Adeola Adeniyi’s Post

🌍 At COP28, youth activists faced significant barriers to meaningful involvement in negotiations. Despite the highest youth participation ever, issues like lack of accessibility, inadequate training, and intergenerational gaps persist. It's time to move beyond symbolic gestures and ensure genuine youth involvement in climate decision-making. 🌍 Read more about their struggles and insights here in this article by Barbara Monticelli: https://lnkd.in/dus8zWTX #ClimateChange #YouthInvolvement #COP28 #RethinkingClimate

🤔 Have you also heard about how the last COP improved youth inclusion? Are you sure about that? And if so, in what terms? 👩🏼🤝👨🏽 We all know that youth, as future adults, are at the forefront of advocating for climate change, and it is evident how they are positively and strongly influencing the scene. Institutions and adults are starting to consider and involve them more and more compared to the past, recognizing their value, but at a certain level that is still not possible to be considered as a complete inclusion. Indeed at COP28, yes, the amount of youth who participated was definitely much higher compared to the previous COPs, which is a great and essential step forward since this opens the doors to many new opportunities for much more youth. However, let’s take a deeper look at this growth in youth participation from a more qualitative perspective. 🔍 Also according to the Youth Stocktake of UNFCCC Processes released by YOUNGO, what appears is that youth participating at COP28 were mainly restricted to observers. Indeed many of them did not have access to negotiations, and even those who did still had to deal with barriers that were affecting their effectiveness, with the consequence of being often excluded from the actual decision-making processes. 🚫 Do you think that there could be sings of youth washing in this matter? 👇🏻 Have a look at my article below “Youth involvement in COP28 negotiations: struggles behind the scenes” for Rethinking Climate to better explore this theme and let me know what you think about it! 🇮🇹 Ps You will soon find it in Italian as well, published by Osservatorio Parigi on their website!

🗣️ Loss & Damage has been among the most discussed topics of this last COP, starting with its fund operationalisation during the first day of the conference. 🤔 So, how much did youth know about it? Was their awareness and knowledge technical and well-supported, or was it more general and on the surface? And finally, what role do media play in this matter? 🔎 Find out the answers to these questions in this new article by Barbara Monticelli 👇🏻 #LossAndDamage #youth #media #ClimateChange #RethinkingClimate #Cop28

COP28 marked a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change, with a notable influence from the world's youth. The article, written by Lailamah Giselle Khan, emphasizes the critical role young people played in shaping discussions for a greener future. The youth's expectations for more ambitious emission reduction goals and increased investment in green technologies were met with innovative showcases at the GreenTech Expo, where groundbreaking concepts were presented. Notable achievements include a youth-led proposal for a 30% increase in national targets for renewable energy, despite diplomatic challenges. The establishment of the #ClimateAction Oversight Body (CAOB) stands out as a significant outcome, tasked with monitoring nations' progress towards climate goals. Despite challenges in achieving all ambitious goals, the article underscores the importance of youth-led initiatives, virtual demonstrations, and the global #ClimateActionNow movement. The younger generation's active involvement in policy discussions and the creation of CAOB reflect their influential role in shaping climate policy. As COP28 concludes, the article expresses optimism for continued advancements and closely monitors the effectiveness of initiatives like the CAOB in holding countries accountable for their climate actions. The piece also highlights the youth's aspirations for more collaborative efforts, increased support for green technologies, and comprehensive climate education worldwide. #COP28Outcomes #YouthClimateAction #GreenTechInnovation #ClimateAdvocacy #SustainableFuture #ClimateJustice #GlobalClimateChange #YouthLeadership #CAOBMonitoring #AmbitiousGoals #ClimateActionNow #GreenInnovation Bruno Gardner | Ahsan Kundi | Nazifa Ishaq | Eda Pärtel | Henry Unwin | Arif Rahman | Siva Niranjan | Muhammad Madni | Sherwan Asif | Monalisa Padhee, Ph.D.  | Jimmy Sah | Nandini Chaudhury  Global Initiative for UN Youth  | Climate People | The Climate Reality Project | U.S. Youth Climate Strike | Zero Hour | SustainUS | Young Women in Sustainable Development | (SDGs Today) | AIESEC | Power Shift Network | Greenpeace International | Youth Network for Sustainable Development (YNSD) | Youth For Sustainable Energy Fellowship | The Green Economy | Green youth association for sustainable development | Sustainable Travel International | Corporate Knights | Sustainable Business Network | Environmental Science & Technology Ltd | Sustainability Magazine | ChargePoint | WWF | CarbonCure Technologies | WM | SunPower Corporation | The Carbon Trust | ACCIONA https://lnkd.in/deDBepNr

