approach to a data-driven practice? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 © GSI: Ruthe Zuntz | 2019 Young Global Changers 5 during Summer School activities at FES
YOUNG GLOBAL CHANGERS ∙ VOLUME 1 CONTENT Cindy Adem: Dea Wehrli, Deepali Khetriwal & Michael Gasser: Before the coffee machine goes haywire: E[co]work: An inclusive circular economy Thoughts on key questions A solution for the legal, physical and digital inclusion of the informal sector . . . . . 143 to ask when legislating emerging tech becomes an oxymoron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Anaswara Kovithal, Ji Yoon Han & Renan Magalhães: Alan Ichilevici de Oliveira, Kateryna Heseleva & Vincent Jerald Ramos: Localization for an inclusive growth: Towards a multilateral consensus on data governance – A Policy Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 A Social and Solidarity Economic (SSE) approach – A Policy Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 CLIMATE CRISIS & CLIMATE ACTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 ABOUT THE YOUNG GLOBAL CHANGERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 Alex Clark: IMPRINT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 ‘Wake up and change’ is only the first step Why technologies and individuals aren't enough to solve the climate crisis . . . . . . . 89 Karin Baba, et al: Putting a price on carbon in a post-pandemic world . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Ken Fullerton & Sivendra Michael: A Pacific Young Global Changer fighting climate change How people and nations from the Pacific are standing tall to fight climate change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Hang Dang: Standing on giants’ shoulders: The role of multinational companies (MNCs) in climate change action . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Mohamed Hegazy: Decarbonizing Africa is about the smallest guy: As global capital shifts towards climate friendly investments, we need to innovate how we make it reach the poorest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 TOWARDS SOLUTIONS: PROJECTS & PRACTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Joyce Treptow: Homegrown solutions for ‘problems without passports’: An essay of people-powered change towards a future full of hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Ken Fullerton & Brianna Kerr: How can a cup of coffee change the world? Why consumers should give more thought to the food and drinks they consume . . 135 6 7
I am thrilled to write this foreword for the ity . I’m keen to learn new ideas for creating first publication of the Young Global Chang- a better and more sustainable world from ers (YGC) . The YGC are extremely important a generation that grew up in the digital age . in the network of the Global Solutions Ini- It is also this generation which will be tiative, which aims to integrate global civil mostly affected by disturbing environmental society into multilateral processes and to re- changes . Climate change, the loss of biodi- couple social, environmental and economic versity and the exploitation of resources are progress . The YGC bring their experience fundamental threats to all of us . It is now and new perspectives into this international incumbent upon the young generation to put network and thereby pollinate decision- right the terrible mistakes of their parents making processes on a global level . They and grandparents . For too long we followed are the voices of the generation that has to a global narrative of ever more growth and live in the world created by the decisions we expansion . Cruelly, it is mainly those who are making today . were not the initiators of this ideology or its It is obvious that international coopera- damage who are paying the price for this tion is the task of people; in cities, schools, failure . This will also be true for the younger universities, sports and cultural associa- and unborn generations who will certainly FOREWORD tions – in short: multilateralism is the re- sponsibility of everybody, because in a con- pay a high price as well . In the debate about resilience and sustainability we cannot for- nected world everyone is affected by the get the social dimension . The distribution of actions of anyone . While former genera- vaccines to fight COVID-19 has once again tions had to learn this lesson step by step highlighted the incredible gap between rich and began this adventure by building bridges and poor . But the pandemic showed also through city partnerships or school and uni- that nobody will be safe until everybody is versity exchange programs, my impression safe . This makes me optimistic that we will is that these days international exchange soon see a new international narrative that and cooperation has become an established strives for a recoupled world and the over- practice . No wonder, because the digital age coming of conflicts and inequalities . enables most of us to easily follow and en- I’m convinced that the Young Global gage in events and discussions around the Changers can contribute significantly to this world . The world has become smaller and debate and its implementation . I am proud more vulnerable because many actions have that the Global Solutions Initiative is help- a global impact . Growing together is a fasci- ing the YGC to make their network as pow- nating process, but at the same time we wit- erful as possible as they humble their pre- ness how clashes between groups of people decessors with great ideas and enthusiasm . can quickly escalate due to this more readily available, yet more anonymous, access to one another . We see this daily in appalling hate speech amplified by social media . This AUTHOR Dr Markus Engels Secretary General of the Global Solutions Initiative exposes the need for an international set of rules for the digital age that uphold our basic human values of solidarity, justice and equal- 9
