IEEE Young Professionals Climate and Sustainability Task Force: Body of Work 

Partnerships with Related External Entities

In order to make our engagement more impactful, we have started working with relevant external organizations who are playing a key role in the technology and energy transition. Ongoing effort on highlighting industry and academic work from IEEE Young Professionals in parallel with associated policy frameworks in renewable energy deployment and related practices from International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). As another branch of continued effort with the organization, IEEE YP CSTF will be working with IRENA to co-organize the Youth Day at the upcoming IRENA Innovation Week in Bonn.

The IEEE Young Professionals Climate and Sustainability Task Force (YP CSTF) has established a valuable partnership with the International Energy Agency (IEA) through dedicated efforts to become part of the IEA’s Global Commission on People-Centered Clean Energy Transitions. The engagement with IEA was initiated during the Town hall event on April 27th, 2023, titled “Energy Transition, Climate, and Sustainability: Engagement of Young Professionals in a Global Setting”. During this event, the IEA presented the “Benefits of Energy Efficiency and Opportunities for Young Practitioners”.

The objectives of the IEA’s Global Commission on People-Centered Clean Energy Transitions closely align with the YP CSTF’s focus on people-centered energy access. This alignment will provide the task force with a unique opportunity to gather insights and contributions from a vast network of young practitioners who possess firsthand experience in ground-level energy access. Furthermore, the task force aims to continue engaging with the IEA through sessions and meetings, leveraging the expertise of IEEE Young Professionals as industry experts.

Town Hall on IEEE and Its Work in the Climate and Sustainability Space

We conducted a Town Hall on April 8, 2023, titled ‘IEEE and Its Work in the Climate and Sustainability Space’. The event was a success, with speakers sharing their insights on climate change issues from an IEEE perspective, and engaging in a productive question-and-answer session, where cutting-edge topics related to climate and sustainability were thoroughly discussed.

The Town Hall event had several speakers who shared their initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable energy and climate awareness. Dr. Saifur Rahman emphasized the importance of providing engineers and technologists with a neutral space for discussion and action to combat climate change. Dr. Rajan Kapur discussed the IEEE Smart Village’s efforts to support local enterprises in underserved communities worldwide. Ms. Radia Sedaoui talked about the importance of the Circular Carbon Economy and introduced the 4R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Remove) for climate change solutions. Hebert Lwanga shared the funding efforts of the IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board to provide sustainable energy solutions in underserved communities. Dr. Celia Shahnaz highlighted the IEEE Women in Engineering Committee’s initiatives to promote diversity and organize Climate Awareness Events. The event organizers expressed their gratitude to all the guest speakers for their valuable contributions.

Town Hall on ‘Energy Transition, Climate, and Sustainability: Engagement of Young Professionals in a Global Setting’

We conducted a Town Hall on the 27th of April focused on “Energy Transition, Climate, and Sustainability: Engagement of Young Professionals in a Global Setting”. This event had over 100 audiences from across the globe and was a success. The objective of this town hall was to bring together entities and governing bodies in the Climate and Sustainability space to engage with IEEE Young Professionals and other like-minded stakeholders on Climate Change and Sustainability.

The Town Hall featured notable speakers who provided valuable insights and information on various organizations, initiatives, and fields of engagement for young professionals. Notable mentions of speakers and their topics included Ms.Samah Elsayed, a Programme Officer at IRENA, provided an overview of the policy transformation towards a clean energy future and discussed how IRENA saw the role and contribution of youth in the energy transition. Mr. Jal Desai discussed the Clean Energy Ministerial’s Work Streams and highlighted ways young practitioners could engage with them. He also covered the Clean Energy Solutions Center (CESC) and Nuclear Innovation Clean Energy Future (NICE Future) initiatives. Dr. Stefano Mintchev, Head of the Laboratory at the Environmental Robotics Laboratory at ETH Zurich, presented how robotics could be utilized in sustainable environmental design alongside a demonstration of some of his work prior to joining ETH Zurich. Ms.Julie Boyce, Project Coordinator of the Student Energy Career Training (SECT) Program, introduced the benefits of energy efficiency and the opportunities it provided for young practitioners. Finally, Mr. Hugo Salamanca, an Energy Policy Analyst from the International Energy Agency (IEA), discussed the benefits of energy efficiency and the opportunities available for young practitioners.

The Town Hall event provided a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration, empowering young professionals to actively contribute to climate change and sustainability efforts in alignment with IEEE YP CSTF’s objectives.

Panel discussion on ‘Pioneering the Path to a Sustainable Future: Empowering Next-Generation Leaders in Climate Action’

This upcoming session we partner with the participants from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), International Energy Agency (IEA), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Schneider Electric and several IEEE Young Professionals to explore the contributions from the next generation leaders towards climate action through their work in technology and policy.

