Hello world! Embarking on a journey fueled by a passion for climate justice and a sustainable future, I, Marissa Bradshaw, found myself at the Student Energy 2023 summit in Abu Dhabi.
Picture this – the world’s largest youth-led energy conference, a dynamic melting pot where minds eager for change converged. In the heart of the UAE, youth voices from every corner of the globe echoed the urgency of our generation’s role in shaping a sustainable tomorrow. With the Summit carrying the most fitting theme “Reimagining the future”. Join me as I unravel the captivating experience of three days that transcended borders, fostering innovation, networking, and a shared vision for renewable energy.
Diving headfirst into the Student Energy 2023 summit, my first day unfolded as a whirlwind of opportunities. The SES special cohort at the Leaders Forum held dynamic discussions that illuminated the path to sustainability and reshaped the lens through which future leaders view the world. Sessions like “Decolonizing Identities” by the SevenGen environmental group and insights from the Global Covenant of Mayors, paired with KPMG’s Net Zero Urban Project, painted a vivid picture of subsistence living and our deep-rooted connection to Earth. It was a revelation – understanding how our ancestral history shapes consumption patterns and fuels a genuine care for our surroundings. The excitement peaked as I joined an international dream team for KPMG’s Leaders Forum Hackathon. Sporting paper boat hats, we seamlessly transitioned between roles, dissecting real-world sustainability challenges. Triumphantly claiming the first-place spot, our focus on Trinidad and Tobago’s renewable energy policy framework became a testament to the power of collaborative innovation. The journey had just begun, promising more insights into the intricate relationship between society, stakeholders, and the heartbeat of sustainable change; our youth.
As the official summit kicked off! Day one took a microcosmic approach with a theme entitled “Reimagining Communities.” Engaging advisory panels, dynamic breakout sessions, and inspiring speeches from stakeholders like the Abu Dhabi Minister of Energy and Infrastructure illuminated the path forward. From UN stakeholders to governmental leaders, the resounding message was clear: it’s time to pioneer innovative, culturally tailored energy solutions worldwide. Discussions impassioned calls to break barriers and think beyond convention, these sessions got us thinking about how can we deliver holistic, practical solutions, empowering communities to combat the Climate Crisis while honouring their unique identities.
Day two took a shift with a topic that is very relevant, especially in the urban development and planning sector: “Reimagining Industries and Cities,”. This topic invited us to reimagine our world from a macro perspective. The day kicked off with a mesmerizing performance by the NYU Abu Dhabi dance team, vividly portraying the anxieties of our generation in the face of climate challenges. From there, discussions took new heights, with a spotlight on technological infrastructure in the energy sector. We were privileged to receive insights from the Mayor of Tokyo, Japan, who unveiled the groundbreaking “SusHi Tech Tokyo” initiative, a beacon of hope for tackling global urban challenges with cutting-edge technology and innovative ideas. As the day drew to a close, a Gala dinner provided the perfect opportunity for celebrating our collective achievements, forging invaluable connections, and nurturing a strong support network to drive forward transformative projects and leverage each other’s strengths.
The grand finale unfolded on day three as we were welcomed into THE COP28 “Green Zone in Dubai.” It was a privilege beyond measure to find ourselves at the epicentre of global climate action, surrounded by the most influential stakeholders from every corner of the world. The day was filled with energy as plenary sessions ignited impassioned discussions and networking opportunities had no lack. In this atmosphere, we witnessed the power of collaboration and felt the momentum of change cruising through every interaction. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary event, we left inspired and empowered, ready to continue our journey towards a sustainable future with renewed passion and purpose.
All of this information coming at full speed was a bit overwhelming, and I felt a sense of pressure and urgency, which led me to look at my home country, Trinidad and Tobago. I examined how what I learned can be applied or has already been applied to our climate crisis. I pondered on how I can contribute to the change that is taking place and how I can prepare others to be a part of the movement. I could not help but compare it to other small island states, such as our neighbours Barbados and Dominica, and even the Maldives. These countries have taken up the mantle of adaptation and mitigation and constantly run towards the mark of achieving the SDG goals. They took charge of welcoming innovation, especially in their youth circles, opening up to climate investors and projects, and ensuring climate studies are something that their upcoming generations are aware of. A feeling of despondency crept in because I know when measuring up, my country can do far better when it comes to adaptation and mitigation than we are doing at the moment. I know a lot of factors are at play, especially those that are economic and cultural. However, I have decided to do my individual service and pledge to do the best that I can with the resources and knowledge that I have.
On this journey, I’ve also encountered both disappointment and a touch of heartbreak in terms of the support offered by my country’s government for youth involvement in pivotal events like COP28 and opportunities such as attending SES. It’s been a unique and challenging experience, highlighting the severe need for more intentional backing for young individuals in the environmental and sustainability sectors. The glaring gap in support becomes all too apparent when considering the crucial role youth play in driving innovation and seizing investment prospects for our nation’s sustainable future. It’s imperative that we are supported in the participation of events and research endeavours that not only refine our skills but also contribute to shaping a more environmentally conscious trajectory for our country.
We, the youth of Trinidad and Tobago deserve more than just a token presence; we deserve a seat at the decision-making table and not one that is passive in nature or just for show. Our insights should inform policies, negotiations, and frameworks that will determine the course of our nation’s future. This battle for sustainability demands a concerted effort, one that brings together the government’s experience and financial resources with the foresight, networks, and innovative ideas of young professionals. It’s time to bridge the gap and create a collaborative path forward—one where the energy and enthusiasm of youth are harnessed alongside the wisdom and resources of the government. This way, Together, we can build a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
My goal is to share what I have learned at this conference with young professionals like myself and our future generation through school outreach campaigns where climate change will be the main focus. This will allow me to pass on the information that I received due to amazing organizations such as EcoVybz, who supported me both financially and emotionally on this journey. I was also motivated to switch my field from “Renewable Energy Technology” to “Climate Studies,” which grants me the opportunity to take a more bird’s eye view of the climate crisis and apply it to my home country with the knowledge and network I’ve retained. I am super excited about this shift, and I cannot begin to express how grateful I am to those who believed in me and continue to believe in me.
See you on the other side of a better, brighter tomorrow!
Written by Marissa Bradshaw
ECOVYBZ 