At a time of polarized views and conflictual pandemic and other recent trends may have debates on many issues of public interest, led to a revival of multilateral approaches in one issue seems to receive broad consen- some areas, the absence of a coordinated sus . Most spectators and commentators of response – especially regarding the global our global political and economic situation distribution of vaccines – has demonstrated seem to agree that our current economic once more the current boundaries of inter- system needs fundamental changes . Even national solidarity and collaboration . flagship publications of global market lib- It is against the background of these eralism like the Financial Times and The observations that the Young Global Chang- Economist regularly question and critique ers program aims to identify ideas, projects capitalism in its current form, globally and and people from around the world that help internationally, but also nationally, includ- to shed light on these developments, but ing in economies of the West . also to move beyond simply acknowledg- We have come to realize that our extrac- ing that things cannot continue to go on as tive, fossil-fueled economies are destroying they are . Instead, the YGC program aims to ABOUT THIS our natural resources and are bringing us to the brink of a global climate catastro- provide approaches and avenues for moving forward and making the necessary shifts . phe . At the same time, economic prosper- At the core lies the idea that we need PUBLICATION ity and economic growth seem to be more and more decoupled from broader societal to fundamentally rethink our economic ac- tivities, towards a better alignment – a re- benefits . In simple terms, only very few are coupling – of our economic and political benefiting from economic growth while activities with social prosperity and envi- most are left behind . Even within economic ronmental sustainability . To this end, the orthodoxy it has become hard to defend the Young Global Changers program is bring- promise of a rising tide that lifts all boats . ing young voices into debates around global AUTHOR The opposite seems to be true; the econom- problem solving, not least because it is the Ole Spies Program Lead: Young Global Changers ic success of a few is coming at ever greater younger generation that is most affected by costs for the many, socially and ecologically . today’s actions or inactions on these issues . These trends are by no means recent Furthermore, the program draws specifi- developments . They have been develop- cally on young researchers, social entrepre- ing for some time . They were exacerbated neurs, intrapreneurs, activists and organ- and highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, izers to find concrete examples, projects AUTHOR Laura Herde which has laid bare and heightened many and initiatives of “recoupling in practice,” Program Assistance: Young Global Changers of the underlying economic developments . to identify and learn from best practices but Inequality is growing, globally as well also to understand which organizational, as within many societies, the destruction structural and systemic factors foster re- of the environment is continuing, and the coupling and which stand in its way . climate crisis is worsening – despite the Over the past five years, the Young many recent pledges from political and Global Changers program has worked with AUTHOR Rémy Weber Editorial Assistance business leaders . At the same time, trust almost 400 young people from around the in democratic institutions has declined in world . It has identified voices, ideas and many countries . And while the COVID-19 initiatives that address the intersection of 11
YOUNG GLOBAL CHANGERS ∙ VOLUME 1 ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION economic and political activities with social We would like to express our gratitude prosperity and ecological sustainability . to the Volkswagen Foundation, who helped In this volume we have complied as- us realize the latest series of Global So- sessments, recommendations, proposals, lutions Summer Schools (2019–2021) and and specific approaches aimed at address- made this publication possible . ing the decoupling processes described We also want to thank our additional above . All contributions to this volume have program supporters, without whom the been written by Young Global Changers or Young Global Changers program would not members of the program’s Extended Circle . be possible; among them the Friedrich- The publication is structured into four Ebert-Stiftung, PwC and The German Fed- sections . In the first section, our authors eral Environmental Foundation (Deutsche argue for a better inclusion of youth and Bundesstiftung Umwelt DBU) . upcoming generations in decision-making The articles in this publication have processes . In the next two sections, articles been written by the authors themselves are clustered around two central themes: and do not necessarily reflect the positions digitalization, data and technological in- of the Global Solutions Initiative, the Young novation and how these affect and interact Global Changers program, or our partners . with civil societies; and our natural envi- This publication aims to present diverse ronment, in particular, climate change and and sometimes differing voices, viewpoints climate action . These two areas – how our and ideas of young researchers, academ- societies manage and use technologies and ics, social entrepreneurs, activists and or- how we tackle the climate crisis – are top- ganizers from around the world who add ics at the top of the agenda for most of the their perspectives, share practices and program participants . The final section of describe avenues towards much-needed this publication is dedicated to the ques- transformation . tion, “Where to go from here?” and high- lights approaches for tackling some of the challenges and issues raised in the preced- ing chapters . The authors present concrete projects and initiatives that aim for more and better recoupling . The contributions to this volume have been developed as part of, or in relation to, a series of summer schools held between 2019 and 2021 . These international summer schools took place onsite and online . At these meetings, program participants from around the world familiarized themselves with recoupling approaches and discussed how their own activities, research projects and initiatives fit within larger processes of societal and economic transformation . 12 13
Giulia Carsaniga: – Policymaking knows no age limit: What decision-makers can learn from Millennials and Generation Z . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Yasmin Morais: – The importance of youth to reach the Sustainable Development Goals: The roles young people may take toward realizing the SDGs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 YOUNG VOICES // GLOBAL ISSUES Johanna Bärnreuther: – Warm hearts and cool heads: How we fundamentally need to change our approach to major problems in the world . . . . . . . 31 15
