The COP29 climate summit is set to be a pivotal moment in global climate action. While world leaders gather to negotiate critical climate policies, a dedicated space will be reserved for the voices of the future: the Children and Youth Pavilion.
This innovative initiative, spearheaded by a coalition of youth-led organisations, aims to empower young people to actively participate in climate discussions and shape the decisions that will impact their generation.
ESG Mena interviewed Sagar Kara, the COP29 Children and Youth Pavilion Coordinator, to highlight how the Pavilion aims to integrate the perspectives of young people into climate policymaking and action.
- 1. Who are the main organisers behind the Children and Youth Pavilion at COP29, and what organisations or institutions support this Pavilion?
The Children and Youth Pavilion is made up of 24 youth-led organisations passionate about putting the voice of those under the age of 35 front and centre of climate negotiations. The youth make all decisions, and the role of institutional partners is to facilitate and support this process.
- 2. What is the primary goal of the Children and Youth Pavilion, and how do you plan to engage young people in climate change discussions at COP29?
The aim of the Children and Youth Pavilion at COP29 is to amplify the voices of all people under the age of 35 and drive action on global climate policies vital to securing the future of children and youth. We believe that this dedicated space is essential to each and every COP.
One of the objectives of the Pavilion is to provide a space for all children and young climate champions, professionals, and activists to engage with each other, decision-makers, and influential stakeholders in talks, policy briefings and networking activities related to the negotiations.
Some of the youth are already involved directly in the COP29 negotiations as part of country delegations and negotiation teams, and we will be hosting daily policy briefings at the Pavilion to share ongoing updates, provide insights and gather feedback on the negotiations.
3. Can you elaborate on the specific activities and events that will be taking place at the Pavilion?
Throughout COP29, the Pavilion will hold events, meetings, discussions, workshops, and high-level dialogues, as well as provide space for creativity, networking, art, music, and more. We have a diverse programme of events covering a vast range of topics, from climate finance and technology to renewable energy and water security, as well as spotlighting different regions and communities around the world.
We are inviting high-level speakers to the Pavilion to meet with the children and youth, with confirmed speakers including the Vice-Chair of the IPCC, Diana Urge-Vorsatz, the Un Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, Felipe Paullier, and the COP29 Presidency Youth Climate Champion, Leyla Hasanova.
Young people have globally already been instrumental in bringing the fight against the climate crisis to the forefront of public and political attention, and we believe that our leaders and decision-makers are failing to meaningfully engage with young people and grant us real decision-making power. Through the Children and Youth Pavilion, we will urge decision-makers to commit to the sustained, meaningful inclusion of children and youth in all decision-making processes.
4. How do you believe climate change is uniquely affecting children and young people around the world, and what are the most pressing challenges they face?
The impacts of the climate crisis have and will continue to disproportionately affect the lives and livelihoods of children and youth.
Although children and youth have contributed the least to the climate crisis, we will suffer the most from the failure of governments and decision-makers to take urgent action. The climate crisis poses a catastrophic threat to the lives and livelihoods of children and youth, especially the most vulnerable, and touches every dimension of our lives, from our survival to the development of our education.
5. What role do young people play in finding solutions to the climate crisis, and how can their voices be amplified on the global stage?
The inclusion of young people in climate decision-making is not just a matter of equity, it is essential for ensuring that the policies we create today will lead to a sustainable, just future.
Since the first Children and Youth Pavilion at COP27, our continuing call for ambitious climate action has led to an increasing awareness of the importance of including children and youth in climate discussions. We are now calling on governments and decision-makers to move beyond bringing youth to the table and commit to listening to, valuing, and acting on our contributions. This includes reporting transparently on the impacts and outcomes of youth decision-making.
6. Looking beyond COP29, what are your plans for continuing to engage young people in climate action and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making?
We have an incredible, growing network of children and young climate champions, professionals and activists, who will continue to engage beyond COP29 to amplify the voices of children and youth. We believe it is essential to have a dedicated space for children and youth at COP, and hope to continue hosting the Children and Youth Pavilion at COP30 and beyond.
Written by: Hadeer Elhadaey, Editor at ESG Mena Arabic.