We mark 50 years since the first “United Nations Conference on Human Environment,” was organized in Stockholm, Sweden in 1972. This provides an opportunity to reflect on the highlights, successes and lessons learned in the past 50 years and also signify the urgency of progress and action needed to combat the planetary crisis facing the world today.
Young people comprise over 40 per cent of the global population and the hosts of Stockholm+50 have expressed the intention of engaging young people meaningfully as a core priority in the process of Stockholm+50. Future generations will be most impacted by the challenges we face today; thereby it is pertinent to ensure that perspectives of children and youth are reflected in the highest levels of decision-making; and the collaboration with them reflects youth co-leadership, acting in the spirit of With and For Young People.
The Nordic and Baltic youth came together in consultations to express their deep concern regarding the current state of our home - Planet Earth, which is the result of the previous and current mishandling of the global environment by the people in power. This policy paper outlines our vision for the road ahead and the steps required to achieve it. The paper also addresses what young people think in regards to the responsibility for the Nordic and Baltic region. The first official demand for the Nordic and Baltic policy paper is to stand behind the demands from the Global Youth Position Paper for Stockholm+50, which has been developed from global consultations conducted by the Stockholm+50 Youth Task Force.
The Nordic and Baltic consultation process has been led by the National Council of Swedish Youth Organizations (LSU) with support from the Nordic Council of Ministry. The process has been done in line with the global consultation process carried out by the global Stockholm+50 Youth Task Force (YTF) – with the starting point in the three leadership dialogues for Stockholm+50. We have consciously worked with the same questions in our consultations, but with the additional purpose of also finding out what young people consider to be the Nordic and Baltic region’s responsibility.
This Nordic and Baltic policy paper presents recommendations and views from the consulted Nordic and Baltic youth regarding the thematic areas:
1. Reflecting on the urgent need for actions to achieve a healthy planet and prosperity of all;
2. Leadership dialogue 2: Achieving a sustainable and inclusive recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic;
3. Leadership dialogue 3: Accelerating the implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development in the context of the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development;
4. Nordic and Baltic responsibilities
5. Youth inclusion
The policy paper was developed through different kinds of consultations, more specifically through:
• Three digital Nordic and Baltic consultations between February-March 2022
• One digital consultation with the Church of Sweden’s Youth
• One physical consultation was held together with the UN Association of Sweden
• (FN-förbundet). The UN youth associations in Georgia, Armenia and Tanzania participated and had held consultations on their end. The outcomes of their consultations and of our consultations were presented as a way to compare what youths think in different contexts.
• With cooperation with UN Association of Sweden (FN-förbundet), a survey was distributed online
• Two digital consultations with the Swedish Climate Policy Youth Council (Klimatpolitiska Ungdomsrådet). These demands have also received input afterwards from the representing organizations and have been presented digitally to Swedish Minister Annika Strandhäll.
• Prior to the consultations, several information and capacity building sessions were held with the Nordic and Baltic Youth Councils about the global youth work around S+50.
• LSU started a Nordic and Baltic working group for youth. The youth working group has worked to include various voices and additional inputs to shape the policy paper.
• The policy paper has also integrated and taken inspiration from previous work on the subject, such as the ”Nordic Youth Position Paper on Biodiversity”
• Due to supporting the Global Youth Position Paper for S+50, we have included some key demands from the Global youth to ensure it’s integrated
Reflecting on the urgent need for actions to achieve a healthy planet and prosperity of all.
We recognize that:
We are in the middle of a climate emergency, governments and institutions must react in regards to this reality. Due to the urgent need for systemic change, we recognize that we swiftly need to move beyond empty pledges, towards transformative policies and actions which ensures a better, more sustainable future for all. In the work of sustainable recovery, we must on a global scale acknowledge that we are affected by climate change to different degrees and ways. We oppose global and national inequalities that produce and are prolonged by, climate injustice and the colonial heritage of Western countries.
In order to be able to safeguard the rights of humans and nature, it is important to recognize that every human regardless of their gender, age, religion and ethnicity is equal. Intersectionality is instrumental in regards to climate justice. It is pivotal to protect groups that are being marginalized and ensure that they are allowed to speak for themselves. Representation is essential and democratizing political spaces is important as well to ensure the meaningful engagement of all rights holders, highlighting youth and those most strongly affected by the triple planetary crisis. It is not only crucial to say that a specific space is open and inclusive as the wording needs to be combined with prerequisites and tools to participate.
