[Field Sketch] Youth Connections Driving the Impact of Climate Action: U-SAVERS at the “Youth Climate Impact Alliance” Session of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation’s BGI Platform Launch Event > 게시글

On May 7, the Climate Change Center took part in the Ban Ki-moon Foundation’s 7th Anniversary Commemoration and BGI Launch Event, joining a meaningful occasion where young people came together as key actors in responding to the climate crisis and expanding their collective impact. The event brought together youth, institutions, and a range of partners, creating a space to explore new possibilities for connection and collaboration in climate action.

 

 

■ The Direction Envisioned by the Youth Climate Impact Alliance

 

During the “Youth Climate Impact Alliance” session, the purpose and direction of the youth alliance initiative were shared. Lee Dong-gyu, Honorary Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, explained that the initiative aims to foster a culture in which young people can speak up on issues related to their future and have those voices reflected in policy. He also noted that the Ban Ki-moon Foundation would serve as an important partner to young people, helping their voices be heard more widely and more clearly. In addition, he emphasized that another key direction of the initiative is to create more opportunities for young people to expand their international engagement by building on their potential.

 

In this context, the BGI platform was presented as a foundation that connects youth, institutions, and various partners so that the voices and actions of each stakeholder can expand into broader international impact.

 

 

 

 

■ The Story Shared by Climatus College and U-SAVERS

 

During the session, the story of the youth brand Climatus College and the university student climate activist core group U-SAVERS was shared. Climatus College is a platform that helps young people understand the climate crisis through their own language and sensibilities, and carry that understanding into learning and action. U-SAVERS stands at the center of this platform as a core group that learns about climate issues together, reflects on them, and connects them to action in everyday life.

Kim Eun-ji, a climate activist from the 19th cohort of U-SAVERS, shared that she sees the climate crisis not as a distant issue of the future, but as one closely connected to people’s lives today, and that U-SAVERS continues to broaden the points of connection between awareness and action through a range of activities. She also spoke about the direction of U-SAVERS as a group that goes beyond simply participating in campaigns, instead exploring climate issues on its own and linking them to social agendas and practical action. In particular, she highlighted the significance of taking part in a gathering where multiple youth climate groups could come together, share their voices, and build connections.

Following the presentation by Climatus College, other organizations took the stage in the order of GEYK (Green Environment Youth Korea), GYCC (Global Youth Climate Challenge), and COCF (Our Future). Although each group continues its work in different ways, a natural sense of shared understanding emerged around the common goal of connecting youth voices to broader social dialogue and change.

 

■ Building Greater Possibilities for Climate Action Together

 

Toward the end of the session, participating organizations took turns reading aloud the Youth Climate Impact Alliance vision statement, reaffirming the meaning of solidarity. Beginning with the line, “We create change through solidarity,” the statement conveyed a shared message: that young people are not only on the front lines of the climate crisis, but are also leading change through policy participation, just transition, and international connection and cooperation. U-SAVERS contributed the line, “We lead future transformation,” underscoring the important role that young people’s creativity and innovation can play amid the shifts driven by AI and the energy transition. Finally, the pledge, “We act now and design the future,” powerfully captured the sense of urgency and commitment shared throughout the session.

 

The Youth Climate Impact Alliance session was meaningful in that it went beyond simply introducing the activities of different youth organizations and became a starting point for connecting youth voices to broader social dialogue and policy discussions. The Climate Change Center will continue to stand with young people so that, through Climatus College and U-SAVERS, youth climate action can move beyond learning into proposals, practice, and wider social engagement.