YOUNG GLOBAL CHANGERS ∙ VOLUME 1 YOUNG VOICES // GLOBAL ISSUES »Despite the increased presence of young voices and faces at conferences and in the media, young people themselves Young Voices // are still seldom involved in any of the Global Issues: decision-making processes, nor do they feel sufficiently represented .« Introduction Young people have become distinguishable In the following section, our authors ar- voices on issues like social justice, diversi- gue that young activists and youth move- ty, global inequality – and more recently the ments deserve much more attention and climate crisis . Pictures of global leaders actual consideration by senior political with young activists, keynote speeches and leaders and decision makers . heartfelt appeals by young leaders from In her contribution, our author Giulia around the world have become standard Carsaniga identifies specific sets of topics features of many international meetings that are particularly relevant in this regard . and conferences . Yasmin Morais argues that with the right But despite the increased presence of skills and opportunities, youth can become young voices and faces at conferences and a true driving force for social transforma- in the media, young people themselves are tion . Finally, Johanna Bärnreuther calls for still seldom involved in any of the decision- a fundamental reorientation towards more making processes, nor do they feel suffi- evidence-based approaches in our individ- ciently represented . ual as well as collective activism – drawing While decision makers give regular lip on a demand that has been front and center service to the importance of youth inclu- to the youth-led climate movement since sion, this is rarely followed up with actual its very beginning . inclusion or even proper representation and consideration of their positions and demands . This of course is by no means unique to voices and positions of the youth but reflects a larger deficit of inclu- sion and representation across the board . This representation is, however, especially pressing when it comes to topics and de- cisions that directly affect our future on this planet . 16 17
YOUNG VOICES // GLOBAL ISSUES Policymaking knows no age limit: What decision-makers can learn from Millennials and Generation Z “You are too young to understand .” Every- ent approach to wicked problems . A good one in their youth has been told this at least example is the fight against climate change, once . Yet, today more than ever, this way which international policymakers danger- of speaking to young people has become ously postponed – some even denied – in obsolete . Indeed, Millennials and repre- sentatives of the Generation Z – i . e . people born between 1981–1996 and 1996–2019, »Younger genera- respectively – have been active shapers of solutions to this world’s greatest challeng- tions seem today es: from climate change to the COVID-19 pandemic . Hence, while wisdom may in- able to teach crease with age and experience come with useful lessons to time, younger generations seem today able to teach useful lessons to decision-makers . decisionmakers . In particular, five sets of values, character- izing young activists and movements world- In particular, wide, are worth the consideration of senior five sets of values political leaders . Giulia Carsaniga are worth the con- AUTHOR 2020/21 Young Global Changer & Consultant, Capgemini Social Media: LinkedIn: https://linkedin .com/in/giulia-carsaniga-5b1887154/ 1. Determination and pragmatism One of the most common reasons for inef- sideration of senior Keywords: Young generations; policymaking; global challenges; learning fective policymaking is a slow and inconsist- political leaders .« 19 © GSI: Ruthe Zuntz | Young Global Changers during the Global Solutions Summer School 2019 at the FES
YOUNG GLOBAL CHANGERS ∙ VOLUME 1 YOUNG VOICES // GLOBAL ISSUES favor of economic globalization . Now that ment in early 2020 in Italy (Horowitz 2019) . and changes to global governance rules to 5. Social media and effective rising sea levels, destructive floods and Tight as sardines in a can, the young found- ensure a more inclusive, cooperative and communication wildfires call for prompt global action (Ox- ers of this anti-fascist and inclusive group balanced globalization . While policies will always remain to some fam International, 2019), politicians world- reminded everyone in Italy and beyond extent controversial, especially when it wide appear still unable to adequately set (demonstrations happened in Austria as 4. Courage and consistency comes to military interventions in another their agendas, losing themselves in never- well) of the importance of staying united in Bringing about change is risky because state- communication of problems and ending national and supranational debates . times of crisis, avoiding hate speech and it always involves a certain degree of un- their proposed solutions should be trans- In this sense, policy decision-makers eve- the spread of xenophobic sentiments, while certainty in terms of the effects and con- parent and straightforward . In the midst rywhere should show the same determina- fighting together against global threats sequences of the actions taken . This is of the digital revolution, social media have tion as Greta Thunberg did in 2018, when (Jones, 2019) . even more true when the aspired change certainly become essential communica- she began protesting every Friday in front is against the will of strong members of so- tion channels for global politics . Yet, these of the Swedish Parliament, and the same 3. Open-mindedness and ciety or opposed by cultural, religious and/ powerful instruments should not serve the pragmatism that she – and now millions progressive thinking or historical norms of a country . Examples self-interests of politicians, dis-informing of #FridaysForFuture (Fridays For Future What is evident from the examples of cli- here abound: From the idea of taxing the or mis-informing entire populations . Rath- 2020) young activists on all continents – mate change and populism is that the an- top 1% of earners to reallocate resources er, they should bring people closer to each show today in asking leaders worldwide for swer to these global challenges is not to against economic inequality, which is high- other and to decision-making by providing a straightforward and immediate reduction step back from globalization and embrace ly contested in several developed nations, understandable news and encouraging soli- of CO2 emissions . more protectionism . Instead, global leaders (Robinson, 2019; Looney, 2019) to fighting darity . The need for such a use of commu- should be open to new possible solutions for gender balance in the MENA region . To nication has emerged during the COVID-19 2. Cooperation and team spirit and think progressively instead of regres- tackle certain problems –first and foremost pandemic at least in two ways . First, the Another backlash to globalization – in par- sively . This conclusion seems obvious to inequality in all its forms – today’s policy- spread of conspiracy theories about the ticular to the increased inflow of migrants the students who, for example, in 2019 pro- makers should be able to take risks and dis- virus could only be defeated by a proper in advanced economies – has been the tested against the Citizenship Amendment play the courage required to break taboos share of accurate information . Hence, ini- vehement emergence of extremist nation- Act (CAA) in India, which threatens the pres- and move towards change, especially when tiatives such as the mass literacy program alist voices . In this regard, the decision of ence of Muslim immigrants in the country, fundamental rights and social injustices are (#AgirContreCOVID19) launched by a young