UNICEF Australia’s Post

📝 💡 New research article out today in Climate and Development with co-authors Neeshad Shafi and Charles Mankhwazi. In this piece, we engage with the experiences of youth advocates from the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region who participated in the U.N. COP 27 climate negotiations in 2022. We argue for more intersectional understandings of youth climate justice advocacy that prioritize the perspectives, stories, and lived experiences of young people in regions most impacted by climate change. This work underscores the importance of understanding the 'spatial politics' that youth activists mobilize in their work through place-based storytelling and regional solidarity. We also highlight the importance of research collaborations that bring together academic researchers and youth civil society advocates. Article is available open-access below: https://lnkd.in/gzQFuMSg

Africa’s children are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, facing mounting challenges as climate-related disasters grow in frequency and intensity. Without equitable #ClimateFinance, these vulnerable young ones risk being disproportionately affected by extreme weather, displacement, and food insecurity. As we gear up for #COP29, it’s critical to engage youth voices in climate discussions. Their insights and innovation will be key to shaping a future where climate justice becomes a reality for all—especially for those most at risk. Let’s commit to empowering the next generation to advocate for #ClimateJusticeForKids and create a sustainable world that leaves no one behind. Together, we can ensure the promises of climate finance benefit the children who need it most. Read and download the Climate Justice and Children's Rights Guide by Pan African Climate Justice Alliance PACJA and Save the Children International https://bit.ly/3ZVhza6 #KeepYourPromises #AdaptationFinance #EnergyAccess #ClimateJustice #JustTransition #Youth4ClimateAction #ChildrenAndClimate #SustainableFuture

Tokenization is a HUGE problem in social justice and climate action, so I want to give a huge SHOUT OUT to Sophia Lindfield for being able to speak truth to power (y'all know I'm a big fan of that!). When coming up with a youth strategy, my biggest issues is the use of these youth councils or youth forums centred completely around extraction without reciprocity or understanding. Especially, since this younger generation will have to face the detrimental effects of climate change and continue to watch political leaders just smile and wave, without any real concrete action to preserve their, or any of our, futures. I would love to hear your feedback on the pros/cons of youth engagement, as well as tactics that make for better youth amplification and involvement! How do we create effective intergenerational knowledge exchange, and centre youth and marginalized voices without diminishing their efforts or insights?

#COP29 is approaching fast. In my meeting with Tony Agotha, the EU Special Envoy for Climate and Environment Diplomacy, it was great to hear about EU's #ClimateAction and commitment to advancing child-sensitive climate response. Children bear the brunt of climate change, yet only 2.4% of current climate financing support child sensitive actions. It needs to change. Tackling climate change needs to start with the current generations of children, not the next. The recent Conclusions of the Council of the European Union highlight the need to place children and youth at the centre of these efforts. By setting ambitious financing targets for children and adopting child-sensitive Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), we can create a safer, more sustainable future for this and next generations. This is what UNICEF is calling for.  🖇 https://uni.cf/3Nr70Eb  #ClimateChange Tony Agotha

 Calling all Nigerian youth leaders! 🇳🇬 Your voice matters in shaping climate action. 🌿 Take just a few minutes to complete our survey on youth capacity needs for Nationally Determined Contributions and Emissions Development Strategy. Make an impact! https://lnkd.in/d4tqsDV7

Are you leading on youth empowerment and mainstreaming for climate action? If yes, here are some useful resources which I presented on together with fellow members of the NDC Partnership as part of the webinar series on, ‘Raising Ambition through Partnership: Youth Engagement in NDCs’: •The Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH) and youth mainstreaming - https://lnkd.in/dNVzTwKf •The Commonwealth Youth Policy Recommendations on Climate Change - https://lnkd.in/dAmnW9tB •UNDP's "On Equal Terms: A Checklist for Decision Makers and Practitioners on a Youth-Inclusive NDC Process” - https://lnkd.in/dR2MHntv •UNICEF’s NDC and Child Sensitivity Data Platform - https://lnkd.in/dCXRndKd •The Commonwealth Secretariat and YOUNGO joint report - Availability of Climate Finance for Youth - https://lnkd.in/dKEWZ9yN #commonwealth #youthleadership #ndcs #undp #unicef NDC Partnership Knollis Delle Shevon Campbell-Roberts Hannah Girardeau Jevanic Henry #YOUNGO

Youth Voices in Climate Policy 🗣️🌿 Young people have unique and valuable insights that are often missing from climate policy discussions. Their firsthand experiences and innovative ideas can provide fresh perspectives on how to address environmental challenges. Ensuring that youth voices are included in decision-making processes is crucial for creating policies that are both effective and equitable. To amplify youth voices, it is essential to create formal channels for their participation in policy-making. This can include youth advisory councils, public forums, and partnerships with youth-led organizations. By actively involving young people in the policy-making process, we can develop more comprehensive and inclusive strategies to combat climate change and promote sustainability. #YouthVoices #ClimatePolicy #InclusiveDecisions

Youth Voices in Climate Policy 🗣️🌿 Young people have unique and valuable insights that are often missing from climate policy discussions. Their firsthand experiences and innovative ideas can provide fresh perspectives on how to address environmental challenges. Ensuring that youth voices are included in decision-making processes is crucial for creating policies that are both effective and equitable. To amplify youth voices, it is essential to create formal channels for their participation in policy-making. This can include youth advisory councils, public forums, and partnerships with youth-led organizations. By actively involving young people in the policy-making process, we can develop more comprehensive and inclusive strategies to combat climate change and promote sustainability. #YouthVoices #ClimatePolicy #InclusiveDecisions

Today is the United Nations World Youth Skills Day .Transition is inevitable; justice is not. Advocating for a just transition - an energy transition that is community focused, leaves no one behind, and mitigates climate losses - will contribute to sustainable development and peace. Strengthening Voices for a Just Transition is a project uniting generations for just and equitable futures. Read more about how KAIROS supports the skilled youth will be leading this global movement called just transition: https://lnkd.in/gX9dE3tq #justtransition #climatechange #climatejustice #climateaction

🌱 💚 Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY) Southern Africa, a prestigious youth-driven initiative accredited by YOUNGO, the official children and youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). RCOY Southern Africa presents a vital opportunity for young leaders to shape intergovernmental climate policies and contribute to the region's sustainable future 🌎. This conference empowers youth by providing a platform and essential tools to actively participate in national, regional, and international climate discussions. We look forward to ✅, - Engaging with fellow climate advocates from Southern Africa - Enhancing knowledge on climate policy - Sharing perspectives and experiences - Collaborating to shape climate-resilient futures Eager to contribute to and learn from this pivotal event, which will equip young leaders to drive meaningful change in climate policy. 🍃 #Delegate #YouthForClimate #ClimateAction #UNFCCC #YOUNGO #Sustainability #ClimateLeadership #EmpoweringYouth#