Commonwealth Youth Leaders Press for Concrete Climate Action at COP28 in Dubai

Dubai, December 09, 2023: Youth leaders representing the Commonwealth’s 56 countries have issued a compelling call to action at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai. Emphasizing the urgency of moving beyond rhetoric, the leaders urged world governments to translate words into concrete measures to safeguard the planet.

The appeal comes as part of a groundbreaking report launched during an intergenerational dialogue organized by the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network (CYCN) and the Commonwealth Secretariat on December 8, 2023.

Titled ‘Commonwealth Youth Policy Recommendations on Climate Change,’ the report sheds light on the climate concerns of young people within the Commonwealth. It also presents specific actions for governments to involve the youth in decision-making processes, asserting that the “hope of tackling climate change lies with youth.”

Expressing disappointment at the lack of action following their recommendations at COP26 in Glasgow, youth leaders urged nations negotiating COP28 outcomes to prioritize creating conditions that empower young people to share their experiences on climate risks and influence policymaking.

Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, opened the dialogue by acknowledging young people as “humanity’s greatest asset,” constituting 60 percent of the Commonwealth’s population. She stressed the importance of engaging and listening to young voices in climate mitigation and adaptation efforts at all levels.

Secretary-General Scotland commented, “The report’s recommendations offer countries a blueprint to engage young people as strategic partners in climate action for their future—a future that relies on the health of our planet.”

Chevaughn Brown, Membership lead of the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network, highlighted the report’s significance, stating, “A common future can be achieved if we treat the future as the present. With decisive planning and making the right choices, climate change can be just stories of what could have been a distant past.”

The dialogue aimed to provide a platform for young people to engage with leaders on climate risks and support structures for youth-led climate action, innovation, and ocean conservation. As part of this effort, the Commonwealth Blue Charter and the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network launched a specialized Commonwealth Ocean Youth Working Group to amplify youth-oriented solutions to pressing ocean issues.

Ibiso Ikiroma-Owiye, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Ocean Youth Working Group, emphasized that youth participation in climate change processes is not a privilege but a fundamental right. She insisted, “Young people deserve a seat at the table and should not have to struggle to finance the implementation of innovative projects for our shared and sustainable future.”

The dialogue is part of a series of events marking 2023/4 as the Year of Youth. Produced by the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network with the support of the Commonwealth Secretariat, the report stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering commitment of Commonwealth youth in shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.