Great Britain to leave the EU, the election actively discriminating and violating the involved . Young sources of inspiration in medical doctor from Benin and a consor- of the protectionist Trump, and the rise of secular principles at the basis of the Indian this regard currently come from Afghani- tium of health-related content producers a populist government in Italy can be seen constitution (Biswas, 2019) . To some extent, stan, where, with the retreat of all foreign has been essential to inform a cautious as consequences of the dissatisfaction of the same open-mindedness and progressive forces, the Taliban recently proclaimed the conduct among citizens in francophone Af- certain social groups who feel “left-behind” thinking demonstrated by these young Indi- founding of an “Islamic Emirate,” exclud- rica (Women Deliver, 2020) . by the process of global integration (Rodrik, ans is an example for international decision- ing women from political positions and Secondly, the recent hesitancy of Gen- 2018, 2020) . Profiting from this sentiment, makers to make much-needed adjustments abolishing the Ministry of Women’s Affairs eration Z to undergo vaccination clearly these newly elected decision-makers have (Doucet, 2021) . The courage of dozens of indicates a lack of targeted vaccination taken a “my-nation-first“ approach, claim- women refusing to abandon their land to campaigns (Crist, 2021) . In this respect, ing the need to regain control over areas that had become too internationalized, in- »Decision-makers are find shelter abroad and risking their lives in Kabul to protect their right to study, work, the decision of the US government to en- list Instagram and TikTok influencers to cluding labor, security and trade . However, beginning to listen and lead an independent life is undeniable raise awareness about the risks of the vi- to deal with the present wave of globaliza- (Limaye and Thapar, 2021) . Most important- rus for young people and to boost vaccina- tion and its implications, cooperation and to (and learn from) ly, it shows a persistence and a consistency tion rates (Chatelain, 2021) is a sign that team spirit are needed, not only between, but also within nations . Policymakers could young people’s ideas hardly recognizable in the conduct of those Western countries bragging for years about decision-makers are beginning to listen to (and learn from) young people’s ideas and take inspiration from the Sardines move- and needs .« restoring peace and building up democracy . needs . 20 21
YOUNG GLOBAL CHANGERS ∙ VOLUME 1 YOUNG VOICES // GLOBAL ISSUES References Biswas, S . (2019, December 18) . “Citizenship Amendment Act: The Students versus the Regime .” Retrieved from https://www .bbc .com/news/world-asia-india-50820412 . Chatelain, R . (2021, August 2) . “White House Enlists Social Media Influencers to Promote COVID-19 Vaccines .” Retrieved from https://www .ny1 .com/nyc/all-boroughs/health/2021/08/02/white-house-enlists-army-of-social- media-influencers-to-promote-covid-19-vaccines . Crist, C . (2021, April 22) . “Vaccine Hesitancy Increases among Gen Z Adults .” Retrieved from https://www . webmd .com/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine/news/20210421/vaccine-hesitancy-increases-among-gen-z-adults . Doucet, L . (2021, September 7) . “Hardliners Get Key Posts in New Taliban Government .” Retrieved from https://www .bbc .com/news/world-asia-58479750 . Fridays For Future . (2020) . “Fridays for Future Is an International Climate Movement Active in Most Countries and Our Website Offers Information on Who We Are and What You Can Do .” Retrieved from https://fridaysforfuture .org/ . Horowitz, J . (2019, December 14) . “Italy’s New ‘Sardines’ Movement Packs Piazzas to Protest Far-Right Leader .” Retrieved from https://www .nytimes .com/2019/12/14/world/europe/italy-sardines-salvini .html . Jones, G . (2019, December 14) . “Italy’s Anti-Salvini ‘Sardines’ Take Protest to Rome .” Retrieved from https://www .insider .com/italys-anti-salvini-sardines-take-protest-to-rome-2019-12 . Limaye, Y . and Thapar, A . (2021, September 8) . “Afghanistan: Women Beaten for Demanding Their Rights .” Retrieved from https://www .bbc .com/news/world-asia-58491747 . Looney, A . (2019, January 29) . “Ocasio-Cortez Wants to Raise the Tax Rate on High Earners . The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Already Did .” Retrieved from https://www .brookings .edu/blog/up-front/2019/01/29/ocasio-cortez- wants-to-raise-the-tax-rate-on-high-earners-the-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-already-did/ . Oxfam International . (2019, August 23) . “5 Natural Disasters That Beg for Climate Action | Oxfam International .” Retrieved from https://www .oxfam .org/en/5-natural-disasters-beg-climate-action . Robinson, N . (2019, January 8) . “Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Is Right . A 70% Tax on the Rich Makes Sense | Nathan Robinson .” Retrieved from https://www .theguardian .com/commentisfree/2019/jan/08/alexandria- ocasio-cortez-70-percent-tax-rich . Rodrik, D . (2018) . “Populism and the Economics of Globalization .” Journal of International Business Policy 1 (1-2): 12 33 . https://doi .org/10 .1057/s42214-018-0001-4 . Rodrik, D . (2020) . “NBER WORKING PAPER SERIES WHY DOES GLOBALIZATION FUEL POPULISM? ECONOMICS, CULTURE, AND THE RISE OF RIGHT-WING POPULISM .” Retrieved from https://www .nber .org/system/files/working_papers/w27526/w27526 .pdf . Women Deliver . (2020, April 3) . “10 Ways Young People Are Leading the Way against COVID-19 .” Retrieved from https://womendeliver .org/2020/10-ways-young-people-are-leading-the-way-against-covid-19/ . 22 23
YOUNG GLOBAL CHANGERS ∙ VOLUME 1 YOUNG VOICES // GLOBAL ISSUES The importance of youth to reach the Sustainable Development Goals: The roles young people may take toward realizing the SDGs The expression “sustainable development” Against the backdrop of the 2030 Agen- is defined by the United Nations (UN) as da, the world sees an increasing number “development that satisfies current needs of young people . In fact, we have the larg- without compromising the ability of future est generation of young people in history . generations to satisfy their needs” (UN, With 1 .8 billion people currently between 1987, p . 41) . During the United Nations the ages of 10 and 24 years old and with Conference for Sustainable Development in roughly 90% of these young people living 2012 (also known as “Rio +20”), where the in developing countries, young people are sustainable development agenda for the next key to the success of the global goals . With decade was developed, 17 comprehensive the right skills and opportunities, youth can goals were defined and adopted by the UN become the driving force behind sustain- member states . The goals are called Sus- able development, world peace, and secu- tainable Development Goals (SDGs) and en- rity (UN, 2018) . compass the social, environmental, and po- Yasmin Almeida Lobato Morais litical spheres . Their objectives range from Five key roles for youth eradicating poverty and promoting economic There are five key roles that they can play: AUTHOR YGC Extended Circle Member & Programmes Manager, Global Changermakers Social Media: LinkedIn: https://linkedin .com/in/yasminlmorais/ growth to investing in clean energy sources (1) As critical thinkers, identifying and chal- Keywords: Youth; Sustainable Development Goals; United Nations; sustainable and quality education . Altogether, the SDGs lenging the current power structures; (2) development; sustainability are also called the “2030 Agenda .” As changemakers, acting and mobilizing 24 25 © GSI: Ruthe Zuntz | Young Global Changers at the Global Solutions Summer School 2019
