2023 is coming to a close.
This year, both atmospheric and sea surface temperatures were reported to be higher than in the previous year, according to announcements from the Japan Meteorological Agency.
However, we also experienced sudden cold waves.
There were many international conferences and events, such as COP28, as well as concerning news that may accelerate global warming.
This will be our final article for 2023.
We would like to reflect on Youth Econet’s activities this year.
Exchange Meeting
2022年3月27日、3×3 Lab Futureにて行いました。2023年の開催はありませんでした。2024年3月頃に都内でスモールワークの対話を通して関われるような交流会を開催する予定です！
Committee Activities
In 2023, we held 12 committee meetings at Gakushikaikan.
Each meeting had about 13 to 15 participants, and we also offered a Zoom option to allow participation from youth in other regions.
►1/22, 2/19, 3/26, 4/23, 5/14, 6/11, 7/23, 8/19, 9/9, 10/15, 11/19, 12/10
We plan to continue holding monthly meetings in 2024 as well!
Lake Toya Retreat
We held a two-day, one-night retreat (August 19–20) at Lake Toya in Hokkaido!
Under the guidance of Ms. Yoshiko Sakai, founder of the “Heisei Forest of Life – A 9,000-Year Project”, we planted trees in a nature-rich area overlooking the lake.
This time, we planted Mizunara oaks that children had potted with acorns last autumn in the courtyard of the Toya Retreat House.
Shinshu Retreat
We also held a two-day, one-night retreat (September 9–10) at Shinshu Oshiba Kogen in Nagano Prefecture!
Focusing on the theme of forest conservation, we observed and learned firsthand about the current state of forests in Japan using Ina City as a case study.
We also deepened connections with local residents and expanded the Youth Econet network.
In addition, students from Shinshu University taught us how to extract dye from onion skins to color fabric.
EcoPro
As in previous years, we exhibited at EcoPro, held over three weekdays (December 6–8).
Many people visited the venue, including company representatives, government officials, university students, and local elementary through high school students.
We also had a live performance by Yuei Ogata.
NIKKEI Youth Dialogue
We participated in the “NIKKEI Decarbonization Project – Subcommittee (Youth Dialogue): Reflections on COP28”, held at the Phoenix Banquet Hall of the Tokyo Station Hotel.
Participants from our organization included Secretary-General Mr. Uno, Mr. Yuta Hozumi, and Mr. Naoki Okano.
We introduced our organization and past activities, and engaged in a discussion about COP28 from a youth perspective.
Thank you for your continued support of Youth Econet in 2024 as well.
Wishing you a Happy New Year!