The theme of UN International Youth Day 2025 is ‘Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond’, highlighting the unique role of youth in translating global ambitions into community-driven realities. Young people are critical partners in work to translate and implement the global goals within local contexts, aligning them with local community needs and national and international commitments.
We asked Powering Futures alumni, Jocelyn Harcus (20) of Sheila Fleet Jewellery, what building sustainable futures for people in the Highlands and Islands means to her.
For young people in the Highlands and Islands, the decision to stay or leave often comes down to opportunity. Living and working in Orkney is a privilege I do not take for granted. The scenery is stunning, the community is close and there’s a sense of heritage that runs deep. But those aren’t the only reasons I’ve chosen to build my life here. For me, staying in Orkney has been just as much about finding work that excites me, challenges me, and gives me a real sense of pride.
I’ve been lucky enough to find that at Sheila Fleet Jewellery, where I work today. But luck was only part of it. The real turning point was having a mentor, someone who not only pushed me to reach my potential but also valued my ideas and perspective. That kind of support is powerful. I think it is the reason so many young people decide whether to stay, or leave, the Highlands and Islands.
When we have people willing to invest their time and energy into young people, it changes everything. It builds confidence, sharpens skills like communication and problem-solving, and keeps us motivated. And that’s exactly what I experienced when I joined the Powering Futures programme.
I joined with the goal of helping my company become more sustainable, but I left with much more than that. I developed a clearer vision of the kind of career I want: one that is both environmentally responsible and deeply fulfilling. I believe the renewable sector has huge potential to offer that, especially if it’s led by encouraging and supportive leaders.
This generation has a responsibility to think beyond the present moment, to plan for the decades ahead and build a future rooted in sustainability and renewable energy. The choices we make today will shape not only our own lives but the world our children and grandchildren inherit.
From my perspective as a 20-year-old, I believe a sustainable future for the Highlands and Islands starts with encouragement and time. It’s about sharing knowledge, showing individuals and businesses how they can be more environmentally friendly, connecting that to the jobs of the future and how it will shape the next generations. Our world is changing quickly, and we must change with it. But if we don’t know where to start, how can we begin?
As young people enter the world of work they may not arrive with every skill perfected. How can they? They have not had the chance to learn yet. But if they’re given time, guidance, and the belief that they can succeed, they will thrive. I know this because it’s been my own journey. And on UN International Youth Day, I hope more young people across the Highlands and Islands can find those opportunities, learn more about how we can achieve a sustainable future, and more leaders step forward to offer great and powerful encouragement.
Because when we invest in young people, we’re also investing in the future of our communities and the places we decide to call home.
Highland Renewables is a forward-thinking network of businesses committed to harnessing the Highlands’ abundant natural resources to deliver renewable energy projects and strategically important sustainable development initiatives.
Driven by a shared ambition and vision, we support the business-led community effort for the Highlands to become a global leader in sustainable development, aligned with both local and national government policies.
Through these initiatives, we not only contribute to global climate goals and Scotland’s net zero ambitions, but also promote strategic investment in local communities, environmental stewardship and infrastructure.
Our aim is to leave a lasting legacy that benefits the Highlands for generations to come. If you’d like to know more about our organisation and how you can get involved in our sustainable development initiatives, please contact us on info@highlandcic.org