The dialogue and engagement process Youth7 Germany 2022 was coordinated by IJAB – International Youth Service of the Federal Republic of Germany, as mandated by the German Federal Government. A youth-led process, Youth7 was chaired and hosted by volunteers selected and seconded by the German National Committee for Inter-national Youth Work (DNK), a coordinating body for European and international youth work by the German Federal Youth Council, German Sports Youth and Ring politischer Jugend. Co-Chairs and Track Sherpa contributed their valuable experience in youth participation and guided Delegates in developing, negotiating and advocating their own policy recommendations.
GERMANY 2022 YOUTH7
EXECUTIVE REPORT
Dokcumentation
GREETING EDITORIAL CO-CHAIRS
Dear partners, companions and friends of Youth7 Germany 2022, Dear Delegates, dear Track Sherpa, A more than eventful year lies behind us and it is difficult to put the complex endeavour, that has been Youth7 during the German G7 Presidency into words. Nevertheless, we would like to try: Our shared journey towards the Youth7 Summit started in March with the KickOff Meeting, when we welcomed Delegates representing the G7 members. Countless working meetings and research work were complemented by impulse from international experts, renowned researchers of different scien- tific backgrounds and from representatives of the G7 Ministerial Tracks. In May, we finally convened in Berlin with all 48 Delegates, including repre- sentatives of our partner Delegations from Indo- nesia, Senegal, South Africa and Ukraine. Over the course of five days, policy debates were held, e.g. with Minister Lisa Paus, policy recommendations were finalised and culminated in an intense voting session, leading to an unanimous adoption. Finally, we were honoured to hand-over the Youth7 Commu- niqué 2022 to Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz. However, the Youth7 Summit was just the begin- ning of our advocacy journey that followed throughout the second half of the year: We have both been active in international youth work for ten years and have never had the opportunity to
influence political decision-makers as directly as we did in this process. We presented and discussed the Youth7 Communiqué in various ministries: the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the Federal Foreign Office (AA), the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Federal Ministry of Labour & Social Affairs (BMAS), the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), the Federal Ministry of the Envi- ronment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUV), the Federal Ministry of Digital and Trans- port (BMDV) and the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building (BMWSB). Further, we found excellent support from the Federal Press and Information Office. The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) generously funded Youth7 2022 and facil- itated the implementation of the Youth7 Summit 2022. In addition, we highly appreciate the contin- uous support by the G7 Sherpa and the entire team at the Federal Chancellery, who established a series of meetings with the engagement groups and a direct exchange with us.
Looking at the G7 Leaders’ Declaration, we draw a mixed conclusion though:
As Youth7, we repeatedly called for action and political commitment in support for mental health. The disruptive impact of the Covid19 pandemic has laid bare the urgency to address growing
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Greeting
With the Executive Report in front of you, however, we would like to emphasis one aspect above all: Thank you! Thank you to all our Delegates! We want to empha- sise their extraordinary commitment to the diverse causes our Communiqué so convincingly addresses and their engagement in building the Youth7 network in the long run! Thank you to the team of IJAB e. V. – Thank you for your tireless support! Thank you Marie-Luise, thank you Till, Felix and Roman. And last but not least: Thank you to our Coordinator Christina. Thank you for your incredible commitment, tackling challenges together. In addition, we would like to thank the German National Committee for International Youth Work (DNK) for nominating us as Co-Chairs and supporting us on this incredible experience. The DNK also provided us with the most important group of people to accompany us on this journey: Our Track Sherpa! Felix & Hannah leading the way to a Green & Sus- tainable Planet, Anne & Jonas stepping up for Economic Transformation for Shared Progress, Ruszlan & Lisa fighting for the Resilience of Democ- racies, Eva & Franka advocating for Global Health & Solidarity, and Paul & Katrina as guiding experts on Youth, Peace & Security! Without them Youth7 Germany 2022 would not have been possible.
challenges on mental health, exacerbated by the stresses in climate anxiety, economic distress and escalating conflict. We highly welcome that G7 Leaders listened to the voice of young people. Without doubt, mental health will continue to remain an imminent challenge for our generation. We urge the G7 to let the Leaders’ Communiqué be more than words and that actions follows accordingly. This is of utmost importance for us, as our part- ners Future Leaders Network from the UK had succeeded in placing this issue and putting it on the G7 agenda during the previous presidency. Sustained continuity is a very essential element for us to succeed in advocacy, which is why we have followed our work on this particular matter. Another topic we dedicated advocacy efforts to was Youth, Peace & Security. As Youth 7 we are deeply disappointed to see that the Leaders’ Communiqué did not mention the Youth, Peace and Security agenda. We are pleased to see that the Women, Peace and Security agenda is addressed and promoted. We urged G7 leaders throughout the entire process to focus on the role of young people in crises, peace and democracy. The G7 leaders have missed the opportunity to recognise the importance of youth in peacebuilding and democracy processes. We will continue to call upon G7 leaders to lead by example in the implemen- tation and institutionalisation of the UN Security Council Resolutions 2250, 2419 and 2535 and to develop national action plans. Looking ahead, the Japanese G7 Presidency and our partners G7 / G20 Youth Japan took up the baton of furthering youth participation and to hosting the Youth7 Summit 2023, early and in close cooperation with our team. We are most confident that our colleagues from Japan will continue to advocate for the issues that are close to the needs and interests of young people. We further hope that they will experience the same open-minded- ness from their Presidency as we have, wish them all the best for the coming year, and look forward to accompanying the Japanese team on their journey. From our perspective, it is important to discuss and strive for diverse, inclusive and accessible youth participation.
