Walk for Our World & Youth Summit to take place today
KAHULUI—Over 150 students will march to Kalana O Maui and share their research in the Maui County Council Chambers regarding sustainability, resilience and human rights today at 9:15 a.m.
The walk is part of a partnership between the Maui Mayor’s Office of Innovation & Sustainability and the ‘Iao Intermediate School. The partnership is “to continue climate justice education and youth participation in public policy,” according to the county.
“The students will lead the ‘Wednesday For Our World Walk’ encouraging global leaders to take a stand at the United Nations Summit of the Future and also to achieve the UN 2030 Agenda in the first part of the program,” the county said in a press release announcing the student walk.
The Wednesday ;’For Our World Walk’ begins at 8:45 a.m. at ‘Iao Intermediate School and will reach an end at Kalana O Maui. The start of the Youth Summit focusing on the Voluntary Local Review and Locally Determined Contribution based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals Projects, the county said.
Building on the initial Voluntary Local Review last year, the Student Voices for Sustainable Development will feature youth from ‘Iao Intermediate School discussing the 17 Global Goals on the ground regarding Maui Nui.
There will be 18 presentations by groups of students from 9:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the County Council Chambers. They’ll be covering no poverty, zero hunger, good heath & well-being, quality education, gender equity, clean water, renewable energy, decent work and economic growth, innovation and infrastructure, equality, responsible consumption and production, sustainable communities, climate action, life on land, life below water, peace and justice, and partnerships.
The Student Voices for Sustainable Development will be added to the Priority Climate Action Resilience & Implementation Plan guaranteeing youth inclusion in public policy.
The Office of Innovation & Sustainability will provide feedback to the 150 plus students after their group presentations. The main conclusions will be shared prior to the UN Summit of the Future in September at the UN General Assembly.
There will be a follow-up climate action of planting native plants at Kalana O Maui next month adding to the endemic ecology project in front of Kalana O Maui.
“We are deeply moved by the dedication of our youth in championing sustainability,” said Joshua Cooper. Cooper is the chief sustainability officer for the County of Maui Office of Innovation & Sustainability. “Their voices, showcased through discussions on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, illuminate the path towards a more equitable and resilient future for Maui Nui. Let us stand alongside these inspiring young leaders as they drive meaningful change, shaping a world where every voice matters.”