Youth Voices at COP28: Urgent Call for Commitment
Amidst the vibrant discussions at COP28, youth voices resounded, echoing a call for greater commitment and concrete action. Explore their impactful contributions to global initiatives and urgent climate solutions, as presented by Abdel-Karim Ali Mahamane, Regional Programme Coordinator, African Biodiversity Network. Read the story that follows.
From 4th to 11th December 2023, I was among over 70,000 delegates at the Dubai Expo Centre for the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Representing ABN at COP28, I attended various events, particularly on Youth and Climate Change.
Throughout the panel discussions, both in official and side events, the need to provide more space for youth voices was emphasized repeatedly. As the largest demographic in communities, their voices should be considered in all development efforts. To address the consequences of climate change, youth require more capacity building to sit at the same table with decision-makers and shape policies that address their specific concerns: access to information, opportunities, finance, and support for their initiatives.
Shaping the future of the planet in a youth-centred and climate-oriented way requires not only commitment from policymakers but also a radical shift in mindset. This change must start at the youth level. For example, in Hawaii, a university has started integrating climate-related considerations into the curriculum.
Youth in Agriculture
On agricultural aspects, many voices advocated for more support to youth in accelerating climate adaptation. There is a need to profile youth, define ‘youth,’ and target youth-led initiatives relevant to addressing the negative impacts of climate change. The same voices called for more visibility for youth and women in the climate area, as well as change from grassroots to all levels.
In response to these voices, ABN participated in the official launch of the first 1000 Youth Summit on Food Systems and Agroecology, organized by Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), scheduled for 2024 in Ethiopia. The rationale behind this gathering is to give 50 youth from each African country a chance to bring solutions to the table, following the first Youth Summit on Food Systems in Machakos, Kenya, in June 2023.
Youth in Processes at the Global Level
The Conference of Peoples was the climax of all events (official and non-official) during COP28, providing a platform for various minorities to express themselves. Youth from Indigenous communities, those living in conflict areas (especially Palestine and Sudan), spoke out to World Leaders, urging them to commit and take action. “We must look at the roots to be able to heal the disease of the Earth,” said a young boy from Sudan. The representative of Indigenous People in America called for an end to the commoditization of indigenous territories.
“The negotiations need to capture our visions,” stated Dr. Sultan al-Jaber, the President of COP28 at the opening of the High-Level Champions closing ceremony, calling for unity and action. He acknowledged the great contribution from various stakeholders present at COP28, paying particular tribute to NGOs and youth whose contributions led to the document on loss and damages. With the support of multilateral institutions like the World Bank, significant milestones should be reached in the operationalization of the Paris Agreement.
As stated by Parties and Non-Party Delegates in various sessions, continuous deliberation will not bring solutions to an operational phase unless all commit to take action. Urgent action is needed to tackle the unprecedented damage affecting people globally, especially in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Youth worldwide are calling for a strong commitment and concrete actions from all.