THANK YOU! Co-Chairs Youth7 Germany 2022 Carolina Claus
Benjamin Günther
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YOUTH7
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Youth7
Youth7 (Y7) is the civic youth engagement process officially mandated by the G7 Presidency. It serves as the platform for dialogue with the young generation, by engaging with representatives of youth organisations, young activists, and young leaders. Delegates to the Youth7, young people from the G7 members, the European Union as well as partner countries are working closely and develop their own concrete policy recommendations for action to be incorporated in the G7 process. Their voices are taken into consideration by the G7 dialogue processes, through repre- sentatives taking part in the stakeholder engagement by Ministers throughout the Presi- dency. In view to the G7 Leaders’ Summit, they negotiate joint policy positions and adopt a Youth7 Communiqué, which is focusing on the Presidency’s priorities and youth-related issues alike. Across the G7 and beyond young change-makers are taking on the chal- lenge to advocate on behalf of the Communiqué at the highest political level and seek to ensure a continuous engagement by decision-makers with youth. The Youth7 Summit 2022 saw Delegates convening in Berlin for a 5-day-meeting, during which they dedicated their expertise to negotiations, engaged in high-level exchanges, explored the German capital and its political institutions, and succeeded in handing over their Communiqué to Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Family Photo at the Federal Foreign Office
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YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN THE G7
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Youth Engagement in the G7
“Global Health & Solidarity” and “Youth, Peace & Security”. The wide range of policies addressed by Delegates reflects their broad expertise and extensive networks. Further, it allowed to address the different areas of focus and initiatives set out by the German Presidency and highlighted the importance to include youth as actors of any holistic approach to global challenges. Following the vision, that nothing about youth, should be decided without full and direct participation of young people, Youth7 made every effort to ensure the in-person (or online) participation of its repre- sentatives at the decision-making table, on the podium and at panels. From March 2022, Track Sherpa and Delegates met to exchange ideas and perspectives, share their academic and professional insights and develop a joint position on core recommendations. In exchange with external experts from research and policy development alike, each Track agreed on a set of core demands, which laid the ground- work to reach a negotiation result after only three days at the Youth Summit 2022. It is due to their commitment, that a unanimous vote gave the Youth7 Communiqué its strong mandate and inclu- sive character. Building on the official handover to Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the Youth7 Commu- niqué became the centrepiece of advocacy efforts beyond the Youth7 Summit, both nationally and internationally, with Delegations disseminating the core demands and recommendations to their respective governments and civil society stake- holders. Youth7 aimed to secure, that in the G7 nothing about youth, should be decided without full and direct participation of young people.
YOUTH DIALOGUE ACROSS AND BEYOND THE G7
Carolina Claus & Christina Arkenberg
Youth7 accompanies the continuous dialogue of heads of state and government in the G7’s compre- hensive fora of political cooperation and negoti- ations. As the officially recognised framework for young civil society to extend their recommenda- tions to the rotating Presidencies, Youth7 invites youth activities and young leaders to raise their voices in multilateral cooperation and to take a stand on today’s global challenges. The annual G7 Leaders’ Summit is widely known to serve as an opportunity for intergovernmental cooperation at a high-profile venue, gifting specta- tors with a series of family photos and glimpses into the groups’ meetings. Yet the media interest only throws a spotlight for a few days on an ongoing work process, building upon numerous, less visible, meetings, workshops and stakeholder events, which take place over the course of each Presi- dency. And with most of the preparations for agree- ments at the highest-level taking place on working level, Youth7 joined the G7 dialogue process aiming to contribute to policies from conception to coordi- nation and adoption. Reflecting the continuous G7 process, the Youth7 Summit 2022 was preceded by months of working meetings and preparatory work, establishing thematic policy Tracks dedicated to “Green & Sustainable Planet”, “Economic Transformation for Shared Progress”, “Resilience of Democracies”,
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enriched debates and the international experience for all participating and helped to foster global networks, including exchanges with Youth20 partners. Under the impression of the Russian war of aggres- sion against Ukraine, Youth7 decided to extend an invitation to Ukraine’s youth and to establish a Track on Youth, Peace & Security (YPS). With Ukrainian Delegates joining the urgency for the G7 to deliver on human security and assistance, on resilience and peace-building efforts and on youth participation in rebuilding, was prominently under- scored and continued to play a crucial role in all advocacy efforts throughout 2022. In line with the rotating Presidency, the Youth7 engagement process passes from one youth organisation to another each year and builds upon mostly volunteer engagement to develop further fora of cooperation, ways of working and young networks. Youth7 continues to strive with every new cohort of Delegates, thanks to the extraordinary experience to join a global network of todays and future change-makers. Participating in a Youth7 Summit 2022, hopefully motivates to pursue the shared vision of a world that is stronger together to address pressing challenges through coop- eration. Lastly, Youth7 2022 also aimed to set an example for the added value young voices offer to G7 Leaders, as experts for the realities of lives of future generation and innovative policy-making for a more sustainable future.
