Youth Voices Beyond the Sidelines: A Call to Action for COP28 and Beyond
By: Marie Sereneo, Kenisha Arora, and Emel Tabaku
Climate change continues to take center stage in the public debate. More than 500 protests were held worldwide to send a message to global leaders to save the planet ahead of Climate Week NYC and the United Nations General Assembly. Meanwhile in Geneva, the World Trade Organization was placed in the hot seat at its annual Public Forum to address international trade’s opportunities and shortcomings around climate change. All of this leading up to this year’s COP (Conference of Parties), where UN member states are expected to report progress on national climate plans in line with the Paris Agreement. Alarmingly, the outlook is dire, as the UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently noted: “As the reality of climate chaos pounds communities around the world – with ever fiercer floods, fires and droughts – the chasm between need and action is more menacing than ever.”
But despite being the ones set to inherit a world in a climate crisis, youth voices continue not to be meaningfully represented at key decision-making tables. In line with the challenges observed by previous YDC alumni, this year’s delegation to the WTO Public Forum experienced a glaring gap in youth representation and engagement, raising critical questions about the inclusivity and accessibility of global trade spaces.
The discrepancy between the presence of youth delegates and their actual influence in shaping conversations was evident. Throughout an extensive program of over 100 sessions, only one panel featured a single youth voice, and one side session was specifically designed for youth engagement. This stark lack of representation underscores the need for a more inclusive approach. Furthermore, the composition of the audience at the WTO Public Forum predominantly consisted of established professionals already well-versed in global trade dynamics which speaks to the disconnect between experienced policymakers and the fresh perspectives needed from younger generations. This demographic imbalance undermines the notion of an open and accessible forum, creating a barrier for aspiring young voices eager to contribute to the international discourse.
To truly democratize these spaces and ensure a diverse range of perspectives are considered, this issue must be addressed head-on. Youth must not only have a seat at the table, but they should also be actively engaged in decision-making processes and shaping policies that affect them. This means creating structured opportunities for active involvement, such as having youth leaders influence the direction of these forums, developing mentorship programs that pair young individuals with experienced professionals, and establishing opportunities for youth to propose, debate, and implement their ideas, ensuring they are integral participants rather than mere observers. The crux of the matter lies in recognizing the expertise and insights that youth can bring to the intersection of international trade and climate policy. Neglecting the contributions of youth based on age overlooks the unique insights and innovative solutions young people offer, which are crucial for forging sustainable and inclusive global trade practices.
Leading up to COP28, in December 2023, promising changes to uplift youth voices can be seen compared to past high-level diplomatic events. For example, youth engagement and capacity-building has been embedded through the appointment of a Youth Climate Champion and the integration of International Youth Climate Delegates in the COP process, prioritizing and financing youth activists from developing countries, Indigenous Peoples, and other minority groups around the world. In addition, December 8 has been designated for the cross-cutting climate themes of “Youth, Children, Education and Skills”. The Canada Pavilion will be one of many spaces elevating youth perspectives and actions on climate, including the important work being done by Student Energy, SevenGen, and the Foundation for Environmental Stewardship.
Going forward, the meaningful participation of youth must continue to evolve as a priority area, particularly those from communities who are most vulnerable and impacted by the consequences of climate change. As trade remains a fundamental part of the transition towards a greener future, the WTO cannot allow itself to exclude youth perspectives any longer. While the rhetoric of a “just and equitable transition” is an oft-quoted tagline, concrete actions that ensure young people have the resources and tools to participate in intergenerational dialogue and partnership are imperative to translate these words into reality.