The most recent Policy Brief was published on the GFSE homepage and deals with the topic of youth and the energy transition. The GFSE Policy Brief #12 looks at  some key elements of youth engagement in the sustainable energy transition. 

The young generation has lots of potential to contribute to the energy transition in many ways, for instance through engagement in decision-making processes at local and international level and as skilled workforce supporting the development of renewable energy, energy efficiency and clean mobility value chains. Youth are emerging as an important source of talent for achieving energy access, renewable energy, energy efficiency targets, and already account for a substantial fraction of jobs in the renewables sector. At the same time, youth is increasingly engaging in climate change and energy transition issues.

One of the most pressing challenges for emerging economies is a shortage of jobs among the youth. Enhanced skills development and decent work opportunities for youth can be created in the sustainable energy and clean mobility sectors. Initiatives to develop business and technical skills and create jobs targeting the youth should be pursued more vigorously, with increased collaboration between the private sector and educational institutions to improve the quality and accessibility of training.

At the same time, we need to build foundations for better governance in the energy sector and encourage multi-level energy and climate dialogue between stakeholders to overcome political resistance and shape the political incentives that are necessary for the transformation. Engaging the youth in decision-making will support shared ownership of transition strategies and help gaining political buy-in in their implementation.

The GFSE Policy Brief examines some examples of youth engagement and green skills for the youth in the energy sector. You can read the newest Policy Brief here.