There are 1.8 billion young people in the world, making up the largest generation in history. Despite being critical stakeholders in climate action, young people often face underrepresentation in decision-making processes due to inadequate technical, political, and financial support. They confront numerous challenges, including unemployment, poverty, discrimination based on age, gender, experience, and capabilities, and lack of access to information, opportunities, financing, education, healthcare, and social protection. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensure their full participation in society and decision-making processes, including on climate.
Climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, ongoing conflicts, political instability, and economic crises profoundly affect children and youth. Despite these challenges, their knowledge, energy, and perseverance have sparked a global movement demanding bold climate measures from leaders while also leading initiatives within their countries and communities.
Meaningful youth participation
Meaningful youth participation in policymaking and youth empowerment is a fundamental human right, aligned with the right to a healthy environment. Ensuring youth-inclusive processes in climate negotiations, policymaking, implementation, monitoring, and accountability is essential. That is why stakeholders must support youth capacity development and youth-led climate initiatives to ensure their voices are heard and included in climate policies and decisions.
Photo: Connect4Climate
UNDP's commitment
UNDP recognises the urgent need to address the rights, needs, and aspirations of young people, particularly considering the disproportionate burdens the climate crisis places on them and future generations.
Within UNDP's extensive portfolio, climate action is integrated with peacebuilding efforts. Recognising the important role of youth leadership in addressing both peace and climate security challenges, UNDP invests in supporting partnerships between young peacebuilders and climate activists.
Moreover, UNDP actively promotes youth empowerment through various avenues, including social entrepreneurship, green job creation, facilitating participation in local decision-making processes, supporting youth-led climate projects, and providing safe spaces for young environmental defenders.
Photo: Priscilla Mora / UNDP Costa Rica 2019
UNDP Rome Centre youth initiatives
The Youth4Climate initiative, co-led by the Government of Italy and UNDP, supports the implementation of youth-led and youth-inclusive solutions to environmental and climate challenges. Through the 2024 Call for Solutions, young people (aged 18-29) and youth-led organisations can apply for monetary awards of up to USD 30,000 to implement their innovative solutions in areas like Climate & Environmental Literacy, Sustainable Energy, Food & Agriculture, Natural Assets, and Sustainable Consumption and Production.
In 2023, Youth4Climate provided funding to 50 projects from 39 countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Samoa, and many more. Over 14 thousand members from around the world have additionally joined the Youth4Climate online community of practice, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for youth.
Locations
