Youth at the Heart of the Green Revolution: Azerbaijan Pavilion at COP31 Puts Young People Center Stage in Clean Energy Transition
Antalya, The Gulf Observer: Young people took the spotlight at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, where the Azerbaijan Pavilion hosted a panel session titled “Youth at the Center of the Clean Energy Transition.” Speakers sent a clear message: young people are not just beneficiaries of the green energy shift but one of its leading driving forces.
The session brought together climate leaders, sustainability experts and energy specialists. They discussed how to give young people better access to professional opportunities in the green economy, a stronger voice in energy and climate policy, and more support for their innovation and entrepreneurship.
Youth: Target Group and Driving Force
The session was moderated by Maryam Mammadli, Public Relations Assistant at the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization (NAMYO). It highlighted that young people are both a key target group for modern energy policy and a leading force behind the transition to green energy.
That dual role featured throughout the discussion. Speakers stressed that energy policies are only fit for the future if the generation that will live with their results helps shape them.
Leading Voices Back Youth Leadership in Clean Energy
The panel featured COP29 Presidency Youth Climate Champion Leyla Hasanova; Marina Olshanskaya, COP29’s Sustainability Advisor and Senior Climate Change and Green Finance Expert; and Nadia Chioukh, Director of Cooperation and Communication at the Commissariat for Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency (CEREFE), among other speakers.
They agreed that young people play an active role in many areas, from adopting new technologies to influencing policy decisions. Young innovators, entrepreneurs and activists are already shaping the clean energy transition, and their energy and fresh thinking are speeding up change in the sector.
Youth Moving Into Decision-Making Roles
Speakers noted that challenges linked to global climate change and energy security are leading states and international organizations to involve young people more actively in decision-making, innovation and clean energy projects.
This marks an important shift in global climate governance. Young people are moving from the sidelines of climate talks into roles where they help design solutions and drive their implementation.
New Ideas for the Energy Sector
The event also highlighted what young people contribute to new solution mechanisms and approaches in the energy sector. Their creativity, digital skills and willingness to challenge conventional models are opening new pathways toward a cleaner and more resilient energy future.
Azerbaijan Continues Its Climate Leadership
By hosting the session at its pavilion, Azerbaijan underlined its continued commitment to climate action after its COP29 Presidency. The presence of COP29 figures on the panel reflected continuity between the two conferences, and a shared belief that the clean energy transition must be inclusive and youth-driven.
As COP31 continues in Antalya, the message from the Azerbaijan Pavilion was clear: the success of the clean energy transition depends on putting youth at its center.