Panel discussion on ‘Promoting Diversity & Inclusion in Climate Change & Sustainability

Diversity is a vital component in the context of participation within climate and energy transition processes. We need to ensure meaningful engagements while promoting diversity and inclusion. This session explores how IEEE creates an enabling environment.

Partnering with and supporting the Student Energy Summit 2023

SES 2023 will be held in the Middle East for the very first time in November 2023, hosted by New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) under the theme Reimagining the Future. The Summit will be a transformative space for intergenerational collaboration and will cultivate a space for young people from diverse homelands and unique educational and socio-economic backgrounds to network and present innovative solutions to our energy challenges. This will be the largest event that brings together young practitioners in the energy sector and therefore, a vital space of engagement for IEEE Young Practitioners.

We plan to co-organize a session focussed on concepts of Energy Efficiency to educate young practitioners and engage them in an action oriented program. Furthermore, we wish to further engage with Student Energy and plan for the upcoming UNFCCC COP 28 in UAE.

Partnering with and supporting the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Innovation Week

IRENA Innovation Week brings together leaders, experts, industry representatives, academics and policymakers to discuss cutting-edge innovations that can support and accelerate the global energy transition. In 2023, the event will build on previous editions in 2016 and 2018 which examined the decarbonisation of power systems and the integration of variable renewable energy, and the 2020 edition (held virtually) that discussed prospects for decarbonising end-use sectors.

We are co-organizing a session with IRENA to engage young innovators to present their latest innovations and discuss challenges in the start-up environment.

Education Sessions on Climate and Sustainability

One of the key deliverables of CSTF is the education and training of young practitioners. This effort is meant to create awareness among the youth and young professionals regarding the important concepts of climate and sustainability.

We envision that these programs could place IEEE as a leading guidance provider. As many young professionals at the moment are engaged in activities or professions that contribute to mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and enabling environments. As the next steps we are planning to create a formal training package from the IEEE YP CSTF to educate, IEEE YPs and beyond.

IEEE Power and Energy Society and LUMA Projects in Puerto Rico

In recent years, the number of weather disasters across the globe has increased considerably due to the man-made impacts of climate change. Puerto Rico, in response to Hurricane Maria in 2017, has committed to transitioning to 100% renewable energies by 2050, launched via the Puerto Rico Grid Resilience and Transition to 100% Renewable Energy Study (PR100). IEEE YP CSTF aims to collaborate and leverage the knowledge, skills, and expertise of those directly involved with ensuring these goals of PR100 are successfully met alongside the expectation that these resources are shared with the young professional community.

To that end, we are in the process of hosting a webinar to highlight the technical work of LUMA, potentially featuring substation modernization projects to reach 100% renewable energy potential. Also, IEEE Power and Energy Society Innovative Smart Grid Technologies will be hosting a conference, “Dter Recovery and Network Transformation in Times of Climate Change”, in Puerto Rico this November. Our task force is supporting this event by advertising the conference across the IEEE community as well as facilitating a micro-mentoring session. The task force is currently searching for potential panelists with relevant expertise in engineering resilience, energy transition, and building “green” infrastructure in order to host a panel session with the theme, “Engineering Resilience in Response to Extreme Weather Disasters Across the Globe”.

Young Professionals Partnership with IEEE Women and Engineering (WIE)

The objective of the collaboration between IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) and IEEE YP CSTF is to leverage the expertise, skills, and knowledge of both groups to work towards achieving a common goal of promoting climate and sustainability initiatives while also advancing the representation and professional development of women in the engineering field.

Through collaboration, the two groups can pool their resources and efforts to organize events, programs, and initiatives that create awareness and encourage action on critical environmental and social issues, while also promoting gender equity and diversity in the engineering profession. The overall objective of this collaboration would be to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

IEEE Vehicular Technology Society (VTS) YP organized a webinar on the topic “IEEE YP CSTF: Exploring Our Mission, Objectives, and Opportunities for Involvement.”

This engaging webinar not only highlighted the significant contributions of IEEE youth towards climate change but also included an informative overview of crucial aspects such as understanding climate change, the Paris Agreement, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Furthermore, the webinar emphasized the role of IEEE in addressing climate challenges, aligning with the objectives outlined in Article 10 of the NDC. Attendees gained valuable insights into the mission and objectives of the IEEE Young Professionals Climate and Sustainability Task Force (CSTF), as well as the diverse opportunities available for active involvement.

