Young Leaders, representing 56 nations within the Commonwealth, have passionately urged Leaders at COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, to transcend rhetoric and deliver concrete measures to safeguard the planet.
This plea stands central to a newly released report, unveiled on December 8, 2023, during an intergenerational dialogue hosted by the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network (CYCN) and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The report delineates the climate apprehensions of Commonwealth youth while proposing actionable steps for Governments to actively involve them in decision-making processes, strongly asserting that the prospect of combating climate change lies in the vigor and involvement of the youth.
During the dialogue, the youthful leaders voiced disappointment at the lack of action taken by nations in response to a plethora of recommendations they presented during COP26 in Glasgow.
As COP28 deliberations continue, they implore governments to create platforms for young voices to share experiences regarding climate risks, exhibit their work, and influence policymaking.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, in her opening remarks, emphasized that the youth, constituting 60% of the Commonwealth’s populace, are humanity’s greatest asset. She underscored the duty to engage and heed the voices of young people in climate policies and practices.
Chevaughn Brown, Membership lead of the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network, emphasized that the report empowers young people to shape their destinies by taking decisive actions and making prudent choices in combating climate change.
Additionally, a specialized Commonwealth Ocean Youth Working Group was launched by the Commonwealth Blue Charter and the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network to highlight youth-led solutions to pressing ocean concerns.
Ibiso Ikiroma-Owiye, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Ocean Youth Working Group, emphasized that youth participation in climate processes is not a privilege but an inherent right. She stressed the importance of granting youth an inclusive role in shaping a sustainable future.
The dialogue forms part of a series of events marking 2023/4 as the Year of Youth. The ‘Commonwealth Youth Policy Recommendations on Climate Change’ report was crafted by the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network with support from the Commonwealth Secretariat.