Representing the young civil societies and engaged leadership, Youth7 joint its fellow engagement groups to highlight the importance to safeguard and support open societies, resilient structures for interest groups and community participation in policy-making. Engagement groups and the continuing dialogue with civil society and interest groups have a long, evolving tradition and are further developed under each Presidency. Further, they aim to involve key players and institutions of each member’s civil society as well as their culture of civic action. Beyond serving youth as a margin- alised group in society themselves, Youth7 always committed to join engagement groups in advo- cating for gender equity, global sustainable devel- opment and economic justice. Youth7 2022 was a youth-led project, with a team of young volunteers steering both the work and advocacy process as well as the programme of the Youth7 Summit 2022. Co-Chairs and Track Sherpa were nominated by the German National Committee for International Youth Work (DNK), which brought together alumni of previous Youth7 and Youth20 engagement processes, former Youth Delegates to International Organisations and young activ- ists from youth associations and advocacy groups. In the spirit of global partnership, solidarity and friendship, Youth7 2022 invited Delegations from Indonesia, Senegal, South Africa and Ukraine to join and broaden the scope of G7 collaboration in the field of youth. This allowed for the inclusion of young voices from the Global South to be heard and incorporated in policy recommendations, it broaden the scope of G7 collaboration in the field of youth. Youth7 invited Delegations from Indonesia, Senegal, South Africa and Ukraine to join and
Youth7 in dialogue with Members of the German Bundestag
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Youth Engagement in the G7
ENGAGEMENT PROCESS 2022 G7 IN DIALOGUE WITH CIVIL SOCIETY In 2022, the German Presidency supported seven official engagement groups , ranging across civil society and interest groups, to academia and research as well as to social part- ners from businesses and unions. Each engagement group stood firmly independent and was coordinated by a non-governmental representative body, with the official mandate by the G7 Presidency. Youth7 Germany 2022 profited immensely from the active exchange and close collaboration among the engagement groups.
Buisness7 Business7 serves as the dialogue platform for dialogue with the interna- tional business community, bringing together the leading business and industry associations from across the G7. Under the German Presidency, Business7 was chaired by the Federation of German Industries (BDI). Youth7 was represented by Track Sherpa Jonas Dechent at the Business7 Summit 2022, who shared Youth7 recommendations on global trade and investment policy, debt-restructuring and post-pandemic recovery mea- sures. Civil7 Coordinated by VENRO – Association of German Development and Human- itarian Aid NGOs and the Environment and Development Forum, Civil7 brought together representatives from non-governmental organisations in their commitment to climate action and environmental justice, human- itarian aid, development cooperation and open societies. Throughout 2022, Civil7 hosted international workshops and debate fora, attended by Youth7 representatives.
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Labour7 Labour7 is representing the interests oof workers and employees in the G7 engagement process, convening trade union confederations of the G7 members. The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) coordinated the 2022 dialogue dedicated to recommendations and advocacy for a just and sustainable dual transition, solidarity-based crisis and pandemic management and the enforcement of labour standards and human rights due diligence. Youth7 and Labour7 joined forces in raising the civil soci- ety’s voice at the Labour and Employment Ministers Meeting as well as the multi-stakeholder dialogue led by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Science7 The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina chaired the Science7 dialogue of science academies across the G7 members, which developed research-based policy positions on climate change, decarboni- sation, pandemic preparedness and management as well as global health. Co-Chair Carolina Claus and Track Sherpa Ruszlan Biwoino participated in the Science7 Summit 2022, which convened international experts and the public for a high-level science conference. Think7 Leading experts, representing academic and research institutions and think-tanks, are working together in the Think7 and bring forward sci- ence-based solutions and recommendations to G7 leaders and the public debate. In 2022, priorities focused on environmentally sound, sustainable, and socially just transformation as well as urgent global action in financial and humanitarian aid and conflict-responses. Under the German G7 Presidency, the Global Solutions Initiative (GSI) and the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) chaired the Think7. Co-Chair Carolina Claus and Track Sherpa Lisa Mastiaux partici- pated at the 2022 Global Solutions Summit, discussing the policy recom- mendations with representatives of the Think7 and Think20 community. Alongside, Youth7 Chair 2021 Sophie Daud (UK), Carolina Claus contrib- uted to the Think7 Summit 2022 as panelists on youth engagement and intergenerational justice.
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Youth Engagement in the G7
Federal Chancellor Scholz welcoming the G7 Engagement Groups to the Chancellery
Women7 Women7 is an international network of more than 60 women’s rights and feminist civil society actors, advocating for gender equality worldwide. Aiming to ensure transformative action for the lives of women and girls globally, the National Council of German Women’s Organisations, hosted a multi-level consultative process as well as debates and panels throughout 2022. Priorities covered economic justice and rights, climate justice, femi- nist foreign policy, countering gender-based violence, gender-responsive pandemic management and accountability mechanism of the G7. South Africa Head Delegate Hannah Hopper contributed to the Women7 Summit 2022 as a speaker.
