Youth & Education

The cost of climate inaction is far greater than the cost of climate action and will be terrible for future generations. We are already feeling the impacts now, in Europe and across the world. That is why we must invest in the green transition, create green jobs for young people and develop a sustainable economic model, which puts people and the planet first.

As we face the economic consequences of war and energy costs, young people must not be abandoned again. Young people deserve quality jobs and decent working conditions, including fair wages. The International Labour Organisation estimates that if the right policies are put in place to reach the 2°C target, these could create 24 million new jobs by 2030.

Quality education is a right for young people, a duty to society and an investment in our future. Education and training are indispensable to building cohesive and inclusive societies in which citizens can flourish, develop common understandings of our common challenges and acquire the tools to tackle them. Work remains to be done to guarantee the same quality and opportunities for all.

The right to healthcare is a priority for us. Everyone should feel safe and should receive the best care available when they fall ill, including access to mental healthcare. Access to therapy and counselling should not be constrained by income, background or geographic location. Sexual and reproductive health and rights are crucial for people’s wellbeing and are a cornerstone of gender equality.

Housing is a human right, recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and enshrined as Principle 19 of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The housing market displays evident failures, distortions and deep fragmentation due to gentrification, financialisation and touristification. 80m people in the EU are overburdened by housing costs, including many young people in all regions of Europe.