Y-Just: Building Sustainable & Equitable Futures through Youth-Led Climate Action
Y-Just is a youth-centred initiative in Bangladesh that seeks to empower young people to advance climate justice, support a fair energy transition, and promote green jobs. Implemented by YouthNet Global in collaboration with FES Bangladesh, the programme positions youth as key agents of change who can influence policy, lead community dialogues, and contribute to inclusive and equitable pathways toward sustainable development. By linking youth leadership with community engagement and advocacy, Y-Just aims to ensure that the transition to a green economy safeguards workers, communities and vulnerable populations.
Five-Axis Transformation via Y-Just
Data
The programme generates insights through youth-led research, community consultations and participatory assessments of climate challenges such as pollution, energy transitions and livelihood vulnerabilities. This evidence base supports advocacy, informs dialogue with policymakers and helps identify locally relevant green solutions.
Capacity Building / Technical Assistance
Y-Just equips youth facilitators with knowledge and skills related to climate justice, just transition principles, green livelihoods, advocacy strategies and community mobilisation. Training also strengthens facilitation, leadership and communication skills, enabling young people to organise dialogues, engage stakeholders and lead local climate initiatives.
Technology / Machinery
While not focused on heavy infrastructure, the initiative promotes awareness of green technologies and sustainable practices—such as cleaner energy alternatives, environmentally friendly production processes and pollution reduction strategies. Digital platforms and social media are also leveraged to amplify youth voices and support knowledge sharing.
Finance
Y-Just supports awareness around green economic opportunities and skills that can contribute to emerging employment pathways in sustainability sectors. By linking youth with green livelihood concepts and community-level initiatives, the programme encourages economic inclusion and exploration of future-oriented job opportunities.
Policy
A central pillar of the initiative is policy engagement. Youth facilitators participate in dialogues with community leaders and national stakeholders, advocate for issues such as cleaner brick kiln practices and reduced lead pollution, and contribute to broader conversations on energy transition, climate justice and social protection.
Strategic Impact & Value Proposition
Youth Leadership in Climate Action
The initiative strengthens youth agency and positions young people as credible actors in shaping climate solutions and sustainable development pathways in Bangladesh.
Inclusive Just Transition Narrative
By emphasising fairness, worker protection and community resilience, Y-Just promotes a just transition framework that balances environmental objectives with social equity.
Community Resilience and Empowerment
Local dialogues and youth-driven initiatives help communities better understand climate risks, adopt adaptive practices and advocate for improved environmental governance.
Policy Influence and Advocacy Momentum
Through capacity building and engagement platforms, youth contribute to national and local policy conversations, amplifying grassroots perspectives on climate and energy transitions.
Pathways to Green Skills and Opportunities
Exposure to sustainability concepts and green livelihood pathways encourages young people to explore roles in emerging green sectors, supporting long-term socio-economic resilience and environmental stewardship.
