GBEP-YUNGA Bioenergy Youth Day 2024: Engaging the next generation in sustainable bioenergy
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Rome, Italy – The Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP), in collaboration with the Youth and United Nations Global Alliance (YUNGA), hosted the first-ever Bioenergy Youth Day as part of the 11th GBEP Bioenergy Week. This event focused on educating and empowering youth on sustainable bioenergy practices, attracting over 90 young participants and 13 organizations.
The Youth Day featured a bioenergy discovery circuit for students aged 14-19, which included seven interactive educational stations. These stations, hosted by various universities, international organizations and private sector actors, covered topics such as recycling agrifood residues for biogas, ethanol for clean cooking and converting used cooking oil into sustainable biofuels. These hands-on activities provided students with the latest innovations and applications of bioenergy, sparking their interest in renewable energy solutions.
Simultaneously, Master's and PhD students attended specialized bioenergy lectures from experts in the field. These sessions highlighted the critical role of youth in advancing sustainable bioenergy. They also learned about the integration of science and policy for sustainable forest management, technologies needed for a carbon-negative bioeconomy and the opportunities and benefits of biogas and biomethane.
Eight finalists for the 2024 GBEP Youth Award also showcased their research on various bioenergy topics. Czaneil Gomez from the University of the Philippines Los Baños won the 2024 GBEP Youth Award for her research on rice straw biogas systems.
Additionally, PhD students participated in a technical training session on biogenic CO2 from bioenergy systems capture utilization and storage (bio-CCUS). This training, led by experts from Imperial College London, the University of Padova and BTS Biogas, provided valuable knowledge on designing and applying CCUS technology sustainably.
“As the next generation of leaders, you hold the power to drive change. By taking action today, adopting environmentally-friendly behaviours and advocating for green policies, you can help ensure a healthier, safer planet for all,” said GBEP Coordinator Tiziana Pirelli, addressing the young participants.
The GBEP-YUNGA Bioenergy Youth Day underscored the importance of youth involvement in the clean energy transition and climate action. It also provided a platform for young people to learn, innovate, and contribute to global dialogue on sustainable bioenergy.
