As the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) unfolds in Baku, the world's attention is firmly fixed on the critical decisions and negotiations that will shape the future of our planet. Amidst the high-level discussions, one group has emerged as the driving force for meaningful change: the youth. These young advocates are not only demanding a seat at the table but are also leading the charge in shaping the climate action plans that will determine the fate of their generation and those to come.

Unleashing the Power of Youth-Driven Climate Action

Elevating Youth Voices in the Climate Discourse

The youth of today are no longer content with being mere spectators in the climate crisis. They are asserting their rightful place as key stakeholders and partners in the decision-making process. Bodh Maathura, a 24-year-old UNICEF Sri Lanka Youth Advocate, eloquently captures the sentiment, "If world leaders say we are the leaders of today—not just tomorrow—then why aren't we at the table now, shaping the ambitions for our future?" This call for inclusion and recognition is echoing across the conference halls, as young activists refuse to be sidelined or silenced.These young voices are not only demanding a seat at the table but are also holding world leaders accountable. They are cutting through the rhetoric and empty promises, exposing the lack of political will to prioritize meaningful climate action. As youth advocate Alab Mirasol Ayroso states, "There is a lot of money. There is enough money all around, but we also know it is going to militarism, wars and genocides. There is simply no political will. This is why we refuse to be sidelined and silenced. We want the world to listen, hear us and our demands."

Shaping the Future Through Nationally Determined Contributions

The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – the climate action plans that countries commit to under the Paris Agreement – are a critical battleground for the youth. They recognize that these plans will shape the future they will inherit, and they are determined to ensure their voices are heard.One shining example is Pakistan, which has committed at COP29 to fully enshrining the rights and interests of young people in their upcoming NDC plans. As Honorable Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh Province in Pakistan, eloquently stated, "We must ensure our children and young people are prepared for the future they are growing into." This commitment to youth inclusion sets a powerful precedent and serves as a model for other nations to follow.

Demanding Tangible Action, Not Empty Promises

The youth activists at COP29 are not content with mere rhetoric or empty promises. They are clear-eyed in their assessment of the climate crisis and the solutions that exist. They understand that the failure to meaningfully address the crisis is not due to a lack of solutions, but rather a lack of political will from high-level leaders.These young advocates are refusing to be silenced or sidelined. They are demanding that world leaders prioritize the climate, the food system, and a nourished and just future for all people and the planet. Their unwavering commitment to action over empty promises is a rallying cry for all of us to follow their lead.

Harnessing the Power of Collaboration and Partnerships

The youth at COP29 are not just voicing their demands; they are also actively seeking out partnerships and collaborations to drive real change. From the IICA Pavilion's daily discussions on food and agriculture to the Future Economy Forum's Action on Food Pavilion, these young advocates are engaging with experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to find innovative solutions.These collaborative efforts are not just about sharing ideas; they are about forging meaningful alliances and building a united front for climate action. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the youth are positioning themselves as indispensable partners in the fight against the climate crisis.

Inspiring a Global Movement of Climate Action

The youth at COP29 are not just local or regional champions; they are part of a global movement of young people who are refusing to accept the status quo. From the streets of Baku to the halls of the United Nations, these young advocates are inspiring others to join the fight for a sustainable future.Their unwavering commitment, their clear-eyed analysis, and their refusal to be silenced are galvanizing people of all ages to demand better from their leaders. As the world watches the events unfold at COP29 and the G20 Summit, the youth are leading the charge, showing us all that the path to a better future is paved with bold, unapologetic action.