Today the economy is more prioritized than ecology. In our globalized world, a substantial portion of our environmental impacts are caused by multinational corporations, with their direct consequences nearly invisible to consumers. We must therefore think differently and prioritize ecological and social sustainability. To transform our economic system into a circular economy is crucial. We therefore recall the importance of improving binding laws, agreements and regulations on the environmental impacts. One challenge is that there are already laws in place that states do not uphold. It does not help the case of human rights if we have laws that states and institutions do not uphold and violations are left unsanctioned. Human rights laws and environmental laws must be upheld and an ecocide-regulation is needed as the regulation is a simple step with big impact if ratified, implemented and upheld.
Decision-makers must, at all times, signal the urgency instead of leaving the responsibility to civil society to deal with climate change. This is a crisis that belongs to all of us. The science shows a clear path forward, however it is the political leadership that is lacking. For example, politicians must stop investing in fossil fuels to facilitate the transition to renewable energy. This to ensure a sustainable future for children and youth.
From an urban perspective, we are today alienated from nature which results in decreased understanding of the value of ecosystem services. It is fundamental to have a relation to nature and the only way to restore it is to allocate more time to the environment. In renewing relations with nature it is also important to denote the discourse of GDP as measurement in growth as wellbeing. We affirm that there is value in adding spiritual, cultural and existential perspectives and knowledge to re-evaluate the importance of nature.
We urge governments to:
1. Acknowledge how various forms of exploitation of natural resources lead to irreversible damage and systematic destruction to ecosystems and human beings such as indigenous people and local communities. Ecological values and human rights need to take precedence over economic ones, for example by:
2. Introducing large-scale environmental destruction, ecocide, as a crime in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court - as a means to hold governments and corporations accountable for their damage to our common planet.
3. Decouple natural resources from economic growth in a way that stops extractivism and enables a circular economy and sustainable recovery.
4. Phase out the usage of subsidies and incentives for industries that harm nature and instead extensively promote and fund sustainable consumption and practices.
5. Harmonize economic incentives and legislation for big multinational companies, such as introducing taxes on activities and products based on their impact on ecosystems and local societies.
6. Recognize climate justice and secure long-term climate funding as crucial in mitigating the horrible consequences of climate debt and climate change as well as ensuring human rights.
7. Climate funding must increase and reach the marginalized groups, e.g. youth, minorities and indigenous people. Climate funding should also include adaptation measures and measures to reduce emissions, but also special means for losses and damage.
8. Ensure a respectful and solidary transition, with full respect for human rights and the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. Incorporate local and indigeneous practices and knowledge in environmental governance, especially regarding local and indigenous land and water use.
9. Integrate decolonization perspectives in the education curriculum, for example by strengthening education on indigenous rights, culture and history.
10. Increase investments to children and youth, by supporting civil society organizations and national youth councils, recognizing the importance of intersectionality and that investing in children and youth is instrincal and gives a strong leverage towards a sustainable future. This applies especially to groups that are being marginalized such as indigenous, LGBTQI+ and people with disabilities with all its intersections.
11. Recognize that faith, spiritual and indigenous leaders of all ages have the potential to play an essential role in shaping global environmental governance and policy making. The diverse traditions that they represent have unique capacities to convince, convene and contribute meaningful, moral, economic, spiritual and social substance to public deliberations.
12. Additional funding is needed for climate initiatives. Both strong climate finance and strong aid are needed in a world marked by climate change, conflict, inequality, and refugees.
Achieving a sustainable and inclusive recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic;
We recognize that:
The pandemic has resulted in increased poverty and hunger, a reduced level of education and an increased polarization between rich and poor as well as increased gender based violence. It is undoubtedly clear that the already most vulnerable have been hit hardest in this crisis and that inequality showcases other interlinked crises. We must share the burden globally by giving support to marginalized groups particularly affected by the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and already affected by climate change; women, young people, children and other already vulnerable groups. They should be given priority in the post-pandemic transition and as part of the green transition. An instrumental part in the fair transition is the continuous safeguarding of international aid and long-term and holistic climate financing. We strongly urge decision-makers to take into account the post pandemic recovery of developing countries.
