Students from Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) have proven themselves as emerging leaders in tackling global challenges by actively participating in the international Young Forum for Action on Climate Change. This newly launched European platform invites students to go beyond discussions and develop real, actionable climate solutions from the ground up.
The forum was initiated by the University of Las Palmas (ULPGC) in cooperation with the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA) and its Blue Commission—a youth-led body composed of student representatives from all alliance member universities. Over the past six months, the Blue Commission has organized a series of sustainability workshops at partner universities, promoting local engagement with global climate issues.
At MRU, these initiatives were led by the university’s Sustainability Manager, Yuliana Shuhani, a member of the Blue Commission. Her strategic guidance ensured a strong and visible presence of the MRU delegation at the forum. During the main panel session, Shuhani expressed her hopes for long-term continuity: “I hope this forum doesn’t end in Las Palmas. We’ve built a strong foundation for youth climate leadership that can grow and take permanent shape.”
The forum concluded with an address by ULPGC’s Vice-Rector for International Relations, Jin Taira, who offered a heartfelt reflection: “I had a dream—of seeing young people acting for our shared future. Today, you made that dream come true.”
The forum discussions extended beyond environmental rhetoric, delving into the social dimensions of climate change—such as migration, rising inequality, food scarcity, and access to clean water. Participants emphasized that climate solutions must be adapted to specific social and economic contexts, acknowledging that one-size-fits-all strategies often fall short.
MRU’s participation was supported by the results of the 2024 Sustainability Skills Survey, which revealed significant student interest in integrating sustainability into their academic experience. The forum served as a platform where academic knowledge, hands-on tasks, and international community engagement converged into impactful action.
The MRU delegation included PhD student Rasa Rudaitienė, who presented her research on “Barriers and Possibilities: Career Building at the Intersection of Disability and Gender,” and lecturer Isabel Palomo-Domínguez, who explored the topic “Educommunication in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals: Post-Digital Storytelling for Gender Equality.”
Both MRU representatives participated in the forum’s closing Blue Commission roundtable discussion, alongside colleagues from Greece, Spain, and Italy, underscoring the event’s international spirit and shared values.
The message from MRU was clear and powerful: young people are not only ready to engage in climate discussions—they are ready to lead and drive meaningful change.
Learn more about the forum here.
Discover MRU's sustainability initiatives here.
