LocationsConference on empowering young people for climate action
November 1, 2024
Young people do not want to be passive observers
"We don't want to be passive observers," said the young people at the conference held on October 31, 2924 to the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The goal of this event was to emphasize the urgent need for more intensive action in the fight against climate change and highlight the key role of young people in building a more resilient future.
Saša Magazinović, Victor Munteanu, Ingrid Macdonald
The conference "Empowering young people for climate action" was jointly organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), under the auspices of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the eve of COP29 (Conference of the Parties to the Framework of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change - UNFCCC), which will be held from November 11 to 22, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, with the participation of a delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The conference served as a platform for dialogue on climate challenges, enabling young climate activists to present their ideas and recommendations to decision-makers, parliamentarians from across the country gathered within the Green Club.
Saša Magazinović
Saša Magazinović, member of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina and chairman of the Green Club, thanked the United Nations and UN agencies for organizing this conference, as well as for the support they provide to Bosnia and Herzegovina in this area, and stated:
"In not enough decision-makers participate in the fight against the consequences of climate change. While some run away from the unknown, others do not want to leave their comfort zone. Unfortunately, with the consequences we are witnessing, nature warns us that we don't have too much time. Awareness of personal responsibility and the possibility to act is important. This is a prerequisite for collective action. Activities with which we will encourage as many people as possible, especially decision-makers, to join and help in the fight against the consequences of climate change are the focus of the Green Club. It is a pleasure to carry out activities with young people in this direction".
The need for proactive measures was also highlighted at the Conference, as climate change is one of the biggest challenges today, and the recent catastrophic floods have further highlighted the vulnerability of communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ingrid Macdonald
Ingrid Macdonald, resident coordinator of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized the commitment of the United Nations to climate action and the importance of the role of young people:
"The climate crisis is not abstract; it is an urgent threat that endangers every aspect of our lives, manifesting itself through increasingly frequent and intense fires, floods and droughts. As United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned, this is a 'red alert for humanity.' Bosnia and Herzegovina is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33.2% by 2030. However, solving this crisis requires the active participation of all, especially underrepresented groups, such as women, indigenous peoples, local communities and Young people are not only leaders; they are also the drivers of change that we need. Their voices must be a priority in making decisions. The United Nations is completely dedicated to cooperation with young leaders and local authorities in order to take the necessary steps to fulfill the promises of the Paris Agreement and preserve our common future. Together we can respond to the climate crisis and build a sustainable future for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the world, not only in the light of COP29, but also afterwards."
Layla Jusko
Layla Jusko, youth representative, climate activist, and organizer of the Local Youth Conference for Climate Action (LCOY), presented the recommendations of young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina for COP29, which are the result of research and focus groups involving more than 400 young people. LCOY is a key platform that brings together young people with the aim of actively engaging in solving climate problems through discussions, workshops and the exchange of ideas. This local version of the global Youth Conference for Climate Action, which is part of YOUNGO (the official youth branch of the UNFCCC), is being held for the second year in a row in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the LCOY event, which will be held from November 2 to 3 in Sarajevo, 70 young leaders will discuss the topics that young people across the country have set as priorities for this year's COP29.
"At a time when the consequences of climate change are increasingly pronounced, young people recognize the urgency of climate action and the need for clear, decisive steps. Our goal is to send a clear message - young people do not want to be passive observers. We are advocating changes and are ready to cooperate in order to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina,"
said Layla.
At the Conference, it was concluded that young people are key partners in climate decision-making, with special emphasis on their essential role in education and proactive action to advance the climate agenda in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was emphasized that it is necessary to strengthen their role so that they can make a more significant contribution to the creation of climate policies that directly affect their future.
