Generation Hope: Politics to save the Planet.

On Wednesday 22nd March 2023, the Patchwork Foundation hosted ‘Generation Hope: Politics to save the Planet’ at the Natural History Museum, kindly sponsored by the US Embassy in London and ethical finance platform, Algbra. Over 70 young people attended the event in person and online from the US and UK, which was part of the museum’s week-long ‘Generation Hope: Act for the Planet’ event series, focusing on how young people can drive positive change in the climate crisis. 

The Foundation’s event looked at the climate crisis specifically through a political and international lens, and included a keynote address by Tamara Finklestein, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on the importance of youth engagement in sustainability and climate policy. Other speakers included Jared Banks, US Embassy; and Fizel Nejabat, Algbra. 

The event involved a panel discussion with policy advisors, climate activists and business leaders on how collaboration and shared experiences can drive change forward. Panellists included: Daphne Frias, youth activist; Charmian Love, Natura&Co; Roy Kareem, Bright Green Future; and Patchwork Alumni Claire Eadington, Natural England.

Bookended by networking between participants, sponsors and speakers, the event was an opportunity to build communities of young people who are passionate about climate change, and create a space for awareness raising, knowledge and best practice to be shared in all directions. 

These guests included beneficiaries of the Foundation’s flagship Masterclass programme, corporate partners, representatives from the US Embassy in London and Algbra, and was also attended by individuals from the US and UK, both online and at the Natural History Museum in London.

Jared Banks, Science and Technology Counselor at U.S. Embassy London, said:

 “To address the climate crisis, we need everyone to advocate for more ambitious action both at home and around the world. We need the vision and passion of young people, with their political engagement being an integral part of our success.”

Imran Sanaullah MBE, CEO of the Patchwork Foundation, said:

““Young people will be the worst impacted by the climate crisis, so it is crucial that their voices are represented in climate policy. Equipping them with the insights, tools and networks to engage with the political systems both here and in the US will enable them to use politics and policymaking to take control of their futures to create a better and sustainable future.”

Conor O’Keeffe, Creative Producer of Generation Hope at the Natural History Museum said:

“Only by connecting to one another, bridging divides and forming communities can we ensure a future where people and planet thrive. By the end of the week, our hope is that everyone participating can commit to one action, whether it’s following up on a new connection, or speaking up on behalf of nature”.