BASF, JA Worldwide partner, inspire youths on sustainable future

With climate change being one of the most urgent challenges facing society, BASF has launched a partnership with Junior Achievement Worldwide (JAW) and eight JA member nations to encourage young people to contribute to a just transition and a sustainable future.

The groups affirmed that youths are key players in the drive for sustainable growth.

This was contained in a statement by JA, signed by the Assistant Manager, Marketing and Communications, Mr Samuel Arowosafe, yesterday, in Lagos.

The statement quoted the Vice President, Corporate Sustainability of BASF, Dr Christoph Jaekel, as saying: “It is a great honour to team up with a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, to help amplify the voice and power of the youth and the role they play in sustainable development. We are convinced that offering such opportunities to young people through this partnership will help contribute to building better communities throughout the world.

“Today, young people make up over 40 per cent of the world’s population. With a profound shift toward a greater emphasis on building sustainability in all facets of life, including the economy, and the environment, we are obligated to actively engage young people in this dynamic transformation. Through this collaboration, BASF joins JA in its abiding belief that youth must play a central role now as we build a just and sustainable future.”

Commenting on the partnership, the CEO of JA Worldwide, Asheesh Advani, who hailed the collaboration, said: “Young people want to be part of tomorrow’s solutions, especially when it comes to global challenges such as sustainability; hence, we are delighted that BASF wants to hear their voice, involve them in finding solutions to shared issues, and give them an opportunity to contribute to sustainable development.

“JA Worldwide and BASF aim to raise awareness among young people about climate change-induced consequences for their communities and the need for climate adaptation and a just transition through their participation in Young Voices for a Sustainable Future.”

Foluso Gbadamosi, Executive Director, JA Nigeria, said: “We are grateful for this partnership with BASF targeted at helping young people identify the communal problems and challenges caused by climate change and equipping them with the right tools and skills that will enable them to proffer innovative solutions to these problems.

“For us at JA Nigeria, this is another opportunity to prepare young Nigerian leaders to thrive in a global economy while transforming them to become conscientious global citizens.”