Re-thinking green transitions with young Londoners
In-person half-day conference (City Hall, London)
Wednesday 23 September 2026, 10am–2pm
Young people are often assumed to be central players in climate action, and yet, when it comes to London's green transition, they are one of the most underrepresented groups in policy debates and decision-making.
Over the past year, a team of peer researchers from across the city has been investigating why this is the case and what can be done to improve youth engagement in shaping London’s greener future.
They’ve asked how young Londoners shape policy in areas from climate action and nature to green jobs and infrastructure? What innovative tools for co-production are being developed, and how are they being sustained? How can momentum be built around this agenda in the run up to the voting age being extended to 16, and at a time of increasing emphasis on democratic participation in urban transitions?
This event brings their research findings to City Hall and explores how to put them into action with policy-makers from across London. It will bring together participation leads and officers from local authorities and the GLA, youth climate activists, councillors, funders, civil society organisations and academics to explore what’s next for London’s youth-led green transition.
Our peer researchers will present their research alongside guest speakers, before leading two workshops on co-production and political momentum building (open to all participants) and a world café session over lunch.
About the research
The event builds on the Re-thinking Green Transitions peer research first piloted in Islington. The project worked with young researchers, who led interviews, focus groups, a survey and fieldwork with their peers, with council officers, and with councillors. That work found that young Londoners want a genuine say in local decisions even where many felt unheard or unsure where to begin. It also found that young Londoners consistently link climate action to questions of social and economic justice, from housing and the cost of living and to everyday safety.
In 2026, a new pan-London phase extends our peer research approach across the capital, focusing on practical mechanisms for youth participation: what is working, what is missing, and what needs to change. This conference will be the first time we share findings, and a chance for participants to help shape our recommendations, as well as a space for peer learning, cross-borough exchange and direct dialogue between young people and practitioners shaping policy.
Join LSE Cities, Islington Council and Partnership for Young London at City Hall for a half-day conference that places young people at the heart of London's green transition.