Empowering Youth Voices: A Journey from COP28 to Local Action and Global Impact

By Asma Rouabhia, Global Focal Point SDG 7 Youth Constituency Major Group for Children and Youth

As a young person from Tunisia from an ethnic minority and part of the Global South, making it to the UN Climate Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), was not an easy thing. Securing funding a few weeks before COP, I put so much effort into the logistics of travel to ensure that my voice was heard, alongside those of fellow young people, especially girls and young women. Many youth from marginalized communities can’t make it to COP due to challenges in obtaining badges and significant financial constraints. The subsidized accommodations provided by the UAE Government played a crucial role in empowering me and other youth from less privileged backgrounds to participate, allowing for more inclusive representation at COP and enhancing the credibility of global climate agreements. I hope to see such efforts amplified in the future to bring even more young voices to the climate conversation, especially those most impacted by climate change. Now that I’m back from Dubai, here are my thoughts for improving the youth experience in the COP process.

1. 1. Realize that equity and representation are fundamental. Emphasizing equity ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, reflecting the disproportionate impacts of climate change on various communities. For me, representation from the Global South and marginalized and vulnerable groups is crucial to crafting comprehensive and effective climate policies.
2. 2. Recognize youth as key partners.  This acknowledges our potential to drive systemic change. The vibrant activism I saw in the Children and Youth Pavilion amplified the urgency of climate action and showcased us as catalysts for change, rather than passive recipients of decisions. The pavilion embraced a rich tapestry of languages, echoing the diverse voices of children, refugees, indigenous youth, and more. Our inspirational role in youth-led movements sets an example, demonstrating that even young individuals can influence global conversations and decisions. Our passion, innovation, and commitment make us instrumental in pushing for ambitious climate goals.
3. 3. Amplify our active participation in decision-making. More commitments to involving youth in meetings where significant decisions are made will mark a positive shift towards more inclusive decision-making processes. Being active participants in shaping policies not only strengthens the democratic and representative nature of climate governance but also enhances the legitimacy of the decisions made.
4. 4. Build trust between generations through active engagement. This trust is essential for fostering collaborative efforts and ensuring that policies genuinely reflect the interests and aspirations of both current and future generations. As we contribute our perspectives and insights, the collaborative approach becomes a bridge that spans generational gaps, paving the way for more effective and sustainable climate governance.

What will I do now to ensure that my voice and the voices of my peers will continue to be heard? Upon returning home to Tunisia after COP28, I had the pleasure of participating in the closing ceremony and workshops on the “Acceleration Programme of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)” at the local level. These sessions, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, the National Agency for Energy Conservation, and UNDP, provided a valuable opportunity to contribute to local climate action plans.

Currently, I am coordinating a post-COP meeting for youth with decision makers to address climate issues and work on a roadmap for youth engagement in the energy transition in Tunisia. This initiative aims to foster meaningful dialogue and ensure that our voices are heard in shaping the future of our country’s energy landscape. Through these efforts, we aspire to contribute to the sustainable and inclusive development of Tunisia’s energy sector, aligning with broader climate goals. Underlining the importance of local action after COP is crucial, as it acknowledges that the true impact of global agreements is experienced at the local level.

After a fruitful meeting with the UN Economic and Social Council for Western Asia (ESCWA), we shared recommendations during COP and plan to follow up on them. I am collaborating with fellow youth on launching a dedicated energy-focused youth network in the Arab region, showcasing our dedication to long-term engagement.

Within the UN Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY), various constituencies are conducting consultations on the Summit of the Future, happening at UN Headquarters in September 2024. This participatory approach reflects our commitment to inclusive dialogue, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and considered in shaping the future discourse on global challenges including climate change. We will continue to participate in UN-led platforms like the ECOSOC Partnership Forum and the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), fostering cross-cultural dialogue and shared learning experiences.

Empowering youth advocacy is transformative. For me, the opportunity to participate in COP28 helped me understand the interconnectedness of global issues. It was not just impressive but profoundly impactful for me. Seeing families together in the Green Zone, exploring different climate action hubs, moderating a session at UN DESA’s SDG Pavilion, and engaging with stakeholders from diverse sectors illustrated the rich tapestry of efforts needed to tackle climate challenges comprehensively. It was a personal affirmation of the collective strength we derive from embracing diverse perspectives and collaborative endeavors in our pursuit of a sustainable future.

* The views expressed in this blog are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UN DESA.