Description

UN Conferences of the Parties (COP) dealing with climate change and the environment  has evolved significantly over the last two decades. Today, these annual conferences bring together a wide range of experts and stakeholders and has become a global focusing event for climate action. To paraphrase the CEO of the World Bank, Kristalina Georgieva, we are clearly the last generation that can change course on various global environmental issues, but we are also the first generation to suffer its consequences. With the rise of the Fridays for Future movement, international environmental conferences increasingly seek out the youth voice.

All too often, however, youth arrive at conferences ready to present their case to the world, but are either placed on a pedestal, seen but not heard; or are shunted to some side room where the international community hears but does not listen. This panel discussion brings together youth who have had experience and involvement in environmental conferences, representing the breadth of international environmental issues in today’s world.