On 21 May 2026, UNU-IAS Operating Unit Ishikawa/Kanazawa(UNU-IAS OUIK) launched the Youth Empowerment Programme Ishikawa Kanazawa 2026. Engaging high school students from Ishikawa Prefecture, the programme aims to develop the next generation of youth leaders through inquiry-based activities and lectures on sustainable development, climate change and biodiversity
The first session was held on 28 May 2026 and featured lectures by Naoyuki Okano (Programme Officer, UNU-IAS) and Juan Pastor-Ivars (Research Fellow and Academic Associate, UNU-IAS OUIK). Dr. Okano explored topics such as the SDGs and climate change, and how these issues can be connected to local challenges. He emphasized the importance of youth engagement in climate action and building a sustainable society.
Dr. Pastor-Ivars highlighted how urban nature contributes to biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and human well-being. He led a discussion on the relationship between local communities and nature, and the importance of biocultural diversity.
Throughout the session, participants exchanged opinions and deepened their understanding of the connections between global issues and their local communities and daily lives.
More details are available on the UNU-IAS OUIK website.
