Cityscape of Cartagena, Colombia

Building tomorrow’s climate solutions with today’s changemakers

Addressing the climate crisis is a collective responsibility. At high-profile assemblies, like the UN climate conference and ISO, there is a tangible sense of urgency to ensure all voices – including youth – are heard and involved in finding solutions. ISO’s technical committee on Environmental management, ISO/TC 207, is embracing this responsibility by fostering the active participation of young people in standardization. 

On World Environment Day 2024, the committee held the first meeting of its Youth Leadership Group (YLG) program. The program brings together young visionaries from 30 countries to explore the application of the ISO Net-Zero Guidelines in advancing the energy transition. ISO/TC 207 Chair Zakiah Kassam created this initiative. Canada takes pride in her leadership as the country holds the secretariat for ISO/TC 207. 

Stephania Añazco Rivera is a YLG member from Ecuador. 

“Capacity building for youth is not enough,” she said. “We are leaders, we learn fast, and we are easy to adapt. The inclusion of youth in both national and international standardization processes requires our exposure to the real challenges of standardization: negotiating with stakeholders, bridging international collaboration, and being heard at the discussion tables where our present and future is being determined.” 

Exposure to this reality is what the group experienced in September at ISO’s 2024 Annual Meeting in Cartagena, Colombia. In the session Next-gen challenge for a better future, they worked with standards experts on efforts to tackle climate issues. ISO members plan to replicate this exercise to better connect with and involve young minds in standardization. 

“It is a unique experience, where we are not just observers, but involved in the process of collaboration between science, policy and management,” said Mavzuna Azizova, a YLG member from Tajikistan. 

Four members of ISO/TC 207 Youth Leadership Group smiling at the ISO Annual Meeting on September 2024.

From left to right: Chantell Msiza from Zimbabwe, Stephania Añazco Rivera from Ecuador, Mavzuna Azizova from Tajikistan, and Augustine Nosike from Nigeria.

ISO/TC 207 Youth Leadership Group member Augustine Nosike from Nigeria addressing the ISO General Assembly on September 12, 2024.

ISO/TC 207 Youth Leadership Group member Augustine Nosike from Nigeria addressing the ISO General Assembly on September 12, 2024.

Standards experts and YLG members working on an exercise at the sesison, Next-gen challenge for a better future.

Standards experts and ISO/TC 207 Youth Leadership Group members working on an exercise at the session, Next-gen challenge for a better future.

During the ISO General Assembly, Nigerian YLG member Augustine Nosike delivered an inspiring address on securing a forward-thinking approach to standardization and consistently involving youth in standards development. 

“As we work together towards a better future — one that is both sustainable and equitable — let us continue to champion youth inclusion, not just as beneficiaries, but as equal partners in this global journey,” he said. “The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow — we are the changemakers of today.”

Visit ISO/TC 207’s LinkedIn page to learn more about the Youth Leadership Group and get updates on climate-related standards like the ISO 14000 series. The environmental management series of standards provides companies and organizations of any type with practical tools to manage their environmental responsibilities. There are more than 500,000 certifications to ISO 14001 in over 180 countries across the globe. 

Policymakers and regulators in Canada who want to make a difference are also encouraged to join SCC’s mirror committee to ISO/TC 207. Visit the mirror committee’s page to get involved today.