Youth and COP - A win - win partnership

Youth and COP – A win – win partnership

Aditya Pundir

In the ongoing fight against climate change, one voice stands out as both urgent and transformative- that of the youth.

As we witness the devastating impacts of climate-related disasters, the importance of youth involvement in climate action and UNFCCC COP proceedings cannot be overstated.

Their active engagement in shaping solutions for pressing climate issues is not only essential but also offers a beacon of hope for a more livable future

Today’s youth is not just a bystander; they are dynamic participants in climate negotiations and decision-making processes, as has been amplified at COP 28 via a special announcement. They are not only deeply aware of the environmental challenges facing the world today, but they also bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and an unmatched sense of urgency to the table.

Through youth organizations, social movements, and climate-focused initiatives, they are increasingly making their voices heard at national and international forums.

Blue Origin’s All-Female Spaceflight: A Historic Win for Women or a Luxury Trip for the Rich?

April 23, 2025

How can Artificial Intelligence prevent Climate Change?

April 22, 2025

Climate Emergency: 2025 Declared International Year of Glaciers

April 22, 2025

As climate-related disasters disrupt the lives of young people, it becomes imperative for stakeholders to prioritize their needs. Fostering knowledge exchange, offering internships, and creating pathways for future green jobs are essential steps to achieve these. By doing so, we can ensure that young people are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the energy transition and other climate-related challenges.

COPs have become a focal point of future climate direction, thus youth involvement in the UNFCCC COP negotiations is crucial. These conferences serve as the primary platform for global climate discourse, where decisions on policies like the adaptation fund, loss and damage frameworks, and climate finance are made.

Youth participation ensures that these decisions are inclusive, forward-thinking, and reflect the priorities of future generations. Many young leaders are directly contributing to these efforts, representing their countries, regions, and organizations as delegates, negotiators, and climate advocates.

Just to share an example, transition to clean energy is central to addressing the climate crisis, and youth must be at the heart of this transformation. As countries and regions move towards decarbonization, it is essential that young people understand how these efforts are shaping their economies and futures.

Awareness about energy policies, decarbonization strategies, and the role of renewable energy must be integrated in their education and training programs, preparing youth to contribute effectively to the global energy transition.

By equipping young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in this transition, we not only strengthen their role as climate leaders but also help them capitalize on newer opportunities in the green economy. Future careers in areas such as renewable energy, energy e ciency, and sustainable infrastructure will play a critical role in the global fight against climate change, and today’s youth need to learn about them, so as to lead in these sectors.

In addition to traditional areas of climate action, new domains such as climate finance, loss and damage, and net-zero initiatives must be integrated into the education and training of young leaders. These areas present both challenges and opportunities that young people need to be prepared for as they step into roles of greater responsibility in the future.

The Youth 4 COP program is a first step in this direction. Spearheaded by The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia, this unique initiative is supported by partners including the Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN), Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA), the Indigenous People’s Climate Justice Forum, APSWDP, C4Y, Gurujal, Orlina Ventures and ExploreiT. These diverse partnerships reflect the program’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary knowledge and ensuring that young voices from all sectors of society are heard.

Youth 4 COP provides participants with the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed to navigate complex climate negotiations and contribute meaningfully to COP proceedings. Through workshops, mentorship sessions, and skill-building activities, Youth 4 COP empowers young people to engage in climate action from local to global levels. Youth 4 COP not only builds individual capacities but also fosters a sense of collective responsibility and shared purpose among participants, preparing them to become leaders in their respective communities and beyond.

One of the key objectives of Youth 4 COP is to offer a platform for young leaders from the Global South to raise their voices and share their experiences. Social media has become a powerful tool for these youth advocates to connect with a global audience, share their insights, and amplify their messages. Youth 4 COP also encourages

participants to leverage social media to create awareness about climate issues, advocate for policy changes, and inspire others to join the movement. With more than 1200 registrations this year, the program delved into the finer aspects of COP proceedings so as to familiarize the youth with all the above stated verticals.

As we look to the future, the role of youth in climate action and UNFCCC COP proceedings will only become more critical. By prioritizing their education, well-being, and active participation in climate decision-making, we can build a more resilient and sustainable world.

It is our collective responsibility to empower young people and provide them with the opportunities they need to lead the charge in addressing the pressing climate challenges of our time.By working together; across generations, sectors and borders, we can create a future where both people and the planet thrive.

Mr. Aditya Pundi, Director, The Climate Reality Project India & south Asia

Mahabahu.com is an Online Magazine with collection of premium Assamese and English articles and posts with cultural base and modern thinking. You can send your articles to editor@mahabahu.com / editor@mahabahoo.com (For Assamese article, Unicode font is necessary) Images from different sources.