SYL Climate Network members participated together with other student unions in SYL’s general assembly in November 2025. In addition to influencing SYL’s policy paper, network members delivered political speeches addressing climate and sustainability topics. These topics were also present in other speeches and did not go unnoticed during the weekend.

Our chair, Sara Taskila, gave a speech emphasizing the importance of climate and sustainability matters within SYL’s activities. The speech highlighted the significance of SYL’s climate policy, as the world’s oceans continue to acidify and Earth’s average temperature keeps rising. Decision-makers often become absorbed in trusting their strategies and documents, which are frequently inadequate in reflecting real situations, impacts, and chains of events. Climate change affects all of us. Therefore, the climate policy pursued by the student movement and its participation in the discourse matters. Through climate actions and engagement in climate policy discussions, we ensure that students remain aligned with societal transformation. By taking climate action and engaging in advocacy, we safeguard a fair future for students and the survival of our planet.

Furthermore, climate network member Jaana Sivula emphasized in her speech that student politics should take a stronger stance in favor of affordable and functional public transportation. SYL and other student union actors should demand sustainable urban planning from decision-makers, where everyday life does not depend on car use. Public transportation is one of the primary means of mobility for students. Developing public transportation is crucial for the sake of the climate, smooth daily life, social inclusion, and employment. Consequently, student movement actors should demand decision-makers to pursue urban development that prioritizes public transport over car-centric planning.

Further information: SYL’s Climate Network

Pictures: Anriika Photography @anriika.photography