20 years of the Youth Parliament

Why not install solar panels on the walls of reservoirs? This would allow renewable energy to be harnessed without further encroaching on the landscape, as demonstrated by the installation on the Swiss Muttsee dam. Or why not generate electricity using small turbines in existing drinking water systems? This would be particularly suitable for small Alpine communities. At the 20th anniversary edition of the Youth Parliament to the Alpine Convention (YPAC), the focus was on climate protection and adaptation to the climate crisis under the theme “Climate-Resilient Development.” From 23 to 26 March 2026, students from eight partner schools gathered in Chamonix to discuss topics such as glaciers, the energy transition, education, and economic resilience.

Diplomas to include climate awareness

“Let us continue to believe in dialogue, in meeting others, and in the power of youth”: in his opening speech, Cyprien Piroud, principal of a school in Chamonix, emphasised the significance of the 20-year collaboration with YPAC. Future ecological, social, and political challenges can only be solved together. At the General Assembly, the students voted on five resolutions: in addition to the two proposals on sustainable energy production, glacier forefields are to be protected as nature parks in the future, school diplomas are to require a climate project, and the training of mountain guides is to include a module on climate awareness. This year's YPAC president, Victor Bertoux, remains hopeful: “'I'd like to think that each year we are getting one step closer to a world where politicians consider more seriously the voices of the young and the future of all.”

Sources and further information:
www.ypac.eu