IISD Next

Increasingly, governments and large institutions are seeking input from youth on policies related to sustainable development, but there are no mechanisms in place to facilitate this process. At the same time, youth are eager to have their voices heard on policy issues, but there isn't adequate information or training for them to fully comprehend the policies they are being consulted on.

This creates a problem of tokenization, where young climate advocates are either left out of meaningful policy discussions or are only included by superficial means, with no decision-making authority.

IISD Next is an initiative led by Emily Kroft, our award-winning Youth Engagement Officer, who works directly with hundreds of students and youth advocates all over the world to ensure the next generation of leaders has an in-depth understanding of policy topics related to sustainable development, along with the tools they need to engage with various levels of governance.

Workshops provide training and insight into how youth can more effectively engage with government policy and work toward concrete change, as well as deep dives into the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, among other crucial climate issues.

Currently, IISD Next has 700 youth worldwide taking part in this nimble training series. Its overall network has grown to over 1,000 youth, representing over 60 countries around the world. 

But young people are showing us they want to do more. Demand from youth has completely outstripped IISD Next’s capacity to deliver training. Young people across the globe are hungry to strive toward a better future, but they need help.

YOU can be the help they need by donating to IISD Next, so youth can acquire the right tools to make their voices heard.

Help give more youth a voice for a better tomorrow.