Baku, Azerbaijan, 30 October 2024 – On November 14, 2024, the Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM), together with 50 governments from across the world, will be hosting the Climate Mobility Youth Day at COP29. This landmark day-long event aims to transform the global narrative around climate action and human mobility. It will catalyze a new generation of climate leaders dedicated to enabling people positive adaptation journeys.
“The urgency of the climate crisis demands that we support the youth who are already leading adaptation efforts in their communities,” said Kamal Amakrane, Managing Director of the Global Centre for Climate Mobility. “By amplifying their voices at COP29, we are acknowledging their invaluable insights and committing to integrating their innovative solutions into global climate policies. This Youth Day is a pivotal step toward a more resilient and inclusive future.”
As the impacts of climate change escalate, the need for innovative solutions has never been more urgent. The Climate Mobility Youth Day will bring together youth leaders with political champions and policymakers as well as top experts to engage on solutions to enable positive adaptation journeys for people and communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis. By highlighting the agency of youth, this initiative strives to ensure that their unique perspectives are not only heard but also integrated into global climate policy discussions.
“As young people directly affected by climate change, we are not just the leaders of tomorrow—we are the leaders of today,” said Alexa Silva, Climate Mobility Youth Delegate from Costa Rica. “At COP29, our voices can drive the transformative policies needed to protect our communities and enable people positive adaptation.”
Youth speakers will lead every session, ensuring that the discussions are deeply rooted in the lived experiences and insights of young climate activists. Central to the day’s agenda will be the 30 Climate Mobility and Rising Nations Youth Delegates, selected from communities most affected by climate change. These delegates, supported by the GCCM, will play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the climate mobility agenda at COP29.
“Our islands are not just pieces of land—they are the embodiment of our culture, our heritage, and our identity,” said Kato Ewekia, Rising Nations Youth Delegate from Tuvalu. “Participating in the Climate Mobility Youth Day will give us a vital platform to share our stories and advocate for immediate action against the existential threats posed by sea-level rise. Together, we can work towards preserving our way of life for future generations.”
The opening session, “The State of Youth and Climate Mobility: Present Realities, Future Visions,” will feature testimonials from youth directly affected by climate-forced displacement. Global Leaders will also highlight the policy gaps and opportunities for young people to help fill them. The session will aim to inspire action by emphasizing young people’s crucial role in shaping tomorrow’s policies.
The following session will center on the African continent, where climate mobility is a pressing issue due to extreme weather events and environmental degradation. Young leaders from Africa will present the African Youth Statement on Climate Mobility and discuss how, through people positive adaptation journeys, Africa can build resilience in the face of climate impacts. The session will also touch upon regional and international collaborations as well as how African youth are influencing policy decisions on climate mobility.
The High-Level Session, Youth Lead the Way, will bring together world leaders and youth delegates to engage in a dialogue on policy frameworks and global commitments. Youth delegates will have the opportunity to share actionable policy ideas for leaders to consider. This is a key moment to create a coalition between the co-hosting governments of the Youth Day and young people everywhere.
Focusing on the Pacific, the next session will highlight the unique challenges of Small Island Developing States that are facing the existential threats of sea-level rise. This will be an intergenerational dialogue between youth leaders and government representatives from the region. Together, they will share their experiences, innovative adaptation strategies, and how their communities are responding to displacement pressures. The discussion will emphasize the importance of preserving culture and heritage in the context of climate impacts and mobility.
Next, youth advocates from Latin America and the Greater Caribbean will discuss regional initiatives to address the climate crisis, including community-driven adaptation strategies. The session will also feature government representatives sharing how they enable collaboration with youth in their countries.
The day will conclude with a celebratory concert, showcasing musical performances by young artists from across the world.
H.E. Carlos Alvarado Quesada, Former President of Costa Rica, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The Climate Mobility Youth Day is organized by the Global Centre for Climate Mobility, with the governments of Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Fiji, Finland, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Iceland, Jamaica, Kenya, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niue, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Samoa, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, St Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, Switzerland, The Gambia, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, and Vanuatu.
The Climate Mobility Youth Day is made available through the generous support of the Robert Bosch Stiftung and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia.
About the Global Centre for Climate Mobility:
The Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM) is a global partnership at the nexus of climate action and human mobility to enable positive adaptation journeys for people and communities at the frontline of the climate crisis. It is hosted at the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and advanced by champion countries, UN Agencies, the World Bank, and regional organizations with support from philanthropy, civil society organizations and research partners.
For Media Inquiries: Jaclyn Licht, Strategic Communications Coordinator, +1 (781) 492-8513, licht@climatemobility.org