In the lead-up to International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, at the beginning of October, young people from across Georgia came together to discuss their role in creating a climate-smart future.
The event, organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Environmental Information and Education Center of Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, was supported by the Green Climate Fund, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Many attendees were participants in the ‘Young Climate Ambassadors’ summer camp, which fosters environmental leadership among Georgia’s youth.
Discussions focused on the rise of youth climate activism in Georgia and how young people communicate the urgency of climate action. A key highlight was the screening of the video project “Thank You for This World”, a joint initiative by Karen Cirillo, Digital Communications Specialist at the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub, and Rezi Dgebuadze, a Young Climate Ambassador and member of UNDP’s regional youth network, Generation Nexus.
This thought-provoking documentary captures the hopes and concerns of youth facing a future shaped by climate change. Set to the poignant poem Thanks by renowned American poet W.S. Merwin, it features heartfelt letters from young adults sharing their reflections on an uncertain tomorrow.
“What will happen in 10 years? Will the green still be there?” asks Rezi. The response echoes in Merwin’s haunting words: “We are saying thank you faster and faster with nobody listening.”
“Collaborating with Rezi on this project was very inspiring. I could really feel young people’s deep understanding of the climate crisis and their drive to reconnect with nature,” said Karen Cirillo.
“My experience with climate camps and the youth network has shown me that we are not facing climate change alone. It’s about unity, cooperation, and finding solutions together,” Rezi added.
The discussion continued with youth presenting various climate initiatives across Georgia, from Kakheti to Adjara, focusing on environmental education, raising awareness, and encouraging behaviour change. These local projects are already making a difference by engaging communities and fostering greater climate consciousness.
“Youth are at the heart of climate action as we work together to build a safer, disaster-resilient future. UNDP is proud to support Georgia’s young leaders in their environmental efforts. Their work is shifting attitudes towards more sustainable lifestyles,” said Nils Christensen, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Georgia.
“We empower hundreds of young people to lead climate campaigns and engage in educational programmes through green summer camps, scholarships, and grants. These initiatives are preparing the next generation to tackle the climate challenges ahead,” said Ekaterine Bendeliani, Deputy Director of the Environmental Information and Education Center.
Background Information
Climate awareness and environmental education are central to UNDP’s broader climate program, supported by the Green Climate Fund and the governments of Georgia, Sweden, and Switzerland. This seven-year initiative helps Georgia implement systemic disaster risk management approaches, protecting over 40 percent of the population from climate-related hazards.
By Team GT