🌞 Ready to Ignite Change? Join Us at COP29 Azerbaijan ! We're calling all youth to take action at COP29 Azerbaijan  for the “CALL TO ACTION TO YOUTH AS AMBASSADORS OF CHANGE”—where immediate, tangible solutions take center stage. This session isn’t about just talking; it’s about what you can do right now to drive the solar revolution. This isn’t just another talk—it’s a call to action. We need urgent solutions, and youth must lead. 🌍💡 🗓️ Date: 18 November 2024 🕒 Time: 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM AZT 📍 Venue: ISA Pavilion, The Solar Hub, COP29, Baku At ISA, we know the urgency of the climate crisis. This session will bring together influential voices from all sectors— from feminist activists advocating for women’s rights in Afghanistan, to US diplomat experienced negotiating the reduction of carbon emissions among businesses, to an academic researcher that completed her doctorate before 30, who will share concrete actions and practical advice on how we can all take immediate steps toward a solar-powered future. We’ll also be joined by Leyla Hasanova, Youth Climate Champion for COP29, known for her relentless advocacy and leadership in pushing youth engagement in climate action in Azerbaijan. 🚀 🌞Why Attend? This session is a call to action—the time to act is NOW. Youth must lead the charge in creating real, on-the-ground solutions for the climate crisis. 🌟 Get Practical Tools: Learn how to take immediate, real-world action from leaders who are already making a difference. 💡 Walk Away with Strategies: Discover clear steps to combat climate change, whether through policy, technology, or grassroots movements. 🔥 Fuel Your Drive: Leave ready to mobilize and take action to make an impact—starting today. 🌍✨ The ticking sound of the climate clock is growing louder. This is the moment—you must be part of it.☀️✨ Leyla Hasanova Gurleen Kaur, Ph.D. Borja Lopetegui Gonzalez Andrew Moffat Noor Ammar Lamarty

🌍 Day 8 at COP29: Empowering Youth and Children for a Sustainable Future 🌱 Today at COP29, Youth and Children’s Day took center stage, spotlighting the vital role of younger generations in driving innovative climate solutions and shaping a resilient future. Here’s what you need to know: 💡 Historic UN Carbon Market Agreement COP29 achieved a milestone with a groundbreaking agreement on a standardized framework for the UN carbon market. This framework enhances transparency, fosters international collaboration, and accelerates the global effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions. 🌱 Human Development in Action • The Baku Initiative for Climate Resilience was celebrated for empowering local communities to adapt to climate challenges with inclusive, community-driven solutions. • Azerbaijan launched its “Climate Friend” educational program, inspiring children and youth to embrace eco-friendly behaviors and take action for the planet. 📢 Advocacy for Youth and Children’s Rights Youth leaders demanded a seat at the decision-making table, calling for greater funding for youth-led initiatives and prioritizing children’s rights in climate policies. Their message is clear: the voices of the next generation must guide global climate strategies. 🌡️ Health at the Core of Climate Action The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized integrating health into climate strategies, addressing urgent issues like heatwaves, air quality, and equitable access to healthcare as part of a sustainable response to climate change. 🌍 Looking Forward Day 8 at COP29 reminds us that the future depends on empowering today’s youth and children. By amplifying their voices, supporting their ideas, and investing in their potential, we can collectively achieve a more sustainable and resilient planet. Let’s make sure every step forward includes the younger generation at the heart of climate action. #COP29 #YouthForClimate #ClimateAction #Sustainability #CarbonMarket #HumanDevelopment #ClimateResilience

🤯 Talking with many #youth at #COP28, several of them mentioned the difficulty of feeling prepared for the conference. It’s not easy to stay ready and follow what happens at COP, even if you are present there (and I can confirm this from personal experience). The topics discussed are vast and diverse, the conference area is enormous, and time flies faster than it seems (as always!). 🫠 Despite the high effort put into seeking information, understanding who will be present, and knowing which debates will be held, a sense of confusion and unpreparedness is still present, especially for first-time attendees. Could this be due to a gap in the information system and pre-COP communication? 🌎 For instance, #LossAndDamage is among the hot topics of recent COPs, as evidenced by the creation of its fund at COP27 and its operationalisation during the first day of COP28. So, how many youth were aware of it, and what did they know about it? 📰 What emerged is that the majority of the youth interviewed have probably been influenced by #media coverage in forming their opinions, particularly those with a more general and superficial awareness of the topic. So this brings to another question: how can media better #support youth on #technicaltopics like this, making them more #accessible and #engaging? The objective would be to create #curiosity and develop #criticalthinking, going beyond summarising brief information. 🔍 Find out more about these points in my new article for Rethinking Climate and let me know your thoughts!

