In the spring of 2024, the Noosa Environmental Education Hub (Noosa EEHub) is set to host an inter-school Youth Climate Conference, entirely organized and led by young people. This summit is poised to bring together students from across Australia, shining a spotlight on the sustainability and climate action initiatives brewing in their schools.

At the forefront of this movement is the Noosa Youth Advocacy Group (NYAG), a dynamic group of individuals dedicated to integrating sustainability and diverse cultural perspectives into school curricula. Their upcoming conference, titled “2024 Custodians of Place – Youth Climate Conference,” promises to be an inclusive platform for students of varying ages to delve into the pressing issues of climate crisis and sustainability.

This event is not just a forum for discussion but a celebration of the proactive steps students have taken in their schools and communities towards environmental stewardship. Ashley Sinclair, a vibrant member of Youth NYAG, described the summit as “a day full of education, collaboration, inspiration, and celebration,” building on the successes of the first youth-led climate summit held by Noosa EEHub in 2021.

The 2021 summit was notable for its solutions-based approach, empowering attendees to formulate actionable strategies targeting zero net emissions, sustainable transport, nature-based solutions, and waste reduction. Dalia Mikhail, Managing Director at Noosa EEHub effuses, “The solutions based approach gives young people hope… They are embracing the ideas and connecting the dots around Reconciliation and Climate Action and influencing their school communities to make meaningful change.”

Sinclair reflects on the impact of their initiatives, noting how past projects, NYAG meetings, and the 2021 conference have shaped the current dialogue around climate action and community priorities.

Noosa EEHub’s commitment to environmental education is evident in their immersive, community relevant programs, which garnered recognition with the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation Award for People & Economy in 2021. These programs offer students hands-on learning experiences, enabling them to meet curriculum requirements while positively impacting their community and environment.

Sinclair passionately shares her experience with NYAG: “Having a space to meet like-minded youth, discuss our aspirational visions, concerns, and projects… has made me feel less alone, less anxious about the world, and more hopeful than ever.”

Looking ahead, Mikhail and the Noosa EEHub team envision the conference as an annual milestone, aiming to “build on our previous work till we reach net zero emissions, reduce waste, and improve biodiversity across our region.” They are determined to align community values with the green ethos that defines Noosa as a tourist destination.