YOUNGO Climate Peace and Security Working Group’s Post

On World Youth Skills Day, let’s highlight the importance of equipping youth with the necessary skills and providing them with opportunities to address the challenges of today for a more sustainable future. COP28 has been groundbreaking for youth inclusion, introducing unprecedented initiatives that place children and young people at the heart of the climate action process. Since COP28, several of our International Youth Climate Delegates have used the skills developed via the program to lead 18 LCOYs in their home countries and 4 RCOYs. #COP28 #YouthSkillsDay2024 #WorldSkillsDay

As we gear up for another impactful year, here’s a look at our highlights from #COP29 in #Baku We know the concept of “COP” might be difficult to grasp but our team on the grounds helps break it down with other key developments at the just-ended COP29; from engaging discussions with diverse stakeholders to hosting a pivotal side event on youth and climate action. Watch the space as we continue to champion an inclusive youth development agenda. Let’s make 2025 our most transformative year yet!

🌎 𝐂𝐎𝐏29 𝐢𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞! 🌎 As the UN Climate Change #COP29Azerbaijan opens today, climate finance for African communities tops the demands on the global agenda. YWCA Kenya, through the Voices for Just Climate Action funded by Hivos , hosted a Pre-COP29 workshop to educate and inform youth, women, and indigenous communities about critical discussions to follow at the global conference. 𝑭𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔: ✅ 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - Advocating for fair and adequate funding to support youth, women & indigenous communities in climate resilience and adaptation. ✅ 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Building strategies for communities to adapt to the ongoing impacts of climate change. ✅ 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 & 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 – Ensuring women and girls have a seat at the table in climate action decisions. ✅ 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐀𝐂𝐄) – Empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools needed for effective climate action. #Inclusion4ClimateJustice #ClimateAction - World YWCA , African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC) , ACT Alliance

So far, too many on-the-ground #actors are still hesitant to get behind the #SDGs as converging #crises keep worsening. It's time we turn the #GlobalGoals into actively shared objectives for all of #humanity, if we want to create a more #sustainable world that works for all by 2030. We need to create processes that generate #engagement with the #SDGs at the level of #communities and bioregions everywhere. Only if local #people will take #responsibility for implementing the #SDGs shall we have a realistic change of accomplishing the audacious task set by #Agenda2030. To motivate such a commitment we need people to understand the multiple benefits that will result from a successful implementation of all #SDGs for their own #lives, their #families and #communities, #nations, and for #humanity and the #community of #life as a whole.United Nations UN Climate Change UN Environment Programme IPCC Green Climate Fund Greenpeace International Mafalda Duarte Simon Stiell Inger Andersen António Guterres UN SDG Action Campaign UN Sustainable Development Group African Union UNDP

We cannot reach our goals without the help of next generation leaders. The COP28 Presidency selected 100 youth delegates from underrepresented groups, including Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States, and Indigenous Peoples, to take part in the COP process. This program is the largest initiative to expand youth participation in the climate negotiation processes to date. #AcceleratingActionTogether #COP28

COP28 International Youth Climate Delegates explain how the program affected their climate journey. They shared how witnessing changes in their countries inspired them to start environmental initiatives and climate campaigns, motivating young people to engage. The program provided opportunities to learn and engage in policy processes, coordinating with various institutions in the region. They also emphasized advocating for women, youth, and vulnerable groups to be at the forefront of climate action, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa regions. #COP28

Good opportunity

At COP29, Runa Khan, Founder, Friendship highlighted the dangers of “youthwashing”—including young voices for show without real power. Friendship has proven that with proper tools and training, youth can lead. From remote Bangladeshi chars to global platforms, they’ve advocated for climate justice and driven real solutions. Representation must go beyond tokenism—youth deserve the skills and space to shape the future. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gBaFKD2K Note: A version of this article was published in The Daily Star #COP29 #ClimateAction #EmpoweringYouth #friendshipngo #YouthLeadership

The Youth Climate Champion (YCC) role, created by the UNFCCC, is crucial in ensuring that youth have a meaningful voice in the climate change process. For far too long, young people have been systematically disadvantaged in this space, often excluded from decision-making and leadership opportunities, despite being one of the most affected groups by climate change. The creation of the YCC role is a step toward correcting that imbalance, providing a platform for youth to engage, lead, and shape the global climate agenda. When you hear Leyla Hasanova speak, passion for youth inclusion is inspiring, and I believe her leadership will be transformative. What makes this even more exciting is that she is a young woman, bringing fresh, powerful perspectives and energy to the table. This is the kind of representation we need to drive forward impactful, inclusive, and sustainable climate action. I’m beyond excited to see what Leyla and the entire YCC 29 team will accomplish, and I know they will continue to pave the way for real youth engagement in the climate space! 🌍💪 #YouthClimateChampion #COP29 #ClimateAction #YouthInclusion

Let’s advocate for equitable representation and funding for African youth at COP29 and beyond. What initiatives are you involved in that support this cause? Share in the comments! Did you know that over 90% of African youth are seeking funding to attend COP29 in Baku, yet many are being overlooked? With over 60% of Africa’s population under 25, it’s crucial that our young leaders are present at this pivotal climate conference. As a young advocate in climate action, I' have witnessed the incredible passion and innovative solutions that my peers bring to the table. Yet, without financial support, many are unable to contribute to discussions that directly affect their futures. This exclusion is not just an oversight; it’s a massive missed opportunity for progress. We need to change this narrative! Here’s how we can make a difference: Ensure young leaders have the resources to share their insights and solutions at COP29. Together, we can raise our voices and demand the change our planet needs! #COP29 #YouthInClimate #ClimateAction #AfricanYouth #Sustainability #Inclusion #ClimateFinance #YouthEmpowerment