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We are relying on you.

Cardiff University student and Youth Advisory Board member Ciri calls on Wales’ politicians to do what’s right by the next generation.

Sustainability has been a passion of mine.  As an immigrant from India who moved to the UK at a young age I have always been interested in the international picture. 

My interest was first piqued during sixth-form through a visit to the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva.  This gave me the incredible opportunity of being introduced to the UN Sustainable Development Goals directly from the organisation that created them.  

 The experience framed sustainability through a unique lens for me, where I understood the need for international policy and cooperation to reach these goals.   

More recently I visited the EU Parliament, where I saw how sustainability is embedded into decision-making across energy, trade and security policy.  

 

"At an international level, it is clear that sustainability is no longer treated as an afterthought, but rather a central objective."

What contribution should Wales make internationally?

With the accelerating real-world impacts of climate change, it is essential that Wales must also play its part on the international stage.  

We are a country with vast renewable resources, alongside communities and young people that are ready to engage.  With the landscape potential we have, there is no excuse for Wales to not be taking full advantage of this opportunity. 

If we take Ukraine as an example, in an active war zone Ukraine built more onshore wind than Wales did in 2023.  Despite huge challenges, Ukraine recognised the clean energy mission as being imperative to national security   

This clearly demonstrates that renewable energy is not simply a luxury for stable times, but rather a critical infrastructure that underpins national resilience.  

“Wales does not need to wait for a crisis to act. We have the opportunity to prepare and we must act now.”

What does energy security mean for Wales?

Energy security today is about more than simply just supply.  It is about affordability, independence and resilience in an increasingly unstable global environment. Given current global economic and geopolitical uncertainty,  Wales must position itself to generate more of its own power.

This must be done in a way that works in harmony with our environment and national landscape rather than returning to outdated energy systems that degrade it. 

Through my experiences I have seen how deeply young people care about climate action. They recognise the wider benefits it brings – from skilled jobs and stronger local economies, to long-term energy security.  

This is why the work that renewable energy developers are doing matters.  But ambition alone is not enough.

Political support is essential.  We need policies and systems that make these projects to happen,  and we need your help to make that possible.

Do not let this opportunity pass us by.

What is the Youth Advisory Board?

Led entirely by the members themselves, the Board are young consultants acting as the business’ guide to better understand what matters to young people in Wales with regards to their future skills and careers.

Meet the board
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