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CALL TO ACTION
As a preamble to the Youth7 Communiqué, the Call to Action was adopted by the Youth7 Delegates at the youth7 Summit 2022 in Berlin. It expresses the shared vision to further youth participation in multilateral cooperation and to extend opportunities in an inclu- sive manner. In view to the G7 Summit 2022 the Co-Chairs invited young leaders, youth activists, youth organisations and those in support for strong youth participation, to co-sign the Call to Action. Individuals and organisations from across the globe joined in and expressed their support for the policy recommendations to G7 Leaders.
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Youth Engagement in the G7
WE,
We strive for a world that is stronger together and call for furthering multilateral cooperation that is based upon shared common values, mutual respect and justice. We call for a progressive and future oriented G7 Summit and thus recommend to the decision-makers the following policy recommendations on Sustainability, Economy, Democracy, Global Health and Youth, Peace & Security, that are to be found in the Youth7 Communiqué.
the young representatives of the G7 members, the EU, in partnership with Indonesia, Senegal, South Africa and Ukraine, came together in Berlin to ensure that the heads of governments and states of the G7 will include the young people’s voices on all vital policy issues in a holistic manner. We stand for inclusive, diverse and barrier-free youth participation that ensures all young people are heard and recognised.
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YOUTH7 CO-CHAIRS, TRACK SHERPA & DELEGATES
Co-Chairs Carolina Claus
Benjamin Günther
Track Sherpa Hannah Schartmann Anne Steuernagel
Felix Kaminski Jonas Dechent Ruszlan Biwoino Franka Weckner
Lisa Mastiaux
Eva Croon
Katrina Leclerc
Paul Klahre
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Youth7
G7 Delegations Canada Prativa Baral – Hargun Kaur – Jaya Scott – Michael Lecchino France Mathilde Viart – Cécile Génot – Guillaume Ménard – Pablo Gil Germany Johannes Röder – Antonia Kuhn – Işılay Işılar-Günes – Jannis Krüßmann Italy Aurora Audino – Alessio Laconi – Emanuele Sacco – Tea Cimini Japan Junki Fujii – Erina Kondo – Juli Sarkar – Nanami Okiyama United Kingdom Safia Sangster – Annabel Rice – Michael Yip – Zain Iqbal United States of America Jordan Lee – Aisha Espey – Daniella Torres – David Pham European Union Jessica Antonisse – Josias Knöppler – Nikolaos Moulios – Rosalind Skillen Partner Delegations Indonesia Anak Agung Mia Intentilia – Amira Bilqis Ganis – Radhiyan Pasopati Probadi – Raihan Ariatama Senegal Aissatou Ndiaye – Ghislaine Dioh – Hane Marie Faye – Mahfou Aidara South Africa Hannah Hopper – Keitumetse Pule – Oshea Roopnarian – Sicelo Shange Ukraine Natalia Shevchuk – Kateryna Davydkova – Yevheniia Danyliuk – Yuliia Kotelnikova
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Throughout 2022, Track Sherpa and Delegates have been working closely together to develop policy recommendations.
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Youth7
WORKING SCHEDULE 11.03.2022
KickOff Meeting
— Exchange with Parliamentary State Secretary, Mr Sven Lehmann, Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) — Exchange with G7 Sous-Sherpa, Dr Ulrich Oberndorfer, Federal Chancellery
19.03.2022
Working Session 1
26.03.2022
Working Session 2
03.04.2022
Interim Plenary Session
— Exchange with G7 Sherpa, Dr Jörg Kukies, Federal Chancellery
23.04.2022
Working Session 3
30.04.2022
Working Session 4
16.-20.05.2022
Youth7 Summit 2022
— Handover & Exchange with Federal Chancellor, Mr Olaf Scholz, Federal Chancellery — Exchange with Federal Minister, Ms Lisa Paus, Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ)
03.12.2022
FollowUp Meeting
— Exchange with Parlamentary State Secretary, Mr Sven Lehmann, Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ)
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TRACK 1
SUSTAINABLE & GREEN PLANET The urgency to address the climate crisis and its severe consequences, the importance to preserve the environment and biodiversity as well as the need to further global partnerships, set the framework upon which Track 1 developed its policy recommendations. The Delegates expressively welcomed the initiative to establish an open, cooper- ative “Climate Club”, as announced by the G7 Presidency, and the pursuit of more ambitious climate policies across and beyond the G7.
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Sustainable & Green Planet
Track 1 | Sustainable & Green Planet called for holistic policies, recognising the complex interde- pendencies between climate change as a leading cause for biodiversity loss as well as an additional driver to it. Hence, enhanced protection of biodi- versity both on land and at sea, through ambitious global standards and management practices, the empowerment of Indigenous, co-creation with local communities and regenerative agricultural practices, have been addressed and thoroughly debated by Delegates. In view to achieving `no pollution by 2050´, most polluting activities, including industrial emissions, wastewater, and waste, are recognised as pivotal levers to reduce environmental damage. Central to any climate mitigation and adaption measures , Track 1 placed a focus on the dissonance in G7 policies between the level of ambition and willingness to take on concrete climate action and the degree of action that is in fact needed to effec- tively address climate change. Given their potential influence as well as their high share in emission, the G7 are called upon to take responsibility to enact global commitments to the 1.5°C warming limit, to make no further investment in fossil fuel projects, to strengthen adaption of infrastructures and the built environment and to fully commit to a green and transformative transition.