During the pandemic, individual emissions may have decreased, however emissions have increased generally. This demonstrates that individuals cannot take the whole responsibility for the change that is needed but rather that system change is fundamental. The pandemic has given hope that adjustments and changes can take place relatively quickly. A lot of work has been suspended, but the pandemic has also opened doors for new ways of working digitally that have also promoted global work. The digital transition has been scaled up at a very fast pace, which has enabled new, more sustainable ways of working. It has been a lever for sustainable change in many ways, but we recognize that it also exposes unequal access to both internet and technology. We also need to take in account that technology is not a solution to our crisis, but a contributing factor to sustainable development. Collectivism has suffered and it is absolutely crucial to tackle and work with climate change. In many organizations, activities have been completely closed down, which has led to the loss of their social context. The organizational work needs to be protected and subsidized, as it has a major impact on social sustainability but also on the opportunities for a broad commitment in strengthening civil society.
Now strong global cooperation is needed, as a response to growing nationalism and closed borders. It is important to see the link between climate change and the consequences of the pandemic. Our essential aspect of recovering from covid 19 is to make sure that decision-makers focus on supporting developing countries and include all countries in this recovery while ensuring healthcare as a right towards a world where we ”Leave no behind”.
We urge governments to:
1. Ensure transparent sharing of information and scientific findings within different institutes and between countries to support the role of science in informing sound decision-making.
2. Secure and increase needs-based humanitarian aid. Additionally we see the urgency in long-term international aid and holistic climate financing to strengthen resilience.
3. Ensure global justice and fairness in terms of access to vaccines, healthcare to impoverished and under-resourced communities and groups that are marginalized, creating more resilient global health models, processes, and systems, that invest in protective and restorative measures against future and current health risks including pandemics, diseases, malnutrition, antibiotic resistance, pollution & climate induced disasters.
4. To recognize local ownership: We must ensure that resources reach the local level, youth and communities that are affected by the pandemic and climate change.
Accelerating the implementation of the environmental dimension of Sustainable development in the context of the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development;
We recognize that:
We need a complete shift in our economies. This entails moving beyond our linear economies. In this work, all responsibility should not lie with the individuals. A better and more equitable distribution of resources in the world is required and we need to make it easier to consume more sustainably. From a holistic perspective, we need revitalizing perspectives on growth as GDP does not encompass all growth and human experience.
Democracy in environmental governance must also be revitalized. Space must be given to marginalized groups and individuals, because power comes from the people to mobilize. Our democratic responsibility as citizens is to react, to demonstrate, but politicians and companies have the utmost responsibility to act according to research and treat the climate crisis as a crisis. This is why we need more severe consequences for breaching environmental laws and human rights, as well as a joint effort to address international companies and their emissions through both their value chains and supply chains. With this said, we see the urgency of phasing out fossil fuels and facilitate the transition to a renewable energy future. Making carbon-budgets and sticking to them and to not use any more fossil fuels than we can afford to and still able to reach the 1,5-degree-goal is fundamental. Phasing out fossil fuel production, and fast-tracking progress towards safer and more cost-effective alternatives, will require international cooperation.
We recall that there is hope in international cooperation and the pandemic has shown our potential to make big changes in a short time. We need to be more ambitious in sustainable consumption and production. We see the need for transparency of a product’s emissions and biodiversity impacts, introducing certifications creating awareness of this, and making sustainable products cheaper than harmful ones.
We urge governments to:
1. See the importance of climate financing, but these must be in addition to the existing development assistance budget so that other important sustainability goals according to Agenda 2030 are not eroded.
2. Emphasize structural solutions rather than consumer power as climate solutions.
3. Immediately establish a fossil-fuel non proliferation treaty to phase out fossil fuels and scale up 100% safe, clean and sustainable energy for all in order to reach net-negative emissions by 2050.
4. Improve regulations on the environmental impacts of production, for example criminalizing large-scale environmental destruction by including ecocide in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
5. Enforce Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence Laws for listed corporations, and a legally binding international treaty to cover global trade. Such legislation must have a substantial liability and enforcement regime.
6. Companies and states’ whole value and supply chains nationally and internationally must be included in the climate target.
7. Find new ways of valuing development by incorporating a more transparent, holistic perspective. More research resources must be invested in incorporating new economic parameters, such as Quality of Life and not just using GDP as a measure.
8. Provide political, organizational and informational mechanisms for young people at the local, regional and international decision- making level to address specific environmental concerns within the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of NDCs. Funding for youth participation and organization is important in this context.
9. Encourage countries to include youth delegates and representatives from indigenous communities in political negotiations and policy making.
10. To ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child and take into account children’s experience and safeguarding children as a group in its vulnerability in the climate crisis.
