In July 2023, I became the first Black youth female president of the YES-DC, since then I have been leading the network by organizing programs, creating a safe space for networking, and innovating ideas to spur sustainable energy and development. Through the position, I reinforced the belief in the power of youth voices in driving transformative change and nurturing renewed hope. Looking back on my one-year leadership position as the president of the network, I am excited to share five things I learned:
Firstly, I have learned that youth leadership is pivotal in shaping a sustainable future. Young people bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions, that are essential for addressing the complex challenges of energy and development. I am proud of the YES-DC network for creating the space for youth leadership through its board. This has encouraged the proactive involvement of young people to advocate for sustainable change and influence policy decisions.
Secondly, I believe that promoting sustainable energy and development requires inclusive approaches that consider gender and racial equality. It is important to ensure that marginalized communities, particularly women and people of color, are represented in decision-making and are given space to contribute to development. T
Additionally, collaboration and partnerships are fundamental to achieving success in advocacy for sustainable development. In my role, I engaged with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector to drive change. By working collectively, we amplified our impact and achieved meaningful change.
To add, education and capacity-building are critical for empowering youth leaders and advocates. Through training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives, YES-DC equipped young leaders with the skills needed to advocate for sustainable energy solutions. The role of education in fostering informed and active citizens cannot be overemphasized.
Finally, resilience and adaptability are key leadership qualities. Thanks to YES-DC, I have developed my ability to navigate the challenges of promoting sustainable energy amidst a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. I learned the importance of being flexible and responsive. This experience has strengthened my resolve to continue advocating for a sustainable and inclusive energy future for all.