YOUNG GLOBAL CHANGERS ∙ VOLUME 1 YOUNG VOICES // GLOBAL ISSUES people through new social technologies; (3) quality of opportunities for youth participa- Five priority areas for Youth 2030 5 . Peace and Resilience Building – Support As innovators, bringing new perspectives tion, especially on issues that directly im- This youth perspective seeks to increase young people as catalysts for Peace and and developing new solutions for current pact young people, and invites all member the regional, national and global impact of Security & Humanitarian Action . (UN, problems; (4) As communicators, dissemi- states to include young representatives in social actors to meet the needs and pro- 2018, p . 10–12) . nating knowledge about the 2030 Agenda their UN delegations (UN, 1995, p .1) . mote the rights of young people in their This resolution has had a very important Between the adoption of WPAY and the diversity around the world, ensuring their symbolic and institutional character for the creation of the SDGs, the UN has expressed international community to recognize and »With the right skills several times that it is necessary to include promote the integration of youth into soci- youth in the efforts to reach the goals . In »By representing the ety at large, as a focal group for the realiza- and opportunities, 2013, right after the adoption of the 2030 tion of the 2030 Agenda . Agenda, one of the General Assembly Reso- transition between The definition of sustainable develop- youth can become lutions stated: the past generation ment, developing a certain region without the driving force “[This resolution] recognizes that youth compromising the ability of future genera- participation is important for development, and the generation tions to meet their needs, already serves to behind sustainable and urges the Member States and entities express the importance of youth engage- of the United Nations system, in consulta- to come, youth have ment for the inclusive and lasting growth of development, tion with youth-led organizations, to explore a fundamental role their communities (UN, 1987, p .41) . By rep- world peace, new avenues to promote full, effective, resenting the transition between the past structured and sustainable participation of in deciding the fu- generation and the generation to come, and security .« young people and youth-led organizations youth have a fundamental role in deciding in relevant decision-making processes, in- ture path of global the future path of global development . The and monitoring its indicators and, lastly, cluding in the design and implementation of policies, programmes and initiatives and development .« role of young people, as acknowledged by the United Nations, is increasingly relevant, (5) As leaders, leading their communities in the elaboration of the post-2015 develop- considering that we face numerous unprec- and countries through organizations, net- ment agenda; […]” (UN, 2013,1-4) participation and engagement in the im- edented challenges that need to be ad- works, civic engagement, and other means In addition, the current Secretary- plementation, review and monitoring of dressed in an innovative and collaborative and extending opportunities to marginal- General of the United Nations, António Gu- the 2030 Agenda . The strategy Youth 2030 way . These include rapid urbanization, the ized youth (UN, 2018) . When equipped with terres, recently made the focus of actions is organized into five priority areas: development of new technologies, and new the abilities and opportunities they need to involving youth a priority of the UN system . 1 . Engagement, Participation and Advoca- scientific discoveries (SDSN, 2015) . These develop their potential, this generation will To this end, the strategy “Youth 2030: Work- cy – Amplify youth voices for the promo- changes have been, for the most part, led fulfill their role in advancing the Sustain- ing with and for Youth” was launched at the tion of a peaceful, just and sustainable by young people, who naturally become the able Development Goals . General Debate of the 73rd General Assem- world best actors to transform them into tools for Recognizing the key role that youth will bly, which took place between September 2 . Informed and Healthy Foundations – social impact . Thus, instead of waiting for play in this process, the UN has encour- and October 2018 (UN, 2018) . Support young people’s greater access governments and other institutions to offer aged and facilitated youth participation Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, Presi- to quality health and education services opportunities and support for young people and engagement in UN processes and ne- dent of the 73rd UN General Assembly, 3 . Economic Empowerment through Decent to get involved in causes related to the 2030 gotiations . In 1995, the General Assembly recognized youth as important drivers of Work – Support young people’s access to Agenda, it is important that young people adopted the World Program of Action for change . She stated that young people are decent work and productive employment themselves believe in their capacity to mo- Youth (WPAY) that acknowledges youth as “amongst our best educated, most innova- 4 . Youth and Human Rights – Protect and bilize, engage and strengthen their commu- meaningful human resources in promoting tive and most creative resources” when it promote the rights of young people nities . In this way, the future will become development and social change . The pro- comes to addressing health, education, and and support their civic and political more transparent, inclusive, sustainable, gram seeks to increase the quantity and economic prosperity (IISD, 2017) . engagement and fair – without leaving anyone behind . 26 27