Press Release: YouthNet Global Urges Urgent Action at COP29 for Climate Justice and Equity! As UN Climate Conference #COP29 enters its final week in Baku, YouthNet Global has called for immediate, decisive action on the most pressing climate issues facing vulnerable communities worldwide. With the conference marking a critical turning point in global climate negotiations, YouthNet Global is urging world leaders to prioritize climate finance, gender equity, and a Just Transition for all, especially youth and marginalized groups, who are already bearing the brunt of the climate crisis. Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of the YouthNet Global, is stressing the importance of fully funding the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) to support workers and communities affected by the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Rahman emphasized that the future of frontline communities hinges on more than just promises—it requires real financial commitments and policies that directly address the needs of the most vulnerable. "Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is here, and it is hitting the most marginalized groups the hardest. This includes youth, women, and gender-diverse populations, who face disproportionate impacts of climate-induced disasters like floods, droughts, and heatwaves. COP29 must translate words into action. We need a climate finance framework that is transparent, equitable, and inclusive," said Rahman. YouthNet Global also highlighted the need for gender-responsive climate policies, especially given the intersection of gender, race, class, and ability in climate impacts. Sohanur reiterated that a gender-transformative approach is crucial for long-term sustainability and resilience. "Women, girls, and gender-diverse populations are at the forefront of climate impacts, yet they are often left out of decision-making processes. This must change. We cannot talk about climate justice without addressing gender inequality. Gender equality is not an 'add-on'; it is central to achieving true climate justice," Rahman added. The organization also expressed concern over the slow progress in key areas, such as the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP) and the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), which aim to ensure adequate financial resources are available for developing countries to adapt to climate change. YouthNet Global called for immediate action to ensure that the financial mechanisms established at COP29 are resilient enough to drive real change in the most affected regions. As the conference draws to a close, YouthNet Global is urging negotiators to ensure that the voices of youth and vulnerable communities are not only heard but acted upon. The organization is calling for a final agreement that is grounded in justice, equity, and climate action that leaves no one behind.

Here is what I learned from and about youth leaders at #COP29 today: Youth are at the forefront of climate action, driving change with a passion that demands our attention and, more importantly, our response.   The climate crisis cannot be solved with words alone—it requires bold, decisive action that harnesses the strength, creativity and determination of young people around the world. At COP29, young negotiators and advocates amplified their voices, pushing for a future where climate policies are not just about addressing the present but also about protecting generations yet to come. They are not merely participants; they are leaders and visionaries today. Their presence at the negotiating table is transforming what it means to build a resilient and inclusive future. These youth advocates made it clear that their engagement is not just a hopeful addition to the discussion but a critical component of achieving equitable climate solutions. For UNICEF, COP29 represents a pivotal moment to turn advocacy into impact. We are not here to simply listen; we are here to work alongside young leaders to break down barriers to participation and empower them with the tools they need to influence policies. From providing meaningful opportunities to participate in the rooms where decisions are made, to training future negotiators and building lasting partnerships, our goal is to ensure youth voices are heard in every decision shaping our climate future. I also learned that many of the young negotiators of the Youth Negotiators Academy Climate Youth Negotiators Programme (CYNP) are now lead negotiators for different UNFCCC workstreams and some already Heads of Delegations. A true inspiration for young people striving to lead change everywhere. Thank you to Youth Negotiators Academy CYNP, Veena, Marie-Claire, Nathalie, Marwah, Beth, Michelle, Enkhuun and Lucky. #COP29 #Climate #COP29Azerbaijan #YouthNegotiator #CYNP #UNFCCC #ForEveryChild

Gen Z is not "lost"—they are leading the way. In my latest piece for Forbes.com, titled "From Baku to the Amazon: Eyes on COP30 as COP29 Disappoints," I highlight the incredible resilience and leadership of Gen Z climate advocates. These individuals are taking action where institutions have fallen short. Despite headlines that downplay their contributions, this generation is emerging as global catalysts for change, from the halls of COP29 to grassroots organizing in their communities. Their voices remind us that climate action isn't just a future goal—it's happening now. You can read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eyYa53Fx. As we wrap up 2024, I’m also excited to share my upcoming feature with Rev. Yearwood of the Hip Hop Caucus, which will spotlight the intersection of culture and climate activism. Stay tuned for my December Lessons Learned series, where I’ll reflect on a year dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental justice. Follow my work on Forbes.com: https://lnkd.in/esNGy-2d. #ClimateAction #GenZVoices #Sustainability #COP29 #COP30 #EnvironmentalJustice #Forbes Forbes