Convinced that the G7 must play a pivotal and leading role in sustainable development, Track 1 also addressed its potential to further global climate cooperation and to seek open part- nerships to lead the way in the green transition. The recommendations introduce concrete mecha- nisms to secure climate justice, through a carbon price floor with differentiated prices, placing the onus carbon-emitters, public funding for climate change mitigation by countries most affected and a transition towards a regenerative economic model respecting planetary boundaries (“Doughnut Economics”). The liveability of the planet that we inherit shall be determined by the decisions you, the G7 Leaders, take and the commitments you implement now.
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YOUTH DIALOGUE ACROSS AND BEYOND THE G7 Hannah Schartmann & Felix Kaminski The Youth7’s Track on Sustainable & Green Planet brought forth policy proposals that help main- tain the liveability of the planet we inherited. This requires both courageous commitments that are in line with a sustainable future and the actual imple- mentation of the decisions made. In this article, we would like to share key insights into how they perceived the work in the track and the demands
Making the climate club meaningful
In their recommendations, the Delegates also championed Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s goal to create an international Climate Club, which would promote further cooperation between coun- tries. Delegates call upon G7 leaders to follow up and establish a Climate Club by the end of 2022. The climate ambition gap must be closed by strengthening global commitments to reach the 1.5°C target and by setting a carbon price floor at an adjusted level where high-income coun- tries must take on the onus and step up their efforts. The Climate Club must include interna- tional revenue recycling and avoid carbon leakage, e.g., by avoiding exemptions for carbon-intensive industries. The G7 must use COP27 to move ahead beyond expressions of regret that neither global ambition nor implementation is sufficient to reach the 1.5°C target. Immediate action is needed to drastically reduce global greenhouse gas emis- sions and to mitigate the impact of the climate crisis. More specifically, the Delegates demand to make no further investments in new fossil fuel proj- ects and redirect funding to renewable energy to ensure a universal and affordable energy supply. Track 1 was dedicated to address the existing interdependence between the climate crisis, biodiversity degeneration, global conflicts, and insufficient efforts to implement the SDGs, calling for holistic approaches.
formulated by the Delegates. A shared vision for a better future
The Youth7 is, like the G7, a forum where people with different perspectives, shaped by their own national circumstances from all over the world, come together. Besides the Delegates from G7 members, Delegates from partner countries, namely Indo- nesia, Senegal, South Africa and Ukraine, attended the Youth7 Summit in Berlin in May 2022. Irrespec- tive of these different national circumstances, the Delegates were united in their goals: maintaining the liveability of the planet we inherited, fighting the global climate crisis, and stepping up ambi- tions to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. 12 young environmentalists debated and agreed on nine ambitious environmental policy recom- mendations to include in the Communiqué. These covered a variety of topics, including biodiversity recovery, climate finance, and just energy transition. The Delegates discussed tirelessly and beyond the official time reserved for working sessions. This was not because opinions diverged that significantly but because the Delegates were so keen to hear all perspectives from both developed and developing economies in the unique setting of the Youth7 and to find the best wording to use the limited space in the communiqué as efficiently as possible.
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Sustainable & Green Planet
During the Youth7 Summit representatives of Track 1 | Sustainable and Green Planet expressed their expectations towards G7 Leaders in the field of climate and sustainability with broad- caster Deutsche Welle: “I am here to remind the G7 leaders that their choices at the G7 Summit actually impact not only their own countries, but also the rest of the world. […] We advocate, support and call for the G7 Leaders to fulfill their pledges for helping the developing nations, both financially and by the transfer of technologies in all aspects of climate change mitigation efforts, as well as adaptation.” Amira Bilqis, Delegate Indonesia “I think now is really the moment to push for renewables and renewable energy resources. And I believe this should be done in a very inclusive way. […] Young people will see the results of decisions taken today. Their participation brings climate ambition, especially in the context of world “It is very important to the German G7 Presidency to establish an international Climate Club for stepping up international climate ambition. And in our proposal, we made a great add-on to this initiative by introducing an international youth participation mechanism to ensure that this climate club will be generationally just.” Felix Kaminski, Track Sherpa crises we are facing today.” Aurora Audino, Head Delegate Italy
Environmental crises are interlinked
Establishing a long-lasting network
Although the climate crisis was very prominently addressed in the policy proposals of the track, the Delegates highlighted the links to other crises, such as biodiversity degeneration, global conflicts and the insufficient implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To create a truly just and sustainable world, we need economic models that help meet societal needs whilst returning to planetary boundaries and drastically reducing our resource consumption. For the Delegates, it was very clear that fighting these multiple crises can only be done through global partnerships and solidarity. Amongst other things, they advocate for advanced economies to provide US$ 500 bln in public financing for climate change mitigation and adaptation to developing economies from 2020 to 2025 (increasing thereafter) and to expand annual public financing for biodiversity by US$ 10 bln at Kunming.