YOUNG GLOBAL CHANGERS ∙ VOLUME 1 YOUNG VOICES // GLOBAL ISSUES References Khosla, A . (1987) . Alternative Strategies in Achieving Sustainable Development . In P . Jacobs & D . A . Munro, D . A . (Eds .), Conservation with equity: Strategies for sustainable development, proceedings of the Conference on Conservation and Development: Implementing the world conservation strategy, Ottawa, Canada, 31 May–5 June 1986 (p . 191) . IUCN Cambridge . IISD – International Institute for Sustainable Development . (2018) . UN launches 2030 strategy and global partnership initiative for youth . SDG Knowledge Hub . Available at: http://sdg .iisd .org/news/un-launches-2030-strategy-and-global-partnership-initiative-for-youth/ . UN . General Assembly (2013, December 18) . Resolution 68/130 . AG Index: A/RES/68/130 . Available at: https://undocs .org/A/RES/68/130 . UN ECOSOC – United Nations Economic and Social Council (1995) . World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond . Resolution 1995/64 . Available at: https://digitallibrary .un .org/record/202231 . UN – United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (2015, December 14) . Getting to know the Sustainable Development Goals . SDG Guide . Available at: https://sdg .guide/chapter-1-getting-to-know-the-sustainable-development-goals-e05b9d17801 . UN – United Nations (2018) . Youth and the SDGs . Sustainable Development Goals . Available at: https://www .un .org/sustainabledevelopment/youth/ . UN – United Nations (2018) . United Nations Youth Strategy . Youth 2030: Working With and For Young People . Available at: https://www .un .org/youthenvoy/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/18-00080_UN-Youth-Strategy_Web .pdf . UNFPA Brasil – United Nations Populations Fund Brasil (2013) . Resoluções da Assembleia Geral da ONU sobre Juventude . Available at: http://www .unfpa .org .br/novo/index .php/biblioteca/publicacoes/onu/878-resolucoes- da-assembleia-geral-da-onu-sobre-juventude . UN – United Nations (2012) . The Future We Want . Available at: https://sustainabledevelopment .un .org/content/documents/733FutureWeWant .pdf . 28 29
YOUNG GLOBAL CHANGERS ∙ VOLUME 1 YOUNG VOICES // GLOBAL ISSUES Warm hearts and cool heads: How we fundamentally need to change our approach to major problems in the world As I sit in a warm Berlin library typing a more sustainable lifestyle, praising reus- this essay, global problems seem both able straws and bamboo toothbrushes . remote and close at hand – just one click Our time and resources are limited, and away on my screen . Wildfires rage in Tur- yet we opt for behaviors that seem to ignore key and Greece . The Taliban takes control this fact . No plastic straw saved will pre- of Afghanistan . A fuel tank explodes and vent people from dumping so much waste life-saving medicine is in short supply – just into the oceans that there will be “more two of many events lining the path of Leb- plastic than fish in the sea by 2050 .”3 At the anon’s economic and financial implosion . same time, we continue to pile up packaging Belgium and Germany experience grave floods, bringing climate change closer to my doorstep . But people are also taking action . German activists celebrate a small, »Our time and re- late victory in their battle against the utility sources are limited, RWE, as a court rules the clearing of their Johanna D. Bärnreuther Hambach forest camps in 2018 to make and yet we opt for AUTHOR 2020/21 Young Global Changer & MPhil in Environmental Policy Candidate, University of Cambridge Social Media: LinkedIn: https://linkedin .com/in/johanna-baernreuther/ way for coal mining was unlawful .1 A law- yer volunteers at a soup kitchen to help the behaviors that seem Keywords: Activism; impact; efficiency poor .2 Influencers on social media embrace to ignore this fact .« 30 31 © Kua | Misty slopes of Mount Elgon in the north of Uganda
YOUNG GLOBAL CHANGERS ∙ VOLUME 1 YOUNG VOICES // GLOBAL ISSUES waste and ignore the role that the fishing democratic regimes have enabled peace in many companies’ profit interests are mutu- Regarding egoistic motives, there is industry plays .4 A thousand felled Hambach Europe for the past 75 years . A dollar giv- ally reinforced by providing ersatz solutions nothing is wrong as such with trying to as- forests will not come close to the destruc- en to the right organization will on average to actual problems (Giridharadas, 2019) . suage feelings of guilt, wanting to be seen tion caused by the 2019 Amazon fires or by contribute substantially to saving a life from Third, many people hold the false be- as a good person, or other self-focused (illegal) logging in Romania and Ukraine,5 disease .8 Research enables quantum leaps lief that our intuitive emotional response drivers . Nevertheless, we should approach nor would the additional coal mined contrib- in reducing world problems – like the ex- to problems is the best possible response, suggested solutions with a more critical ute substantially to the 2,000 gigawatts of perimental approach to alleviating global since facts seem too complex to grasp and attitude than is the norm today, eager to global coal capacity .6 Instead of volunteering poverty pioneered by the 2019 Nobel Lau- too insensitive to be combined with emo- investigate the evidence indicating how at the soup kitchen, the lawyer could have reates in Economics .9 Finally, government tion . Drawing from personal experience, much impact an effort can actually pro- donated his billable legal fees . Many choices intervention can be expedient, for example, they associate predominantly evidence- duce . Mainstreaming such commitment is we make in goodwill are inefficient . when markets fail to price in externalities, based decisions with cold-heartedness, crucial to global change, since many people To a certain degree, those actions have as is the case with plastic production and which seems to stand in contrast with are motived by self-interest . symbolic value: low-scale, prosocial, com- disposal .10 emotion . We attribute an authenticity to Moreover, evidence-based action as munity-building behavior has the power to the intuitive response which fact-peddling opposed to an intuitive response must be motivate everybody to combat the same Why do we prioritize inefficient action lacks . Unfortunately, our belief in taking destigmatized . We should do good accord- problem on a bigger scale . In this sense, over evidence-based behavior? an emotional approach to problem solv- ing to our best knowledge, not according local activism serves as an outlet for will- First of all, a feeling of powerlessness leads ing is mistaken . As Kahneman and Tversky to our biased emotional viewpoint . This is power and a role model for change . Fur- us to believe that our individual actions are (1974) elaborate, our mind is incapable of not to say emotions should be suppressed: thermore, concrete examples are essential unimportant . The world’s problems are too grasping large numbers, draws from what- In fact, they are the engine of all change . for policy development . Even though the complex, intertwined and remote for us to ever sources are available at the moment, Nevertheless, we require more trust in Hambach forest might be entirely negligible feel like it matters which particular course of avoids ambiguous solutions