The British Council will host a two-day ‘Youth in Climate Action Virtual Conference’ on 28 and 29 October as a run-up to COP26 hosted in the UK in November.
Under the larger theme of The Climate Connection, the Youth in Climate Action Conference aims to bring young people and relevant stakeholders to hold discussions around the following thematic areas related to climate change.
- Policy engagement and public awareness on climate action
- Showcase youth engagement and advocacy
- Provide a platform and agency for youth and stakeholders to build a conversation and commitment to address climate issues
The event will contribute to set up dialogue and conversations that will lead to recommendations and ideas for the future, celebrate the success of youth leaders working on reducing climate change impact, and discuss research evidence on how young people can effectively contribute to climate action priorities set out by Government of Sri Lanka, UK and COP26.
The event will also showcase youth leaders already engaged in climate action thereby encouraging more young people to participate in climate action.
When: 28 and 29 October 2021
Time: 09.30 a.m. - 12.00 noon
Online Platform: Zoom
Remember to register before 27 October 2021 at 04.00 p.m.
Day 01: Inaugural session - High level report findings
Time |
Session
|
Resource |
09.30 – 09.35
|
Introduction to
COP26 and The Climate Connection campaign
|
Maarya Rehman – Country Director,
British Council, Sri Lanka
|
09.35 – 09.45
|
UK’s commitment to
address climate change
|
Lisa Whanstall, Chargé d'affaires, British High Commission, Sri Lanka
|
09.45 – 10.30
|
Presentation of the key
findings of the ‘Youth
perception study’
Q & A
|
British Council Research, Evaluation, and Monitoring Unit, South Asia
Assisted by:
Research Partner - SLYCAN Trust
|
10.30 – 10.40
|
Keynote address
|
Hon. C.B. Rathnayake,
Minister of Wildlife and Forest Conservation
|
10.40 – 10. 45
|
BREAK
|
|
10.50 – 11.00
|
Importance of COP 26 and multi-stakeholder approach for youth action in climate
|
Noella Richard,
Global Youth Programme Manager, UNDP |
11.00 – 12.00
|
Panel discussion - Youth inclusion in climate agenda in Sri Lanka
|
Panel
Mr. Wasantha Dissanayake Additional Secretary (Policy), Ministry of Environment
Mr. Saman Waduge Additional Secretary (Youth), Ministry of Youth and Sports
Prof Erandathie Lokupitiya, Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences,
University of Colombo Mr. Mohamed Husni, Convener, Sustainability2040.org and British Council International Climate Champion
Mr. Kulunu Thamara Jayamanne,
Coordination and Partnerships Associate – UNDP Sri Lanka
|
12.00 – 12.05
|
Closing Remarks
|
Sanjeevani Munasinghe
Head Society, British Council Sri Lanka |
Day 02: Youth led, Call to Action and Advocacy
Time |
Session |
Resource |
09.30 – 09.45
|
Opening remarks:
Recap from Day 1 |
Maarya Rehman – Country Director,
British Council, Sri Lanka
|
09.45 – 10.00
|
Inspirational keynote session
|
Anoka Abeyrathne,
Climate Lead for Royal Commonwealth Society
|
10.00 – 10.25
|
Spotlight – Active Citizens Showcase
|
|
10.25 – 10.30
|
BREAK
|
|
10.30 – 11.30
|
4 big ideas to combat climate Change
(Panel discussion)
|
Nivetha Sivarajah
Mohamed Nasreen
Janith Ittapana
Nuzrath Farook
|
11.30 – 11.55
|
Spotlight – Active Citizens Showcase
|
|
11.55 – 12.10
|
Final keynote address
from the State Minister of Regional Corporation on behalf of the Minister of Youth and Sports
|
Hon. Tharaka Balasuriya
Minister of Regional Cooperation
|
12.10 – 12.15
|
Close of launch program
|
Sanjeevani Munasinghe
Head Society
British Council Sri Lanka
|