Yesterday 20 October, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted high school students to discuss the role of Estonian diplomacy in meeting climate targets and look for ways to give the young a greater say in the future of Europe. The panel discussion held in the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe included Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets and Ambassador at Large for Climate and Energy Kaja Tael, with Marika Linntam, the Director General of the Department for European Affairs, as moderator.
The European Union aims to become the first climate neutral region by 2050. “We know that the environmental and climate problems we are currently facing leave no place untouched. Everyone is talking about climate change and about coming up with solutions, and our good Nordic friends are particularly active. The World Cleanup initiative is also contributing to this objective,” Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets said. “Based on its solid digital reputation, Estonia has a chance to lead by example. We have made great efforts and Estonia’s climate targets are the most ambitious in the European Union. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to raise Estonia’s profile as a country that develops green technologies. It is our task to make sure that we can meet these goals by engaging with all the regions and people of Estonia,” she added.
“I am very glad that we managed to hold this discussion for young people, because they have a different perspective on climate issues and I am glad to hear the ideas and questions they have when talking about climate policy,” Kaja Tael said. “Climate change is the hottest topic in the world. Not everyone thinks the same way; some think we pay too much attention to climate change, while some feel we are not doing enough. What is clear is that our living environment must change but no one has any easy solutions,” Tael added.
“Having a say on climate in the Conference on the Future of Europe is one way of shaping the Europe of the future,” Marika Linntam said. “Our motivation for organising this discussion was to talk to young people about their attitudes towards the transition to renewables and green technologies, Estonia’s role in Europe’s climate discussions and their vision of an environmentally friendly society,“ Linntam said.
The Conference on the Future of Europe is an initiative launched by the European Parliament, Council of the European Union and the European Commission to invite EU citizens to participate in discussion on the future of Europe. The conference addresses nine topics: climate change and the environment; health; a stronger economy, social justice and jobs; EU in the world; values, rights, rule of law, security; digital transformation; European democracy; migration; and education, culture, youth and sport. The success of the conference depends on the active participation of citizens in discussions.
The discussion is available for subsequent viewing: https://youtu.be/FG7qNMriAmA
Additional information:
Communication Department
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