News and Insights
The Power of Youth and Resilience: Day Seven at COP29
November 20, 2024
Day Seven at COP29 in Baku was dedicated to Human Capital, Children and Youth, Health, and Education, placing the spotlight on the intersection of climate change and the rights and futures of young people. The day was imbued with a sense of urgency but also hope, as powerful voices demanded action while showcasing the strength of human resilience.
Voices of the Future: Children Lead the Way
In a moving session led by UNICEF youth advocates, children took centre stage to articulate their lived experiences with climate change. Their testimonies highlighted the devastating impacts of environmental degradation on education and health.
Georgina, a 10-year-old from Tanzania, painted a vivid picture of how climate change affects her community. “Climate change is making us sick in rural areas where there is no clean water. When boys and girls are sick, they miss school,” she said, pointing out the cascading effects on health and education. Despite these challenges, her actions speak volumes—she has planted over 1,000 trees and initiated ocean conservation clubs. Her plea to leaders was simple but profound: “When you protect the environment, you protect children’s health, education, and dreams.”
Similarly, Zunaira, a 14-year-old from Pakistan, emphasised the disproportionate impact of climate disasters on girls, who are often forced out of school during crises. “We don’t just need to be heard—it is our right to be heard,” she declared, urging immediate and tangible action.
Health and Education in the Climate Crosshairs
Discussions throughout the day underscored the undeniable link between climate change, health, and education. Delegates examined how rising temperatures and extreme weather events exacerbate waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and the disruption of educational systems. Calls for investments in climate-resilient schools and healthcare systems echoed across the halls.
Simon Stiell, the UN Climate Chief, captured the gravity of the moment, stating, “This year, we saw how every bit of preparation—every policy, every plan—makes the difference between life and death for millions of people around the world.”
Action on Finance: A Trillion-Dollar Question
As negotiators grappled with the contentious issue of climate finance, the day saw impassioned calls for equitable funding mechanisms. The divide between developed and developing nations remained stark, with debates on who should contribute and how much. Australia’s climate minister, Chris Bowen, described the negotiations as a “four-dimensional jigsaw puzzle,” highlighting the complexity of balancing financial quantum, accessibility, and contributor bases.
WWF’s Manuel Pulgar-Vidal bluntly said, “Climate finance is the fuel for emissions reductions. We must ensure this COP sends a strong signal to accelerate the just energy transformation.”
Youthful Optimism in the Face of Challenges
Despite slow progress in negotiations, the youthful energy on display provided a beacon of hope. From small-scale tree-planting initiatives to grassroots advocacy for clean energy, young people showcased how local actions could inspire global change. “Children around the globe face unique struggles because of climate change, but we also have unique solutions,” Zunaira said, embodying the optimism that permeated the day.
A Call to Courage
COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev closed the day with a rousing call for bravery. Acknowledging the frustrations voiced by many, he urged politicians to “move faster” and deliver a deal that aligns with the summit’s ambitions. “The highest possible level of ambition is indeed difficult and requires courage. Colleagues, now is the time to be brave.”
As discussions continue into the final stretch, Day Seven stood as a testament to the power of youth, resilience, and the unyielding demand for justice. In the words of Georgina, “A healthy, educated child can change the world.” That message resonates deeply, offering a clarion call for the leaders in Baku to ensure no child is left behind in the fight for a sustainable future.
POSTED BY: Chris Nial
