JWF at COP29:

Youth Taking Center Stage in Global Climate Action

Baku, Azerbaijan — November 11-22, 2024

The 29th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29) is taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024. This year, COP29 is placing a strong emphasis on climate finance, an essential tool for mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change. With the world grappling with rising temperatures, increasing natural disasters, and unprecedented challenges, the role of financial support for climate action is more important than ever. COP29 is set to focus on mobilizing the resources needed to tackle loss and damage, a critical issue under the Paris Agreement, and shaping the future of global climate action.

At the heart of these global conversations are youth leaders from around the world, including two representatives from the Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF). Our young delegates Peshang Hama Karim and Rahul Chahal are actively participating in COP29’s high-level discussions, negotiations, and events, amplifying the voices of youth in shaping the climate agenda and advocating for more inclusive and sustainable climate policies. COP29 in Baku is a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change, and the participation of youth leaders is essential to ensuring that climate policies are inclusive, equitable, and impactful. The discussions and negotiations taking place at COP29 will shape the future of climate action for generations to come, and our JWF representatives are proud to be part of this historic event. As the world focuses on climate finance, loss, and damage, it is clear that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the changemakers of today.

What is COP29 and Why is it Important?

COP29 is a major international conference where world leaders, diplomats, and civil society representatives come together to discuss and negotiate global climate action. This year’s summit is especially critical as it focuses on the urgent need to secure adequate financing for climate adaptation, loss, and damage. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, provides a framework for global efforts to limit temperature rise and mitigate climate impacts, but its success hinges on financial support for vulnerable communities who are most affected by climate change. COP29 will be a turning point for addressing these financial gaps and ensuring that countries, especially developing ones, have the resources needed to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

At COP29, discussions will revolve around ensuring that financial mechanisms under the Paris Agreement are functioning efficiently, with a focus on loss and damage. This includes establishing and funding the Loss and Damage Fund, which aims to support countries that are experiencing the most devastating impacts of climate change, such as flooding, droughts, and extreme weather events.

The Paris Agreement and the Role of Finance

The Paris Agreement remains the cornerstone of global climate action. One of its most important elements is the commitment of developed countries to provide financial assistance to developing nations to help them address climate change. In particular, COP29 will focus on ensuring that the financial flows required for loss and damage are mobilized, enabling vulnerable communities to recover from climate-related disasters.

Youth engagement is a key aspect of COP29, as young people demand that world leaders move beyond promises and take concrete actions. At the heart of this is the recognition that climate finance should be accessible, transparent, and accountable, with mechanisms in place to ensure that funds reach the communities who need them most. Our JWF youth representatives are advocating for these changes, underscoring the importance of financial support in achieving the global climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement.

Why Youth Matter in Climate Action

At COP29, youth are no longer just participants—they are leaders. The youth representatives at COP29 are shaping the climate agenda by advocating for meaningful action, pushing for policies that prioritize the future of young people and the planet. The involvement of youth is crucial because they are the ones who will inherit the outcomes of today’s decisions, and their engagement ensures that climate policies are forward-thinking, inclusive, and sustainable.

Youth bring fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and the energy needed to drive global change. The active participation of young leaders in climate negotiations ensures that the perspectives of those most affected by climate change are included in policy decisions. At COP29, the youth voices are pushing for climate justice, greater representation, and the commitment to real, impactful climate action.

JWF Youth Series at COP29

As part of our commitment to fostering youth involvement in global climate action, the Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF) is hosting a series of interactive youth-focused events at COP29. The JWF COP29 Youth Series aims to empower young people by providing a platform for them to engage with world leaders, experts, and peers from different regions. These events include workshops, panel discussions, and training sessions on climate advocacy, policy-making, and the role of media in driving climate action.

Our youth representatives are not only engaging in critical discussions but are also actively conducting interviews with fellow youth delegates at COP29, capturing their insights and experiences. These interviews and discussions are shared with global audiences, ensuring that the voices of youth leaders are heard far and wide.

The JWF Youth Series also aims to highlight the importance of intergenerational collaboration in addressing climate change. By bringing together youth from all walks of life, we are fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility. The series provides a space for young people to network, share ideas, and take collective action toward creating a more sustainable and just future for all. Through the JWF Youth Series and the contributions of our youth delegates, we are helping to ensure that the voices of young people are heard, and their ideas are put into action. Together, we can drive the change needed to secure a sustainable and just future for all.