Contributions to the (External) Position Paper Presented to the SDG7 Global Expert Group Meeting of the United Nations (UNHQ, May 2023) (Lead: Sajith Wijesuriya)
A number of the IEEE YP CSTF members contributed to the “Position Paper From Young Practitioners in Energy Technology and Contributing Practices Towards Implementation and Monitoring of SDG7 2023-2030” which was presented to the Global Expert Group Meeting in Support of the Mid-Point Review of SDG 7 at the HLPF 2023: Ensuring Universal Energy Access and Advancing Just, Inclusive and Equitable Energy Transitions at the United Nations Headquarters, New York on May 11-12, 2023. IEEE YP CSTF Chair made three interventions from the floor covering the topics. 1) Challenges faced in providing energy access under humanitarian conditions. 2) Action required in the context of the youth workforce in the energy transition, and 3) Way forward suggestions for the young practitioner workforce and the energy transition processes for UN Energy and the member states. The position paper can be found here in the UN web portal. https://bit.ly/SGDS_UN_Position_Paper

Partnerships with key international forums on grid edge technologies

We are partnering to host a session titled “6G Communications for Sustainable Energy Management and Net Zero” at the IEEE International Conference on Communications, Control, and Computing Technologies for Smart Grids scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland. We will be making key interventions at this event on next-generation communications to assist the advancement of renewable energy.

Training on Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Goals

We have designed a training package on climate change to train the young practitioners of IEEE YP, IEEE Student constituencies as well as the global youth. We aim to reduce the knowledge gap of young practitioners in technology in the status quo of the climate process and sustainable development goals process. While we have started training sessions we continue to develop and improve this content.

Supporting the Planet Positive Initiative by IEEE (Lead: Pooja Shah)
We are partnering with the Planet Positive 2030 initiative of IEEE to contribute to their work and promote their message.

IEEE Young Professionals Representation at the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development

The Forum, organized annually by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), brought together Arab Governments and stakeholders to discuss sustainable development priorities in the region. The goal was to find solutions and inspire action for accelerating the recovery from COVID-19 and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the Arab region, which is in line with the focus of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) and enhances the Arab Region’s presence.

The talks and sessions focused on the 5 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under review at the HLPF 2023, particularly SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals). Other regional goals were further discussed, mainly poverty and gender inequality.

Overall, the forum was an opportunity for our team to meet industry leaders and UN professionals working together for a sustainable future.

IEEE Young Professionals Session at Africa Youth Climate Assembly (AYCA) at the Africa Climate Week (ACW) 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya

IRENA engagement during NY Climate Week

Sajith Wijesuriya orchestrated a pivotal meeting with IRENA’s Director General (DG), co-moderated by IEEE YP CSTF member Shree Narasimhan and SDG7 Youth Constituency Delegate, Asma Rouabhia, aligning goals for a sustainable future. With the recommendation of IRENA’s DG, IEEE YP will submit a brief proposal on engaging young practitioners with IRENA’s impactful initiatives.

YP Dialogue @NY Climate Week

IVECF Solutions Days session

At the Youth Solution Days of IVECF, the ‘Igniting Change: Youth at the Forefront of Energy Efficiency and Climate Solutions’ workshop, led by Sajith Wijesuriya, Yuhan Zheng, Adekoyejo Kuye, and Marco MATTEINI (UNIDO), showcased the vital roles of young professionals as innovators and advocates for impactful change. Through interactive discussions and enlightening case studies, participants delved into global energy efficiency challenges. Divided into focused groups, attendees analyzed issues from various perspectives, leading to actionable strategies and a compelling call to action by Marco. This collaborative effort emphasized youth empowerment and outlined a roadmap for future initiatives.

The breakout session provided foundational insights into the crucial link between energy efficiency and broader climate action goals. Interactive discussions allowed participants to identify barriers, opportunities, and solutions, leveraging their role as advocates for sustainable change. Case-driven analyses offered actionable insights applicable to diverse contexts, while a unified call to action directed future initiatives. Additionally, the workshop facilitated network building among young professionals, experts, and stakeholders, fostering collaborative endeavors.

3rd International Congress on Sustainable Living

Dr. Polat Goktas delivered a presentation titled “Ecological Footprint of Artificial Intelligence: Sustainable Applications and Future Vision in the Healthcare Sector” at the Sustainable Living Association’s congress on November 9th and 10th. Hosted by the Sustainable Living Association, the event provided valuable insights into sustainable living practices.

In the past, IEEE YP CSTF contemplated hosting a virtual session early the following year. This session aimed to foster dialogue among young professionals and explore workforce development opportunities within the Sustainable Sectors, particularly for Turkey or the broader Middle East region.

