Welcome to the United Nations
This is the slogan of the 13th Conference of Youth (COY13). It combines one of the most important ambitious of young climate activists with a Fijian term that carries its very own spirit – Talanoa Mada describe a process of inclusive, participatory and transparent dialogue.
From 2nd to 4th November, COY13 welcomed more than 1,000 participations and 650 programme contributors in Bonn, Germany. In the run-up to the United Nation's climate summit (COP23), international and regional Youth NGOs, civil society actors, and young people from 114 countries gathered to discuss climate change in a programme comprised of more than 225 single events.
COY13 delivered its core objective to empower and strengthen young individuals and youth movements to take responsibility for the action against climate change.
Four main topics were covered during the conference:
- Perspectives of Small Island Developing States
The Fijian COP23-Presidency has led to overall awareness of the perspectives of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), that are vulnerable and that are disproportionately more affected by the impacts of climate change.
- Climate Justice
Climate Justice puts climate change and climate action in the broader social and environmental context. This includes aspects such as intergenerational equity, gender, human rights and the rights of indigenous peoples.
- Activism
COY13 will connect multiple strands and approaches of activism to spark discussion and share skills required in the fields of policy and actions. This also includes possibilities to develop national, regional or international networks and movements, and to showcase how individuals can get actively involved.
- Policy and Advocacy
COY13 provides policy training for young participants at COP23. Workshop sessions share the necessary knowledge and skills for working with policy documents and advocating youth positions in various circumstances.
High-level Youth Briefings were organized throughout COY13 period with key figures from the UNFCCC process, informing the youth delegates on the negotiations and responding to their questions.
The result of COY13 and inspiring youth-led initiatives were also highlighted during the Young and Future Generations Day on 9th November in Bonn.
Young and Future Generations Day is a non-stop celebration of youth power and participation at United Nations climate change conference. Youth-led side events, workshops, and activities take place throughout the day, with a continuous stream of creative actions that prove young people are key players in reaching innovative and ambitious solutions to climate change.
The Intergenerational Inquiry was the highlight of the Young and Future Generations Day. The event brought together decision-makers and young leaders to discuss the key role that youth play in implementing climate action to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
More information about Youth and Climate Change from UNDESA DSPD, click here.
Source: UNFCCC