Dubai – At the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, young activists have made significant contributions, asserting their roles as more than mere symbolic participants in climate discussions. Their involvement is marked by a series of presentations and recommendations aimed at accelerating climate action.

According to Africa Science News, session organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Tasnia Ahmed, a youth development expert and human rights advocate from Bangladesh, highlighted the crucial role of youth in addressing climate change. She stressed their importance as allies in the fight against climate change, emphasizing that their participation in COP 28 is vital to ensure the inclusion of vulnerable groups in climate action discussions.

Ahmed pointed out that young people are not only innovators and entrepreneurs but also catalysts for positive, transformative change in climate action. They have been actively employing their skills and capacities through technology, education, and innovation to expedite climate action efforts.

Echoing similar sentiments, Nouhou Zoungrana, a climate justice activist from Burkina Faso, underscored the need for youth leadership in decision-making processes. He emphasized the youth’s awareness of the climate crisis and their potential to contribute effectively if given the opportunity.

Hanna Kumera Kitila, a gender, environment, and health advocate from Ethiopia, also stressed the importance of meaningful engagement of youth in COP28. She asserted that youth represent a diverse global population and can offer a variety of experiences and perspectives if included in the discussions. Kitila further argued that involving youth in the negotiations of COP28 is an investment in the future, as they are directly impacted by the consequences of climate change and will inherit the decisions made at COP28 and beyond.

The event has highlighted a shift in youth engagement compared to previous conferences, where young people were often marginalized in critical negotiation spaces or reduced to mere statistics. This change at COP 28 could signify a new era in youth involvement in future Conference of Parties (COPs).

UNFPA’s efforts to place youth at the center of global discussions like COP 28 have been notable, suggesting a model for other institutions to follow. This approach involves investing in youth and including them in critical discussions to ensure their voices are not sidelined in climate action.