Our Track put forward powerful policy proposals that G7 leaders need to hear. Besides to exchanges with governmental representatives, the presen- tation of the communiqué to Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the Youth7 Co-Chairs’ attendance at the G7 Climate, Energy and Environment Minis- ter’s Meeting, many of the Delegates presented the policy proposals to their national decision-makers. Moreover, the Youth7 Summit 2022 was not a one-time occasion for the Delegates: Given that most Delegates are active in national environ- mental or climate youth organisations, the strong connections established through Youth7 remain valuable for every one of us as we participate in upcoming exchanges and continue our advocacy for a just and sustainable future!
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TRACK 2
ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION FOR SHARED PROGRESS Based on the shared conviction that the present economic trans- formations will disproportionally affect today’s youth and future young generations, Track 2 focused on outlining policies that ensure a socially and intergenerationally just transition, setting the course for a more sustainable future. Efforts to secure post-pandemic recov- eries and a more equitable economic advancement globally, have been of particular importance in the debates held.
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Economic Transformation for Shared Progress
improved domestic resource mobilisation and for debt restructuring and debt relief. Further, they place a robust social protection, decent work, and labour standards at the heart of policies of a more equitable economic order. Vulnerable and under- served groups were given particular consideration as most adversely impacted by the transitions. And third, examining the efficiency and sustain- ability of markets , Track 2 highlighted the need of globally consistent global sustainability-related disclosure standards, a fair and differentiated global carbon price and a just and transparent international tax system. Carbon neutrality and the decarbonisation of portfolios and operations of financial institutions may further contribute to the transformation of markets and fiscal policies across the G7 and beyond, intrinsically linking the recommendations with those of Track 1 | Sustainable and Green Planet.
To succeed in the digital and green transitions, Track 2 | Economic Transformation for Shared Progress advocated for sustained investments in education and training of 0.5% of GDP annually and for comprehensive support for temporary protection seeker, refugees, and other margin- alised groups (re)entering the workforce and seeking employment. Further, Delegates brought forward the initiative to promote ethical leadership in the private and public sector through a globally recognised, science-informed training on climate change for decision-makers. In view to much needed and more sustainable innovation, Track 2 called for capital and financing tools to be made accessible in a fair manner for all and on the condi- tion of good business practices. Regarding structural domestic and global inequalities , the recommendations sketch out a comprehensive approach for a sustained growth agenda covering calls for an increase in offi- cial development assistance (ODA), support for
“This year's title expresses the ambition to create an inclusive G7 and Y7 process: May economic progress and welfare be shared beyond the G7 on a global scale. For this reason, we have focussed on development and multilateral actions in the Communiqué. Furthermore, the climate crisis is still the most pressing issue of our time. It is therefore imperative that progress can only be achieved in a green economy.” Anne Steuernagel, Track Sherpa
YOUTH7 CALLING FOR MORE THAN A PROMISE
have hit vulnerable groups hard, including youth in the G7 countries and around the world. Some groups were exposed to difficult and dangerous work environments during the pandemic without sufficient protection or compensation. With respect to disturbed supply chains and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, price increases in food and energy have led to a decrease in welfare in some countries. Meanwhile, the transition towards a green economy has moved to the side-lines. To find strong policy responses to these issues was been the focus of this year’s economy track.
Anne Steuernagel & Jonas Dechent
The promise of advanced economies – prosperity for everyone – has recently come into question. A cost-of-living crisis follows a pandemic that itself is not over yet. Economic recovery after the pandemic has been highly unequal: many economies have not yet returned to pre-pandemic GDP levels while others have already surpassed them. Job losses
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Without a doubt, the Delegates of the economy track proved to be dedicated, highly motivated and qualified to discuss and advocate for the inter- ests of the youth in the G7 countries and beyond. The lively discussions during the deliberations benefitted from the insights of experts such as Dr Florian Kern of the Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW) and Prof Marius Olivier from the International Institute for Social Law and Policy (IISLP). Another beneficial addition was the participation of the partner Delegations from Indo- nesia, Senegal, South Africa and Ukraine. Thanks to their contributions, the discussion gained a multitude of insights and viewpoints which, in the end, improved the recommendations in the Youth7 Communiqué. The strong financial and organisational support of the BMFSFJ was crucial to make the Youth7 a success and ensured connection to institutional politics. Beyond that, the handover of the Youth7 Communiqué to Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz as well as various meetings at the Federal Chancellery ensured a continuous dialogue at the level of the Youth7 Co-Chairs and the G7 Sherpa. However, in many high-level interactions with engagement groups and political stakeholders, it emerged that there was a lack of preparation, interest in and understanding of the role of Youth7 as one of the official engagement groups. We were at times faced with officials that referred to Youth7 as a “simulation”, while others were entirely igno- rant of the very existence of Youth7. By contrast, the opportunity to give a speech and engage with the G7 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting (LEMM) in Wolfsburg, as well as bilateral meetings with the German and Japanese Minis- ters, set an important precedent for the inclusion of engagement groups in general and youth in particular. This gave us the opportunity to present our demands on labour and social policy in a high- level but also professionally interested format. For other topics within the economy track, we had the opportunity to engage at administrative level All the G7 documents had one thing in common: While they were well intentioned, we found a frightening ignorance of youth-specific issues, a lack of concrete commitment, and no qualitatively creative measures beyond some more-or-less of the status quo.
