What we do
Why we do it
A healthy and sustainable environment is the foundation of an equitable, functioning society and the basis for prosperity and security. There is no doubt that humanity is facing an ecological and climate crisis. Youth and future generations are amongst the ones who will feel the most impact. Ultimately, this generation of young people, and all the ones to come, will have to live with the decisions that are being made about the environment and climate change today.
The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Special Report on 1.5ºC of Warming made the urgency of climate change clear: we must take immediate action to drastically reduce net global anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas Emissions and reach net-zero around 2050. Reports show that the current NDC commitments made by Parties to the Paris Agreement will not meet the emission reductions needed to limit global warming to 1.5ºC. In 2020, Parties will officially submit their revised domestic climate action plan for the next 5-10 years. We plan to engage and empower the youth in the design and implementation of the new round of ambitious and realistic NDCs. Because climate actions without the consultation and direct involvement of youth and future generations become incomplete and insufficient.

1. Get in contact
The first step is to get in contact with as many youth (organisations) as possible, that want to share their view on sustainable solutions for their country. Ideally, these are from a background that is diverse in its geographic, socioeconomic, religious, political and other differentiating demographic factors. Diverse voices and opinions make for more creative and realistic solutions. In addition, it means your united voice carries more weight when being presented to policy makers.

2. Organise a Climate Dialogue
A Climate Dialogue is an event where the youth (representatives) of your network come together to discuss the problems and possible solutions regarding sustainable living in your country in 2050. By talking about different themes, such as transport or food security, the youth will hear each others points of views, and will aim to reach a consensus on each identified problem and its solution.

3. Write the Youth Climate Agenda
This is a vision document that outlines the consensus reached during the Climate Dialogue. In this, the different themes chosen, will be further discussed, and the shared youth vision for sustainable solutions will be presented. This document will be the basis of your future lobby strategy.

4. Time to lobby
Then it is time to present the Agenda to local and national policy makers and urge for a seat at the table. Network, find out what important events or meetings are happening when, and aim to be involved in the decision making processes. The Dutch Embassy is a valuable partner here. They can open doors and provide some more inside information.

5. COP
Although the Agendas of all countries will have already been presented to national policy makers, at the Conference of the Parties we will symbolically present the Agendas to each of the participating countries. In addition, we will present the Global Partnership in other ways, to create a higher awareness of the importance of the voice of youth. This is an important event, but the journey doesn’t end here. Also after, we will continue to fight for our voices to be heard.