As the latest UN climate conference, COP28, nears its end next Tuesday, negotiations on curbing global warming and the future of fossil fuels have been the main focus. However, today, young people and children took the spotlight.
Prior to the conference, the UN released several alarming reports confirming that our planet is at a tipping point. The most recent survey from the UN weather agency, WMO, revealed that greenhouse gases have led to a significant acceleration in ice melt and sea level rise.
The world is home to 1.8 billion young people aged 10 to 24, the largest youth generation in history. They are increasingly vocal and aware of the risks posed by the climate crisis, and today they took center stage at the Al-Waha theater in Dubai’s Expo City.
Movement for change
During a youth dialogue event, Ameila Turk of YOUNGO, a global network of children and youth activists, presented the global youth statement to COP28 delegates. The statement, a policy document created with over 750,000 inputs from over 150 countries, was described as a vital part of the climate movement.
“While we may not have the opportunity to bring everyone to a COP itself, the global statement is an excellent example of how we can demonstrate what we truly care about and why we are here,” she said.
In his speech, Dr. Mashkur Isa of YOUNGO asked attendees under the age of 35 to raise their hands, and the majority in the packed auditorium did so.
However, he noted with regret that youth representation was largely absent in the day-to-day work of COP28 and previous UN climate conferences.
“Despite our continuous calls for ambitious climate action, our children and youth are not present in climate discussions, commitments, and policy-making. Parties must prioritize our interests by immediately placing the voices of children and youth at the forefront of all levels of climate change decision-making,” he emphasized.