The climate crisis has found its eager advocates at the forefront of global discourse, with young voices leading the charge as attendees gather for COP29, the United Nations climate change summit set to kick off on November 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Nestled conveniently between east and west, Azerbaijan may not be the first place one thinks of when discussing climate change, but its unique geography echoes challenges faced by many nations, making discussions even more relevant.
COP29 is being hailed as the 'Finance COP,' placing emphasis on new climate financing goals. But it’s also poised to give small island developing states (SIDS) the platform they desperately need. This summit is especially significant for youth, who are increasingly becoming global stakeholders, as reflected by their representation to tackle the urgent impacts of climate change.
Take Leyla Hasanova, the COP29 Youth Climate Champion from Azerbaijan, and Tyrell Gittens, an environmentalist and journalist from Trinidad and Tobago. They have paired their strengths, each carrying their unique perspectives to the conference. Leyla Hasanova aims to bridge the gap between youth-led organizations and the climate negotiation process, asserting the necessity of ensuring their voices are not only heard but incorporated. “We are the generation facing the dire consequences of climate change, and it is our rights, and our future,” she stated.
From the eye of the storm, Leyla emphasizes how the voices of youth often get overlooked. She argues, “Our engagement with small island developing states is absolutely necessary since these nations face climate change's brutal reality daily.” For these areas, rising sea levels, enhanced hurricane frequencies, and the decay of marine life are not concerns of the future—they are challenges faced every day.
Reflecting on local engagement, Tyrell Gittens stresses the need to connect communities with their natural environment. It’s not just about local interest; it’s about building stewardship. “It’s pivotal to recognize how interlinked our challenges are,” Tyrell observes. “We can’t resolve biodiversity loss or climate change by acting alone.” His experience as part of the Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy (CCJLA) has broadened his perspective and allowed him to collaborate with peers across the Caribbean who are fighting the same battles.
The youth advocates at COP29 are fueling their mission with fresh energy and determination. Under the watchful eye of the summit presidency, they are well aware of the need for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities, which result in actionable solutions. Leyla remarks, “We need to amplify the voices of young people worldwide, especially from communities on the frontlines of climate change, and create paths for knowledge exchange.”
This strategy becomes clear when talking about COP29’s agenda. Tyrell passionately articulates, “It’s important for discussions on climate to engage with Indigenous and local communities.” With their ways of life closely tied to the ecosystem, their rich knowledge should inform broader climate policies. Yet there’s still work to be done to bring these insights to the surface. “Public buy-in is imperative for executing global climate goals,” he tells us, emphasizing how connecting the dots between policy and on-ground action nurtures communal involvement.
At the heart of this year’s conference is the pressing task of eleviating the impacts on SIDS. Leyla Hasanova, who also chairs the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization, highlights the dire circumstances: “Youth from SIDS must lead discussions because their existence hangs on the line.” With COP29 focusing on amplifying the experiences of the world’s most threatened regions, the youth champions commit to the challenge. They have the responsibility to use their platforms to push for the climate justice these regions need and deserve.
Baku is officially rolling out the green carpet, holding the future of climate action within its walls. The Azerbaijani government is proactively funding the inclusion of delegations from SIDS to the conference, illustrating its commitment to giving these communities the voice they require. “It’s elevatory,” Leyla shares with evident pride as she prepares for the summit. COP29 allows for the melding of local expertise with comprehensive policy discussions at a global level.
This year’s COP is seen not only as another step on the long path toward achieving global climate objectives but also as the opportunity to revolutionize our approach to how young people can actively engage and influence these discussions. Tyrell points out, “We must integrate youth perspectives on climate finance, policy making, and grassroots initiatives—with this promise, our generation can shape sustainability to our advantage.”
With the summit just hours away, excitement mingles with urgency among the young delegates. COP29 gathers world leaders, but what sets it apart this time is the new breed of climate advocates who refuse to sit on the sidelines. Their collective voices resonate through the halls of Baku—a chorus echoing for climate action, justice, and accountability.
The narratives these young leaders weave at COP29 will shape the discussions and potentially dictate the results of international commitments. Their contributions could transform not just regional but global climate diplomacy, reaffirming the idea: youth aren’t just the voice of tomorrow; they are the action of today.
So, as COP29 beckons, it's not just about climate financing or addressing SIDS but ensuring the genius, vitality, and perspective of youth underpin every single discussion. It’s time for their voices to ring loud and clear, holding leaders accountable as we all fight the looming storms of climate change together.
