The climate crisis is the biggest threat to our future and its devastating impacts are already felt around the globe. At the same time, the generations that will face the brunt of the impact rarely have a say in the policies meant to address it. Ahead of the pivotal COP27 climate conference in Egypt, young people from across five continents have come together to present their vision for the future. In the Global Youth Climate Agenda, which will be officially launched during this event, they present their ideas for a climate just world.
Young advocates from Bangladesh, Nigeria and the Netherlands will speak to three of the main themes of this agenda. Why is it important to educate people of all ages on climate change? How do we adapt to the already inevitable consequences of climate change? What responsibility do Global North countries have towards countries in the Global South who suffer severe losses from climate change? Three speakers will share their vision on these questions and what the answers mean for youth in their country.
UNEP’s Legal Officer within the National Environmental Law Unit, Renée Gift, will deliver the opening remarks from Nairobi, taking stock of what is needed to materialise the engagements made at COP26 at the upcoming COP27 and explaining why listening to and working with youth is key to solve global climate challenges and protect our planet.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
- Sohanur Rahman grew up along the coast of Bangladesh, one of the world’s regions that is most vulnerable to the climate crisis. When he realized those responsible were not paying the bill for the damage they were doing, he started mobilizing youth in his country to fight for climate action.
- Babatunde Osho is a climate scientist from Nigeria and leading team member of the NGO EarthPlus. In his work towards sustainable development in Africa, he sees a great need for participatory policymaking and for education on the science behind the climate crisis.
- Laura de Vries believes that a livable future for her generations and those to follow requires a rapid and inclusive climate transition. As vice-chair of the Dutch Youth Climate Movement and in her many ambassadorships, she fights to have the voices of young people heard by the Dutch government.
The audience will have the opportunity to engage with the youth on these questions. Afterwards, the first official version of the Global Youth Climate Agenda will be handed over to Kitty van der Heijden (Director General for International Cooperation at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and to other high-ranking government officials around the world.
Event moderator is Ariane Giraneza, expert on energy and sustainability issues in Belgium. As a child she lived in Rwanda, the DRC, Kenia and Tanzania, and been fascinated by international policy and cooperation ever since.
The event is co-organised by We Are Tomorrow – Global Partnership, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Municipality of the Hague.
LIVE STREAM
Join this online dialogue on HagueTalks YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/haguetalks
16:00 – 17:30 GMT + 2 (Amsterdam)