What's Happening?
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have jointly launched a global initiative called 'See It, Be It.' This campaign aims to connect 500 million young people worldwide with career opportunities
in nature-positive and low-carbon sectors by the end of 2027. The initiative, announced at COP17 Armenia, seeks to showcase individuals, skills, and opportunities that are shaping a sustainable future. It highlights young professionals already contributing to fields such as science, technology, business, agriculture, communications, finance, creative industries, and community leadership. The campaign emphasizes that many of these impactful stories and career pathways remain largely unseen by the next generation, and aims to make them visible. UNDP and UNICEF are calling for collaboration from co-creators, partners, youth networks, educators, employers, and communicators to help share these stories and introduce a more diverse range of role models.
Why It's Important?
This campaign is important because it addresses a critical gap in career guidance and awareness, particularly for young people in developing countries. Research indicates that career expectations among youth often concentrate on a narrow range of traditional professions, while opportunities emerging from the green transition are not adequately highlighted. By making diverse and relatable role models visible, 'See It, Be It' aims to broaden young people's horizons and demonstrate how their interests, skills, and ambitions can contribute to a more sustainable world. This initiative can help equip the future workforce with the knowledge and inspiration needed to transition towards a nature-positive and low-carbon economy, which is crucial for addressing global climate challenges and fostering sustainable development. The campaign's focus on showcasing real-world examples can empower youth to pursue careers that benefit both people and the planet.
What's Next?
The 'See It, Be It' campaign will continue to seek partnerships with various organizations, youth networks, educators, employers, and communicators to expand its reach and impact. The goal is to gather and amplify stories of young professionals in green sectors, ensuring that a broad range of role models and career possibilities are visible to young people globally. The campaign aims to reach 500 million young people by the end of 2027, suggesting ongoing efforts in content creation, dissemination, and engagement across multiple platforms. Future activities will likely involve continued outreach to potential partners, development of educational resources, and events to connect youth with these emerging career paths. The success of the campaign will depend on the collective effort to make these sustainable futures tangible and accessible to a wider audience.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond its immediate goals, the 'See It, Be It' campaign touches upon deeper societal and economic implications. It highlights the ethical imperative to provide equitable access to information and opportunities, especially for youth in regions with limited career guidance. The campaign also implicitly challenges traditional notions of success and career fulfillment by emphasizing the value of work that contributes to environmental sustainability and social well-being. This shift in perspective could foster a generation more attuned to the interconnectedness of economic prosperity, environmental health, and social equity. Furthermore, by promoting green careers, the initiative supports the long-term economic transition towards sustainable industries, potentially influencing educational curricula and government policies to better prepare the workforce for future demands. The campaign's emphasis on visibility and role models also underscores the psychological impact of seeing oneself represented in aspirational roles, fostering confidence and ambition among young people.
