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NextGen Solutions: Youth Leading Change

Young people have ideas, courage and a clear idea of what needs to be changed. This session focuses on them. Not a debate about young people, but with young people.

This session takes place from 17:00 until 18:00. Language: English.

What does a just and sustainable future look like if you really take young people seriously? This session focuses on young people as co-solvers of major societal problems. Instead of talking about them, we give them the stage.

Marc Dullaert, former Children's Ombudsman and founder of KidsRights, opens with a keynote on children's rights and then enters into a conversation with young changemakers. Sanne Valkink, Organisation & Finance Coordinator within the University Student Council, is one of them.

They will read letters to the future, pitch their plans and offer a manifesto to John Thwaites, co-chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The audience actively participates through polls and questions.

By hearing young people's perspectives, identifying bottlenecks and thinking together about solutions, we take concrete steps towards change.

Moderator: Selin Yagmur Çakmak.


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About the speakers

Marc Dullaert is founder of KidsRights and former Children's Ombudsman of the Netherlands. He specialises in children's rights, youth care and social issues surrounding vulnerable young people.

John Thwaites is former Deputy Prime Minister of the Australian state of Victoria and an expert on sustainability and climate policy. He currently chairs the Monash Sustainable Development Institute and plays a leading role internationally in the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Sanne Valkink is Organisation & Finance Coordinator within the University Student Council. She is committed to equal opportunities for all students and advocates for accessible and inclusive education.

Moderator Selin Yagmur Çakmak is educator at VU Centre for Teaching & Learning.

Read the interview with Marc Dullaert

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