Youth Voices Shape Future of UK’s Nuclear Waste Management

A pioneering initiative has brought young people into the heart of one of the UK’s most significant environmental challenges—managing hazardous radioactive waste through a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). The National Youth Forum on Geological Disposal, launched by Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) in collaboration with Arup and The Young Foundation, engaged 12 young participants over the past year to explore and question the UK’s long-term nuclear waste strategy.

Through workshops, debates, and international presentations, the Youth Forum members offered fresh perspectives on nuclear waste disposal, asking key questions and examining the views of various community stakeholders. Their participation culminated in a presentation to global experts, including those from Japan, highlighting the value of youth-led engagement in complex infrastructure planning.

This initiative is part of the UK Government’s consent-based GDF siting process, which prioritises both technical suitability and community agreement. By involving young people now, NWS aims to future-proof its approach and ensure decisions are shaped by those who will inherit the outcomes.

The programme represents a shift toward transparency and inclusivity in public policy—placing young people not just as stakeholders, but as co-creators of a safer, long-term nuclear legacy.

Key Points for Policymakers:

Youth engagement is essential for long-term policy planning, particularly for infrastructure with multi-generational impacts like GDF.
Consent-based siting models benefit from inclusive representation, ensuring community voices—especially from future generations—are heard.
Encouraging transparent and participatory decision-making builds public trust and sustainability in complex national projects.