More than ever before, these grievances highlight the necessity of a political framework that enables the creation of high-quality employment. Equitable labour standards, access to free general and profes- sional education for everyone, and the translation of technological innovation into safe and more innovative workplaces can contribute towards this goal. Also, while creation of high-quality jobs and technological innovation can be mutually invig- orating processes, they need to be supported by strategic policies, requiring an active government and policies to procure the funds necessary for investments. At the same time, the pandemic has put a heavy strain on public finances. Future fiscal policies therefore have to balance the needs for climate action, growth and equity. The Youth7 Communiqué calls for inclusive economic policies along three main axes. "Economic Advancement through Education and Innovation" outlines future policy frameworks for investment in areas that lead to sustainable growth, particularly making use of undeveloped talent through educa- tion and fostering innovation in key technologies. "Towards a Sustainable and Equitable Economic Order" demands the advancement and adoption of fair labour standards and social protection in a diversifying economy, concerning in partic- ular youth employment and mental health, and assuming global responsibility for indebted and developing countries. "Responsible Markets and Fair Fiscal Policy" calls for designing market, tax and transparency policies that facilitate the global transformation to net zero. This year’s German G7 Presidency was special in many ways. We live in a time of multiple crises. The Covid-19 pandemic was followed by a dramatic increase in the cost of living, exacerbated by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In other words, the issues to discuss at the Y7 summit were plentiful and pressing. Furthermore, the Youth7 Summit in Berlin was the first in-person event of its kind since the start of the pandemic in 2020. Therefore, we had the pleasure to get to know each other twice, first at the preparatory online working sessions where we had to coordinate time zones from Japan to New York, and again later at the in-person summit in Berlin. We were able to build a construc- tive work environment on the shared values – such as democracy and multilateral solidarity – of the youth Delegates.
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Economic Transformation for Shared Progress
education to equip workforces with the necessary skillsets for a green economy. In particular, the Youth7 calls for investments in the future of our countries by increasing funding for the innovative and future-proof education of our youth. Lastly, we can only master current and future crises is the global community works closely together. For this, we need strong and viable multilateral institutions. Hence, the Youth7 calls for strengthening such institutions and in particular supports a reform of the WTO with respect to the dispute settlement mechanism and the concern for climate protection in international trade. During the Youth7 process and our advocacy efforts, we have been able to establish a multitude of connections to engagement groups and govern- ment. We hope that these links will prevail beyond the current presidency and ensure a more impactful involvement of future Youth7 and Youth20 Dele- gations. In preparation for Japan’s upcoming G7 Presidency, we have shared our experiences with the Japanese colleagues and supported them in becoming involved institutionally in the G7 process as early as possible. Japan faces some quite similar problems as Germany: on the one hand, an indus- trial economy reliant on natural resources, a highly skilled workforce and an ageing population; on the other, it has a lot of work to do on gender equality, youth participation and mental health. In view to our joint advocacy work, it is incumbent on young people and their allies to stand up for the much-ne- glected issues that do not directly translate into economic priorities. However, we are optimistic as the continuation of our common task is in good hands. We wish our colleagues the best of luck!
with Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), talking about international research and education collabora- tion and German trade policy, respectively. These meetings were fruitful, established connections for future Youth7 teams, and enabled us to raise our concerns about the leaders’ and respective minis- terial communiqués. All the G7 documents had one thing in common: While they were well intentioned, we found a frightening ignorance of youth-specific issues, a lack of concrete commitment, and no qual- itatively creative measures beyond some more-or- less of the status quo. As the German G7 Presidency ends, we can draw a positive conclusion regarding the Youth7 process. Nonetheless, there are several areas where we expect an increased effort from the G7 in the future. As of today, efforts to transition our econ- omies towards a sustainable future in line with the 1.5°C goal are falling short. Therefore, the Y7 maintains its call for differentiated and fair carbon pricing as well as a rapid increase in public and private climate financing to transition towards a green global economy. At the same time, we must acknowledge the disproportionate responsibility the G7 countries have had in advancing this climate crisis in the past. Therefore, the Youth7 continues to call for appropriate support for countries in the global South for climate adaption and to foster their green economic transition. Furthermore, we call upon the G7 leaders to reit- erate their commitment and finally adhere to the 0.7% ODA goal set by the OECD. The efforts to transition our economies must be supported by
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TRACK 3
RESILIENCE OF DEMOCRACIES With citizens and civil society actors placed firmly at the heart of deliberations within Track 3, Delegates addressed complex current challenges to the resilience of democracies, open societies, and active citizenship. Early on, Delegates agreed on a broad concept of democracy, inextricably linked to the free and fair elections, strong and responsive institutions, transparent and good governance, equal opportunities for participation and a vibrant civil society.