We recognize:
That the environmental impact of the Nordic countries is too high. The globally dominant economic system, which has profit as its main goal, is causing the degradation of nature. We need to urgently take our responsibility and reduce our emissions and consumption by shifting to sustainable practices and lifestyles. Our consumption behavior must transform, and growth in GDP abandoned as a measure of wellbeing. The Nordic and Baltic countries must see Stockholm+50 as an opportunity to demonstrate radical steps towards global environmental and climate justice.
We need a holistic perspective, we don’t have several crises but rather one that takes on different economic, social and environmental shapes. We need to become better at sharing resources on an equal base globally. Strong assistance is essential to achieve a healthy planet for all. The Nordic region, which is a rich region, should contribute to global development. This should be done through continued development assistance, where the development assistance budget goes to promoting people to live dignified lives, where equality, human rights and sustainable development should be central. Strong and increased aid from the Nordic countries is needed to strengthen global solidarity and put focus on preventive work as well as to reduce the inequality gaps that have arisen. Sweden needs to finance measures that last over time. We must give people opportunities to build their lives but also work long-term. In regards to the role of technology, Nordic and Baltic countries should take responsibility in investing in technical development but in the sense that technology can bring opportunities rather than depending on technology to save us.
Nordic and Baltic Countries need to take on a leadership role within the crucial work of multila-
teralism in for instance the UN and EU. Aid is instrincal and instrumental to global work. Humanitarian aid must be provided. But support is also needed for crisis-stricken societies and individuals to have the capacity and resources to prevent, strengthen resilience and manage crises. Long-term development work that strengthens societies and individuals’ sustainable livelihoods and food security is fundamental to a sustainable and equitable future for all. Today we see how hunger and poverty have increased in the wake of the corona pandemic and the climate emergency. It will take a long time and require strong measures to reverse that trend. In order to achieve a turnaround, measures are needed at national, regional and local level.
Nordic and Baltic Countries need to show solidarity with environment and climate activists and with this ensure that the region becomes a climate positive region, this swiftly before 2030. Civil society is instrincal and crucial in this work, so ensuring funding is foundational. In the particular case of Sweden, the shift for SIDA’s funding risks leaving organizations without funding.
We urge the Nordic and Baltic governments to:
1. Recognize and oppose the reproduction of colonial heritage and emissions (IPCC), important especially in relation to climate justice.
2. Include consumption-based emissions both nationally and outside the national borders within its climate targets
3. Secure at least a one percent promise of the UN recommendation for development assistance from all countries.
4. Fulfill the promise of $100 billion dollar to developing countries, and plan for a more ambitious goal for COP27
5. Recognize that ecological values and human rights need to take precedence over economic ones. We see recurring examples of how various forms of exploitation of natural resources lead to irreversible damage to ecosystems. A clear example of this is the mining policy where the Swedish government has chosen a line that (if completed) will lead to both ecocide, violations of human rights and violations of indigenous rights.
6. Ensure that climate funding is a core element in nordic aid and sufficiently funded and that foreign aid is not exposed by set-off in favor of national interests.
7. Implement ILO 169.
8. In relation to fossil fuels, we acknowledge Norway as one of the world’s largest exporters of oil and gas. We call the government to take responsibility in regards to phasing out fossil fuels.
9. Take responsibility by recognizing the fossil-fuel non proliferation treaty as a necessary measure to take in regards to phasing out fossil fuels and scale up 100% safe, clean and sustainable energy for all in order to reach net- negative emissions by 2050.
We call on all governments and all other stakeholders to listen to the demands of youth. Furthermore we call upon the Nordic and Baltic governments to listen to and act upon these presented demands. The time to act is now and in the work for environmental sustainability, the relation to social sustainability ought not to be forgotten.
There are some things that can not wait and that can not be consumed back once lost and that is the Earth we all call home. Children and youth in all its diversity agree on one thing and that is that decision makers can not sell our future. We have used our democratic rights to gather and mobilize across Nordic and Baltic borders, and the result has been this Nordic and Baltic Policy Paper showcasing our region’s global responsibility serving as complement to the Global Youth Position Paper.
Let us, the youth lead the way. It is our future that we are discussing and planning for, and it is therefore crucial to take our demands into accountability and implementation. Lastly, we hope to see bravery from the decision makers during Stockholm+50, and to not fail us with empty words and pledges. This to achieve a healthy planet and prosperity for all.