1) A local youth innovation challenge can be a good point for non-traditional projects. In the training process, 'empathise' remains a crucial step despite the fact that participants are insiders of their communities; many of them talked about air pollution problem as a result of people's lack of care at the beginning of the training workshop. After empathising exercise and field work, they were able to understand other drivers e.g. lack of knowledge on alternative methods, lack of financial incentives, etc.  2) Fostering the relationship between the local youth and local authorities takes various degrees of effort. Some municipalities are very supportive of the initiative while others are not so enthusiastic and require many follow up from UNDP.  3) However, one common concern is if the initiative will require budgetary support from their municipality. Having the initial funding support from UNDP helps to open the door for this youth-government working model.  4) Having a local CSO as the connector/facilitator on the ground is crucial for the capacity-building process as well as connecting with local stakeholders. Their shared understanding/language and continuous presence are not something that UNDP can gain by ourselves over a short time.  5) This type of local youth innovation challenge can help address sources of the issue within the communities but is harder to move beyond e.g. air pollution as a transboundary issue. It will take international/regional organizations to step in to orchestrate a joint initiative between communities from different areas. 

Upcoming blog in 2022 

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Fresh perspectives from local youth

They helped us explore the issues from the perspectives of the local communities

Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage (MFLF) as the co-host/local facilitator, Breathe Council of Northern Provinces as the judge in the pitching event

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Charoen Pokphand Group as the judge in the pitching event

Chiang Rai Governor's Office as the co-host, and municipalities/subdistrict administrative organizations (SAO) as advisors to youth teams

MFLF and municipalities/SAOs are the new partners; they make local implementation possible. 

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Our innovation methods and engagement with local stakeholders help us expand the frontier of knowledge on how to tackle air pollution issues at the community level, and how local authorities may work more closely with local youth in the development process.