Investing in youth leadership is crucial for addressing climate change and fostering resilient communities for generations to come. Alaska Conservation Foundation understands the importance of empowering young individuals to tackle environmental challenges, which is why we host the Arctic Youth Ambassadors (AYA) program. This initiative not only raises awareness but also empowers young leaders who intimately understand the Arctic’s challenges. These ambassadors bridge traditional and modern ways of life, bringing crucial insights to the forefront of international discussions. From tackling the loss of local foods to advocating for sustainable energy development, their initiatives address pressing issues with innovative solutions. Moreover, their involvement in policy-making spaces ensures that decisions reflect the realities of Arctic communities and wisdom of younger generations. By involving them in conversations today, we can take a more holistic approach to conservation, ensuring that the solutions we develop are sustainable and inclusive, and that the voices of the younger generation are heard and valued. We choose to invest in these young leaders to continue to grow their skills so they will be well equipped once they enter positions of leadership later in their lives.
Since its inception in 2015, the AYA program has been instrumental in empowering Alaska’s youth to become advocates for their communities and the environment. The current cohort, consisting of 15 Arctic Youth Ambassadors from diverse communities across Alaska, began their journey in January 2023. Each ambassador brings invaluable knowledge and experiences from living in the Arctic, contributing to a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of the region’s environmental and social issues.
In April 2023, our ambassadors attended and hosted a panel discussion at the Arctic Encounter Symposium in Anchorage, Alaska. They addressed topics such as mental health, environmental observations, and the importance of youth inclusion in decision-making processes. This engagement continued in August 2023 when the ambassadors traveled to Unalaska, Alaska, to participate in the Community-Based Environmental Management in the Arctic Workshop. Here, they learned about waste management strategies and made valuable connections with other participants.
In October 2023, our ambassadors represented Alaska at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik, Iceland, hosting a panel focused on integrating youth voices into policymaking and international forums. Their advocacy for inclusive spaces has been echoed in various conferences, including the recent Arctic Frontiers in Tromso, Norway, where four ambassadors networked with other youth and engaged in discussions on pressing Arctic issues.
Additionally, the AYA program has embarked on the first phase of a new project that is being funded by the Denali Commission. The grant was secured by program staff, with Arctic Youth Ambassadors providing guidance and details for the project. The first phase includes storytelling from some of the communities that the Ambassadors represent. In mid-March, Ambassadors traveled to Bethel to complete their first trip where they collected interviews and recorded footage of the community and the Cama-i Dance Festival.
Alaska Conservation Foundation is a proud host organization of the Arctic Youth Ambassadors (AYA) program. Current partners include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and World Wildlife Fund.
