‘Youngsters feel hopeless in climate crisis’

Master students Bine Liem (22) and Lieve Piet (22) may become youth representatives in the National Youth Council. Your representatives aim to bring issues that are of interest to young people to the table in conferences both in the Netherlands and abroad. They are elected for a two-year term.

Text and photo Maurice Schoo

Bine is a candidate for the position of youth representative on the theme of Biodiversity and Food. She only learned about the National Youth Council a short while ago. The council is a national organisation aiming to stimulate the participation of the younger generation in society through youth representatives, among other things. ‘I got to know the current representatives through Students for Tomorrow, a network aimed at integrating sustainability in higher education and student life. I was really enthusiastic about their story, particularly how they think about sustainability in our food system.’

Bine studies Nutrition and Health, a programme that she feels aligns well with the position. Lieve, a master’s student of Governance of Sustainability Transformations, is a candidate for the position of youth representative for Sustainable Development. ‘I joined once before and made it to the finals. Unfortunately, I was not elected to the position. I feel that if you quit as soon as you meet with disappointment, you will have a boring life. Moreover, a conversation with someone from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs inspired me to give it another shot.’

There is no need to wait for a miracle. There is already plenty available

Lieve Piet, master’s student of Governance of Sustainability Transformations

‘I try to gather as much input from young people as possible for the Youth Council’, Bine says. ‘For example, through guest classes and workshops at secondary schools on sustainable development, biodiversity and food and Europe or the United Nations.’ Lieve adds: ‘Youth representatives also get a seat at the table of ministries to represent the voice of 6.1 million young people.’ The work is not limited to the Netherlands, says Lieve. ‘The youth council has close ties with the United Nations, so we will also represent Dutch youths at international conferences.’

Both candidates have clear plans should they be elected. ‘Many youngsters feel hopeless in the climate crisis’, Lieve states. ‘Hence, I would like to focus on the solutions that are already available. The Ocean Cleanup, for example. There is no need to wait for a miracle. There is already plenty available.’ Bine focuses on two themes: ‘I want to focus on the protein transition and food education. It is important that young people know where their food comes from and what impact it has.’

Anyone below the age of 30 can vote. ‘Internationals included’, Lieve says. Bine adds: ‘It is important for WUR students to cast their vote. Not just because they are the new generation, but also because there is so much knowledge here.’

Votes can be cast from 28 September to and including 5 October till 21:00 hrs.

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