Future Talks series

Dr. Polat Goktas, an active member of the Futurist Associations (more information at https://futurizm.org/# as the Turkish version), is connected with leading individuals in the sustainability sector in Turkey. The association frequently conducts the Future Talks series. We, at IEEE YP CSTF, can consider potential for collaboration, particularly in participating in their panel discussions.

Power Africa Conference (2023)

The panel discussion on climate change solutions provided a nuanced examination of challenges, strategies, and opportunities. Led by IEEE YP CSTF, the event highlighted the organization’s dedication to addressing climate issues. Speakers explored region-specific challenges in Africa, offering insights from different regions and emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches. They discussed successful adaptation strategies, particularly in sustainable agriculture, and examined issues like sea-level rise, migration, and financing resilience efforts. The discussion also focused on the role of young professionals in contributing to climate solutions and the energy transition. Wrapping up with messages for young professionals, the event offered a comprehensive exploration of climate-related issues, providing valuable insights for the audience.

IEEE ISGT Latin America 2023

We organized a Young Professionals Panel during ISGT LAM 2023, focusing on young professionals’ efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change. With a specific focus on Puerto Rico’s grid, the panel explored adverse effects and solutions researched by young professionals, fostering collaboration with local utilities to address island-specific issues. Given Puerto Rico’s reconstruction and resilience efforts amidst transitioning to 100% renewables, the panel aligned perfectly with the conference’s themes. It showcased CSTF’s work in battling the climate crisis, covering topics such as renewable energy, energy storage systems, and grid decarbonization. The conference emphasized community engagement, particularly understanding young professionals’ motivations, facilitated through a mentorship program hosted by IEEE YP CSTF.

Mentoring-Meet Collaboration with IEEE PR&C Chapter at ISGT-LA 2023

As CSTF, we organized a mentoring session involving the participants at ISGT-LA 2023 conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico by engaging with private industry, national labs, government offices, and universities through our synergies with IEEE Mentoring-Meet and IEEE PR&C Chapter. This session was established in a roundtable discussion format whereby mentees and mentors were able to ask questions and provide meaningful feedback, respectively.

Student Energy Summit 2023

Members of the IEEE Young Professionals Climate and Sustainability Task Force took part in the Student Energy Summit 2023, Organized by Student Energy at theNew York University Abu Dhabi, from November 29th till December 1st.

The Task Force was proudly hosting a Breakout Session during the summit under the theme Role of Youth in (Re)Imagining and (Co)Constructing Sustainable Communities “Empowering a greener tomorrow through energy efficiency” for a gathering of 600 young energy engineers.

The 45 minutes session included a panel discussion with our experienced speakers, as well as interactive questions on Slido which led to audience interventions and added to the event’s impact. We were able to dive into the concept of energy efficiency, passing on the knowledge, creating awareness, and exploring its effect on young practitioners within the energy field.

Conference of Parties 28 (COP) 2023

The Sri Lanka Pavilion side event at COP28 highlighted the pivotal role of technology in climate change mitigation. It stressed the need for robust renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in recovering economies. Discussions centered on technology transfer and investment to bolster renewable capabilities, aligning with global efforts to increase renewables in power grids. The event fostered impactful collaborations between young professionals and organizations like IEEE, GRA, CEM, and IRENA, driving advancements in renewable energy integration and efficiency, especially in developing countries.

Attending COP28 offered invaluable insights into technology’s role in climate mitigation, emphasizing the necessity of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly for recovering economies. The collaboration observed between young professionals and experts showcased the potential for innovative solutions in sustainable technology, vital for shaping a sustainable future. Notably, partnerships formed at the event, including with IEEE past president Prof. Saifur Rahman, are poised to drive significant advancements in renewable energy integration and efficiency, particularly in developing countries. These collaborations ensure fresh, innovative approaches are at the forefront of the climate change battle, enhancing the global response. Additionally, our task force members have engaged in negotiations, Global Stocktake preparation, and university coalitions.

IEEE Rising Stars Conference 2024

Members of the IEEE Young Professionals Climate and Sustainability Task Force (CSTF), Sajith Wijesuriya and Sukanya S Meher, showcased CSTF’s initiatives at the IEEE Rising Stars Conference 2024, held from January 5-7 in Las Vegas, USA. This global platform aims to inform, inspire, and connect top young engineering professionals and students worldwide, fostering networking between students, young professionals, and seasoned experts.

The session, titled “Creating an Ecosystem for IEEE Young Professionals to Engage in IEEE and Global Climate and Sustainability Processes,” emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change. CSTF members demonstrated young professionals’ efforts in tackling these challenges and outlined their significant contributions. The interactive nature of the session facilitated fruitful discussions and knowledge exchange, fostering a collaborative environment.

