Reflections on Climate Empowerment and Youth Participation: Insights from the 2026 ACE Hub Youth Event

Participants at the 2026 ACE Hub Youth Event in Bonn.

Source: ACE Hub Youth Event (2026).

From 4 to 6 June 2026, I had the opportunity to participate in the ACE Hub Youth Event in Bonn, Germany. I attended the event as an intern at UNU-CRIS, and its programme closely aligned with my internship activities in the fields of climate governance, multilevel collaboration, and the role of youth and knowledge institutions in advancing climate action.

Throughout the event, I took part in a series of interactive seminars exploring how Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) can be implemented at local and subnational levels, with a particular focus on participation, education, and public awareness. Discussions and practical exercises covered topics such as coalition-building among municipal authorities, civil society organisations, and youth groups, as well as the ways in which local climate initiatives can contribute to the broader implementation of the Paris Agreement. These discussions provided valuable insights into multilevel governance and stakeholder engagement, themes that are central to UNU-CRIS research on regional and global governance systems.

Participants at the 2026 ACE Hub Youth Event in Bonn.

Source: ACE Hub Youth Event (2026).

The programme also included a field visit to North Rhine-Westphalia, where participants explored how cities are translating climate commitments into concrete policy measures. This provided a practical example of how subnational actors integrate climate objectives into municipal governance while coordinating with national and international policy frameworks. For me, this experience offered a valuable opportunity to better understand how local and regional initiatives connect to broader governance processes and how meaningful participation by youth and local communities can strengthen climate action.

Participants at the 2026 ACE Hub Youth Event in Bonn.

Source: ACE Hub Youth Event (2026).

In conclusion, the ACE Hub Youth Event has allowed me to further my understanding of Action for Climate Empowerment as a bridge between international climate pledges and real ground action. I am confident that the insights gained and connections established during the event will prove valuable for my ongoing work and learning at UNU-CRIS.