Baku: As the countries across the world are evaluating the results of the COP29, an annual event of the UN devoted to climate change, it is worth sharing how the youths advocated for meaningful initiatives to accelerate climate actions. Voices from diverse sectors like youth and indigenous, developed and the least developed groups were made vocal for the climate justice in the lead-up to COP29.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the 19th Conference of Youths (COY19), held in Baku from January 7-9, 2024, brought together over 400 delegates from 169 countries to discuss how youths, as change agents, could shape a sustainable future. The Global Youth Statement (GYS) issued by the COY19 aimed to influence the UN climate negotiations by emphasizing the role of youth in addressing the climate crisis. Dubbed as a roadmap for transformative climate action, the GYS called for immediate and bold steps to combat climate crises.
The GYS laid out key demands, including energy governance reforms, climate finance an
d social equity, addressing loss and damage, gender and social inclusion, and technology-driven solutions. It suggested establishing a dedicated energy negotiation track to reform global energy governance. In terms of technology, the statement urged investment in infrastructure for comprehensive climate monitoring and youth capacity-building, leveraging AI, blockchain, and data analytics for efficient resource allocation and policy transparency.
Digital platforms were highlighted as crucial tools for climate advocacy at COY19. Youth innovation in the digital realm can garner support and attract funding to address the global challenges posed by climate crises. A wider presence and visibility via digital tools and platforms are needed to sustain interaction among youths, ensuring their innovative solutions gain momentum.
The gathering also expressed concern over the challenges of funding for digital advocacy. Developing high-quality content requires resources, skills, and time. Despite this, efforts have been
made to support youth-led digital campaigns, advocating for sustained investments in digital climate initiatives.
Moreover, COY19 emphasized the transformative role of education in combating climate change. It stressed that climate awareness should begin in early childhood education, encouraging curiosity about the environment from an early age. Integrating climate science into subjects like history, science, and mathematics is vital for fostering a comprehensive understanding of the climate crisis.
The creation of green industries by training the workforce was discussed as a measure of climate action. The green economy addresses socio-economic challenges and facilitates a just transition, requiring support for affected communities to ensure no one is left behind in the journey toward a sustainable future.
The conference underscored the importance of including youths, women, indigenous people, and marginalized groups in designing and implementing climate policies. Public participation helps reduce resistan
ce to climate initiatives. Countries were suggested to adopt integrated and inclusive approaches, reflected in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
In this regard, the British Council’s initiative emphasized empowering youth in climate action through four pillars: skills, networks, platforms, and partnerships. Participants expressed concern that the monopolization of patents by developed nations could limit developing countries’ ability to afford and adopt sustainable energy solutions, creating barriers to progress toward global climate goals and exacerbating inequalities.
Nepal is at the forefront of bearing climate catastrophes, with increasing frequency of landslides and water stress. The demands outlined in the Global Youth Statement resonate well with Nepal’s challenges and opportunities around energy transition, education and awareness, community mobilization, and gender inclusivity. By fostering youth-led initiatives and bridging the gap between education and green job opportunities, the B
ritish Council’s Climate Connection Hive aims to empower young leaders in Nepal to augment sustainable climate action.