Training and workshops on Humanitarian Project Design 

IEEE Board Series November 2023 

Prof. Saifur Rahman presented our plans going into the Student Energy Summit and COP28 in UAE. All engagements culminated to this point to mark the presence of IEEE Young Professionals effective and inclusive engagement in the climate space. 

Our Capabilities

• Organizing high-level conference events working with the multilateral system 
• Organizing thematic Town Hall events, webinars, and workshops addressing energy transition and climate change related thematics
• Drafting and defending position papers 
• Publishing cutting-edge research at many levels and a range of technologies  
• In-depth knowledge of the energy transition process 
• Technical expertise in diverse topics in technology and beyond 
• Extensive experience in youth constituencies and related work

Hydrogen Workshop with the International Energy Agency (IEA) 

The Hydrogen Workshop with the IEA provided a platform to explore the potential of low-carbon hydrogen as a key energy vector. This versatile resource holds promise for decarbonizing various sectors, including transportation, heavy manufacturing industries, aviation, and long-duration energy storage. The workshop delved into crucial developments in technology, system integration, and policy landscapes, highlighting their potential to reshape markets.

Members of CSTF shared their extensive expertise in low-carbon hydrogen R&D, system design, project development, and commercialization. They showcased promising advancements and welcomed insights from IEA experts on regulatory, policy, and deployment aspects. The collaborative session facilitated an exchange of vital insights, enabling participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of global developments and future prospects in the low-carbon hydrogen arena.

HTB Board Meeting at American Indian Scientists and Engineers Society National Gathering (AISES) 2024 Feb 29 -Mar 02

At the American Indian Science and Engineering Society National Gathering 2024, members of CSTF, including Kayna Mendoza Trujillo, presented initiatives from CSTF, the Humanitarian Technologies Board, and the Mentoring Meet program. The session, titled “Power of Mentorship in Fostering Resilience Through Climate and Sustainable Action,” underscored the urgency of addressing climate change’s impact on indigenous communities. It showcased IEEE’s reach in this space through education, advocacy, and empowerment, particularly focusing on sustainable innovation and mentorship’s transformative potential. The interactive breakout session facilitated fruitful discussions on mentorship, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. CSTF’s work and WhatsApp community were well-received, generating interest in future collaborations. The proposed breakout session aims to further promote CSTF’s mission and facilitate mentorship opportunities for young professionals and students, aligning with IEEE’s vision for climate action and equitable energy transition.

CSTFs body of work and active WhatsApp community was shared with the audience. Many connections were made and there was sincere interest in collaborating with our group in the future. 

Student Energy Guided Projects Program

Reviewing of Course Curriculum:

The Solar Expert group of IEEE YP CSTF extensively reviewed the “Introduction to Solar,” a 45-pager, and provided comprehensive feedback to improve the quality, relevance, and soundness of the material taught to high school and university students with a hands-on perspective. We meticulously analyzed each module to offer insightful suggestions to improve the current material. We also plan to continue contributing to the program as reviewers, mentors, and speakers in their future sessions, demonstrating our commitment to the long-term success of the program. The goal of this effort is to dedicate our time to fostering excellence in solar project development and nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Meeting for Long Term Engagement:

The Solar Expert group of IEEE YP CSTF joined a call with Student Energy Guided Projects Program representative to understand the possibilities of long term engagement. An interest of having support in following three verticals were expressed by the Student Energy, namely:

• Mentorship expertise having a commitment of 1-2 hours/month, to mentor students about their projects.
• Independent Review committee members.
• Guest speakers (25-30 minutes to share knowledge with the participants).

The program will last for a year and has university level students from interdisciplinary domains, mainly from Canada, focussing on development and deployment of projects. We plan to extend this support in the form of technical expertise, project management skill set, designing, and analysis of projects, and providing required expertise to guide the participants.

IEEE YP Face to Face Meeting 2024 

On March 15-17th 2024, members of the IEEE YP CSTF attended the IEEE Young Professionals Face to Face meeting in Lisbon where they presented the work of the task force. A 15 minute presentation was held in front of the IEEE Young Professionals committee, as well as additional IEEE representatives such as the IEEE President 2023 and IEEE VP Elect of MGA.

The presentation underlined the main achievements of the task force during the past year, and highlighted the partnerships initiated with internal and external entities within Climate and Sustainability Space. Moreover, the team presented the work of the IEEE Humanitarian Technology Board (HTB), whose Young Professionals representative is a member of the task force, and the relation of the HTB initiatives to the work of the IEEE YP CSTF.