Youth Delegates from South Asia Urge Climate Action at COP 29 in Baku
In Baku, Azerbaijan, 20 youth delegates from South Asia gathered at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) to call for urgent climate action. Supported by UNICEF, these delegates from India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka emphasized the need to address children’s needs in climate policies.
Voices from the Frontlines
14-year-old Zunaira Qayyum from Pakistan shared her experiences of climate change impacts in Balochistan, highlighting the threats to health and education. Her research on floods affecting girls’ education underscores the crisis.
In India, youth climate champions developed a National Youth and Children Statement, urging governments to prioritize young people in climate action. Manisha Arya, a delegate from the Himalayas, spoke about the loss of snow and increased landslides.
Kartik Verma, a Child Advisor to the United Nations Child Rights Committee, has reached thousands through his ‘Knowledge for Nature’ initiative, advocating for unheard voices.
Urgent Calls for Action
In Maldives, youth leaders expressed concerns over rising sea levels and coral bleaching. Fathimah Muhammad Ahmed emphasized the urgency of action, fearing for the future of her homeland.
Nepal’s youth issued a joint statement demanding immediate climate action, advocating for their inclusion in policy-making.
UNICEF’s Sanjay Wijesekera highlighted the reshaping of children’s lives by climate change, urging bold actions at COP 29.
Demands for Change
The youth delegates called for integrating their views in climate policies, funding adaptation efforts, reducing air pollution, and expanding training programs for future skills.
Doubts Revealed
COP 29 -: COP 29 is a big meeting where leaders from around the world come together to talk about how to protect our planet from climate change. COP stands for ‘Conference of the Parties,’ and it’s the 29th time this meeting is happening.
Baku -: Baku is the capital city of a country called Azerbaijan. It’s where the COP 29 meeting is taking place.
Youth Delegates -: Youth delegates are young people chosen to represent their countries and share their ideas and concerns. In this case, they are talking about climate change and how it affects children.
South Asia -: South Asia is a region in the world that includes countries like India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. These countries are working together to address climate change.
UNICEF -: UNICEF is an organization that helps children all over the world. They support projects and initiatives to make sure children are healthy, safe, and have a good future.
Climate Change -: Climate change is when the Earth’s weather patterns change, leading to problems like more floods, hotter temperatures, and rising sea levels. It’s important to take action to protect our planet and future generations.
Sanjay Wijesekera -: Sanjay Wijesekera is a person who works with UNICEF. He talks about how important it is to take strong actions to help children affected by climate change.
