Discussion: Young people have a major role to play in a just green transition

Kalevi Sorsa Foundation organized a discussion on the ecological crisis and global justice in May 2023. The keynote speech was given by internationally well-known Finnish-Ecuadorian climate and human rights activist Helena Gualinga. In addition, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Tytti Tuppurainen and MP Mai Kivelä spoke at the event.

Helena Gualinga, 21, was born in the Kichwa community of Sarayaku in Ecuador, and has been fighting against big oil companies for years. Gualinga has appeared at numerous international climate conferences speaking for the protection of the Amazon rainforest and the rights of indigenous peoples.

According to her, the best way to reduce inequality caused by climate change is to increase intercultural dialogue and the utilize the world view of indigenous peoples.

You can watch the discussion on the foundation’s YouTube channel.

Photo: Anna Kuokkanen