and is unable global research to adequately respond to on a supraregional level, the activism pro- action we choose . While it is in fact true that to put events into contexts of scope, among common challenges . This involves recon- testing its destruction garnered media at- one person will hardly change the world, the others . Their research points towards the sidering moral attitudes when they conflict tention that helped seal a government deal aggregate of all individuals is potent – but conclusion that our choices are biased by with the proposed solution . Government, to end coal power as part of the German only if enough people on the individual level such cognitive failures . This explains why Energiewende .7 The recent court ruling also abandon this belief . Unfortunately, the be- some popular solutions are inept at funda- sets a precedent . lief is reinforced by a vicious cycle caused by mentally mitigating major global problems . »Giving resources Despite such initial justifications, we disengagement: Regarding democracy, for Taking the feeling of powerlessness, the can do better overall . If we sincerely want to example, consider citizens who do not feel phenomenon of ersatz solutions and cog- to the powerless have an impact, we should focus on promot- ing what has proven to be a success . Stable, represented . Dissatisfied with their politi- cians, they stop engaging in politics, which nitive failures into account, it is clear that we fundamentally need to change the way so they can enable in turn becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of we try to solve global problems . Actively change, while rigor- not being represented, and so on . reinforcing the belief that a single person’s »If we sincerely want Second, some actors who pretend to be actions matter is a good starting point . In ously evaluating to have an impact, tackling global challenges actually make egocentric choices . Altruistic action and order not to feel overwhelmed by the excess of information and wide variety of causes, effectiveness every we should focus on solidarity are widely regarded as noble, we should embrace priority-setting: A cer- step of the way which might spur people to choose an al- tain degree of ignorance about the rest of promoting what has legedly sustainable lifestyle à la zero waste the world can actually help us focus on “do- might be among proven to be or to give to fundraisers . On top of that, ac- tivism helps to morally free the informed ing good better .”11 Once we are sure about a certain pressing issue, why not become the best decisions a success .« egoist of their bad conscience . Their and an ambassador for radical change? we could take .« 32 33
YOUNG GLOBAL CHANGERS ∙ VOLUME 1 YOUNG VOICES // GLOBAL ISSUES as one of the main administrators of aid, directly affected can make far better de- should engage in evidence-based action . It cisions than even the most well-meaning should only commit to choosing effective who are unaffected, as Perez (2019) sug- programs and evaluating their implemen- gests . She warns that data collection is in 1 The corresponding press release can be found at tation and success according to the highest the hands of the powerful, biasing evidence https://www .vg-koeln .nrw .de/behoerde/presse/Pressemitteilungen/25_2021_09_08/index .php academic standards, and should serve as towards what they deem worthy . Giving re- 2 Original example from Yudkowsky (2009), probably in allusion to Grisham (1998) . a role model for change . sources to the powerless so they can en- 3 Wearden (2018) . Lastly, let us acknowledge the immense able change, while rigorously evaluating 4 Marine sources, predominantly the fishing industry, make up 20 to 30 percent of global ocean plastics privilege we hold to be able to afford to even effectiveness every step of the way might according to Ritchie and Roser (2018) . read this article and engage in policy de- be among the best decisions we could take . 5 In Romania, activists risk their lives to protect forests from the ‘Timber Mafia’, https://www .aljazeera .com/features/2020/11/26/romania-disappearing-forests . bate . It is unjust that those who must shoul- With warm hearts and cool heads, we In Ukraine, illegal logging remains at high levels, der some of the gravest consequences have can achieve so much more than what we https://ec .europa .eu/environment/forests/pdf/Country%20overview%20Ukraine%20_17 .05 .2020 .pdf . no say . I am convinced that people who are can imagine . 6 Number retrieved from Evans and Pearce (2019) . 7 Mohr (2019) . 8 Weller (2015) declares that currently, less than 3 .400 USD save one life . 9 Duflo (2010) . 10 As of July 4 2021, a range of single use plastic items have been banned in the EU (Directive (EU) 2019/904) . Moreover, exports of all but easy-to-recycle plastics from the EU to non-OECD countries have been prohibited, taking effect on January 1 2021 (Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/2174) . If enforced, these steps should bring significant positive change . 11 ‘Doing good better’ by MacAskill (2015) is a central piece to the literature about Effective Altruism, an “intellectual project, using evidence and reason to figure out how to benefit others as much as possible” and “a practical project to take action based on the research, and build a better world”, https://www .centreforeffectivealtruism .org/ . References Duflo, Esther (2010) . Social experiments to fight poverty . TED . Available online at https://www .ted .com/talks/esther_duflo_social_experiments_to_fight_poverty . Evans, Simon; Pearce, Rosamunde (2019) . Mapped: The world’s coal power plants . CarbonBrief . Giridharadas, Anand (2019) . Winners take all: The elite charade of changing the world . Vintage . Grisham, John (1998) . The Street Lawyer: A Novel: Dell Publishing Company . MacAskill, William (2015) . Doing good better: Effective altruism and a radical new way to make a difference . Guardian Faber Publishing . Mohr, Almut (2019) . The Hambach Forest and the German Energiewende . The Influence of the Hambach Forest Movement on the German Coal Phaseout . Unpublished manuscript . Perez, Caroline Criado (2019) . Invisible women: Exposing data bias in a world designed for men . Random House . Ritchie, Hannah, & Roser, Max (2018) . Plastic pollution . Our World in Data . Tversky, Amos & Kahneman, Daniel (1974) . Judgment under uncertainty: Heuristics and biases . Science 185 (4157), pp . 1124–1131 . Wearden, Graeme (2018) . More plastic than fish in the sea by 2050, says Ellen MacArthur . In The Guardian. https://www .theguardian .com/business/2016/jan/19/more-plastic-than-fish-in-the-sea-by-2050-warns-ellen- macarthur. Accessed 26 . Weller, Chris (2015) . The world’s best charity can save a life for $3,337 .06 . Business Insider . Yudkowsky, Eliezer (2009) . Purchase Fuzzies and Utilons Separately . Lesswrong . Available online at https://www .lesswrong .com/posts/3p3CYauiX8oLjmwRF/purchase-fuzzies-and-utilons-separately . 34 35