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Resilience of Democracies
platform regulation as well as citizen empower- ment regarding their human and civil rights.
Reflecting on disinformation, digital disruption and accessibility barriers, policy recommenda- tions of Track 3 | Resilience of Democracies empha- sised education as a top priority for G7 Leaders: By fostering critical thinking, digital skills and media literacy, independent decision-making and assessing competence, citizens must be equipped by the ability to actively get involved in building resilient democracies. Reshaping educational systems, sufficient resources for educators and teachers as well as investment in digital infrastruc- ture and connectivity were identified as key levers to education in the digital age. It came naturally to Youth7 Delegates, to under- score the importance of youth participation and the empowerment of young people through proj- ect-based and collaborative learning and interna- tional exchange. Concerning emerging and persistent threats to democratic institutions, the G7 was called upon to develop and establish coherent and common defi- nitions and independent monitoring mechanisms to strengthen the understanding and safeguarding of open societies . With the latter relying on trans- parent and accessible advocacy processes and good governance practices, Track 3 advocated for complementary legislation to foster transparency and accountability in all decision-making, effective
Finally, the recommendations outlined nothing less than a shared vision on reshaping democracy for 21st century citizenship – inclusive, engaging, responsive and accessible for all. The introduction of a duty-to-respond-mechanism by 2050, was brought forward as an important building block alongside continuing evaluation and review of the inclusivity of the policy-making process. As their key demand and initiative, Delegates recommended the creation of arms-length civil society task forces by the G7 members and partners to further increase community participation in policy-making. Governments across the G7 should finance the accessibility of digital and physical environments and economically enable participation to ensure deliberation processes are inclusive.
On the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, as celebrated by the United Nations on September 15, Track Sherpa Lisa Mastiaux and Ruszlan Biwoino released a short state- ment, reiterating the message to G7 Leaders calling for renewed efforts to strengthen civil societies as a critical component of a resilient and healthy democracy. “Our Track embraced a broad understanding of democracy which does not only focus on casting your vote in a free and fair election. We call upon G7 Leaders to strengthen each individual citizen’s opportunity and capacity to participate in political deliberations as well as society at large!” Lisa Mastiaux, Track Sherpa “Youth7 showcases the importance of youth participation, active youth spaces, transformative education, and the accessibility of advocacy processes. Commitment to democratic action flourishes if conditions like these are provided equally.” Ruszlan Biwoino, Track Sherpa
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DEMOCRACY THRIVES WHEN FRICTION IS AT ITS GREATEST. Lisa Mastiaux & Ruszlan Biwoino With democracy under attack and declining around the world, we decided to dedicate ourselves to the resilience of democratic societies and the creation of a strong community of values. Before the devastating developments of 2022, already less than half of the world's population lived in a somewhat democratic environment, whereas only 6.4% enjoyed the advantages of a “full democracy”. Thus, societies and governments of the G7 are continuously challenged to consider how to realise the idea of democracy for everyone — inside as well outside of the Western hemisphere. However, while we all acknowledge the advan- tages of democracy, substantive differences became apparent in the shape of varied perspec- tives and circumstances from every Youth7 Delega- tion. The following focus areas served as a basis for the subsequent drafting of recommendations based on shared values and needs: 1. “Education in the Digital Area” 2. “Safeguarding & Strengthening Open Societies” 3. “Reshaping Democracy for 21st Century Citizen- ship”. In order to propose universal solutions that meet a complex and multifaceted reality, we sharpened and adapted all three focus areas according to the situation in each G7 member and partner country. Despite the differing views, our debates – some of which continued into the night – were constructive and respectful. All representatives worked hard to show the leaders that young people can come up with strong and effective solutions to tackle current world problems. As one of our Delegates rightfully stated, “Democracy thrives when friction is at its greatest.” Thus, the best solutions emerge when and only when the exchange of opinions takes place under free and democratic conditions.
High-quality education and global educational equity are key to achieving an encompassing democracy. Education means equipping people with the tools necessary to find solutions for the world’s most pressing issues. As Youth7, we want education to unfold its power and to build a solid foundation for democracy. As advocates for education, Track 3 speaks out on reshaping the educational system to equip citi- zens with skills to address challenges caused by digital disruption, including disinformation, digital threats, and ethical challenges. This should be achieved by incentivising youth participation and critical thinking from an early age, equipping young people with the tools to recognise threats, the ability to access and analyse messages in social and mass media, and to adapt to evolving soci- eties to improve access to quality education. High-quality education and global educational equity are key to achieving an encompassing democracy. Open societies are crucial in strengthening our structures and values. The world is continuously confronted with anti-democratic tendencies; thus, the essential questions are how to strengthen civil spaces and human rights, how to safeguard freedom of expression and the press as well as the integrity of information, and how to consider the implications of an ever more digital life to create a truly inclusive society. As expressed in our recommendations, the Dele- gates call for open societies to be strengthened and safeguarded by creating mechanisms that combat emerging threats to democratic institu- tions, increase transparency of social media plat- forms, and protect civil society’s ability to engage in advocacy, especially for marginalised groups.
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