TECHNOLOGY, DIGITALIZATION & CIVIL SOCIETY Viliana Dzhartova: – Can technology and innovation help us with social and environmental priorities? . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Beck Hayes: – It just makes “cents”: Innovation and technology align economic activity with social and environmental goals . . . . 47 TECHNOLOGY, Gina Marcela Cortés Valderrama: DIGITALIZATION & – Technology and innovation fall short without an intersectional feminist approach: CIVIL SOCIETY The key towards a more equitable, healthier, and just system for all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Yelena Novikova: – ESG investing and disability integration: Could the pandemic move us through a civil-rights approach to a data-driven practice? . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Cindy Adem: – Before the coffee machine goes haywire: Thoughts on key questions to ask when legislating emerging tech becomes an oxymoron . . . . . . . . . . 69 Alan Ichilevici de Oliveira, Kateryna Heseleva & Vincent Jerald Ramos: – Towards a multilateral consensus on data governance — A Policy Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 37
YOUNG GLOBAL CHANGERS ∙ VOLUME 1 TECHNOLOGY, DIGITALIZATION & CIVIL SOCIETY »Technological innovation and entrepre- neurial spirit alone will not be enough to steer digitalization and new technolo- Technology, Digitalization & gies towards delivering for the many .« Civil Society: Introduction Digitalization and technological innovation ware has led to a growing electronic waste In the following section Young Global are concepts that come to mind quickly problem on the one end of the supply chain, Changers and members of the program’s when we think about societal transforma- while fueling atrocious mining practices (in- Extended Circle address and try to balance tion . The technological changes of the past cluding for conflict minerals) on the other these phenomena, trying to make sense of few decades (the internet, digitalization, end . This is accompanied by exploitative the potential as well as the potential pitfalls smartphones, social media, artificial intelli- working conditions from cobalt mines in of technological progress and innovation . gence, automation) perfectly epitomize our the Congo to production lines in China, or rapidly changing, ever accelerating socie- the precarious working conditions of so- ties . At the same time, technological inno- called gig workers around the world, to vation is presented and lauded as a poten- name a few . tial solution for many, if not all, challenges Some of these developments are spe- we are facing today – from the climate crisis cific to the domain of technology and digi- to city planning, from schools and education talization, others are indicative of general to pandemics, natural disasters and more . deficiencies of globalized capitalism . All There is no doubt that technological in- these developments are being enabled and novation, including a better use of data, has reinforced by permissive regulation, inad- the potential to significantly improve lives . equate democratic control and a lack of New technologies are playing a major role international coordination . in making industries more sustainable . No question: Tech companies have Data-driven approaches are helping us to created tremendous economic and social address all sorts of societal and environ- value . However, technological innovation mental challenges . and entrepreneurial spirit alone will not At the same time, we have been wit- be enough to steer digitalization and new nessing the systematic marketization of technologies towards delivering for the personal data and a commodification of many . digital spaces . This is accompanied by For digital technologies to deliver on a disproportionate aggregation of market their promise, concrete steps need to be power as well as cultural and political influ- taken towards more citizen-led control and ence of big-tech companies . an empowerment of those affected – put- Furthermore, the continuous produc- ting people and the environment back at the tion of newer and newer electronic hard- center of technological innovation . 38 39
TECHNOLOGY, DIGITALIZATION & CIVIL SOCIETY Can technology and innovation help us with social and environmental priorities? The world we live in today is subject to com- tional Innovations continue to dominate the plex ecological and social challenges . The innovation discourse, with economic con- most recent report by the Intergovernmen- siderations and profit being the main driver . tal Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 2021) Other types of innovations are growing but warns that increasing global temperatures are still small in comparison . will most certainly lead to crises in biodiver- In daily conversations, when people talk sity, water, and energy . The global impact about innovation, they usually mean new of this is expected to grow exponentially as or improved technology . Most of the time, we approach certain thresholds that put this falls into the category of Traditional our planet at risk (Steffen et al . 2015) . Fur- Innovations . Technology on its own without thermore, social sustainability challenges being driven by a strong social and/or en- interlinked with ecological disparities mani- vironmental purpose is simply fueling the fest themselves as inequalities in wealth, existing systems, which in many instances gender and race, violent conflict and forced are the ones that have caused the huge migration, and create major challenges for challenges we are facing today (Packham global development (OECD 2015) . 2009) . For example, technology facilitat- A growing number of academics, com- ing convenience – products and services panies and governments anchor their hopes that are available at the push of a button, in innovation as the medium to effectively anytime and anyplace – is both the result transition towards sustainability . In a recent of and the driver for consumerism (Nykiel study, Silvestre and Ţîrcă (2019) introduced 2001) . Viliana Dzhartova four categories of innovation based on the While the role of technology and inno- focus and motivations of innovators: Social vation in our transition to social and envi- AUTHOR 2020/21 Young Global Changer & Co-Founder, ReImagined Futures Social Media: LinkedIn: https://linkedin .com/in/viliana-dzhartova-77b40420/ Innovations, Sustainable Innovations, Tra- ronmental sustainability is essential, it is Twitter: @vili_dzhartova ditional Innovations and Green Innovations important to acknowledge the significance Keywords: Innovation; technology; sustainability (see Table 1) . The study notes that Tradi- of the unintended consequences of Tradi- 41 © pixabay: StartupStockPhotos | Young start-up employee works on software development .
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