YOUth 4 COP
Voices to ignite Climate Action
Photo Credit: flickr/UNclimatechange / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
“Young people are the climate fighters our world needs.
We need their voice.
We need their action.
We need their ideas.”
-ANTÓNIO GUTERRES
Youth Voices at COP29
Mr. Achintya Ghosal from partner organization IYCN highlighted the Youth 4 COP initiative at COP 29, Baku, Azerbaijan. He emphasized the vital role of youth in advocating for climate justice, participating in negotiations, and influencing decision-making from the Global South.
Shaik Imran Hussain Choudhary, our Youth 4 COP achiever, attended COP 29 to amplify youth voices for climate action. Passionate about sustainable agriculture and food security in India, he highlighted concerns about the nation's food security amidst the escalating climate crisis.
COUNTDOWN TO #COP29
Roadmap, Engagement and Expectations
On 7th November, "COUNTDOWN TO #COP29: Roadmap, Engagement, and Expectations" webinar brought Youth 4 COP participants insights on COP 29’s roadmap. Moderated by Mr. Bhavesh Swami, with speakers Mr. Aditya Pundir from The Climate Reality India & South Asia, and Mr. Sanjay Vashisht from CANSA, the session emphasized youth involvement from the Global South, focusing on climate finance and bridging global divides. Key points included NDCs, the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), and social media strategies. Dr. Vivek Trivedi offered virtual badges, and Ms. Saumya provided guidelines to engage in COP 29’s campaigns.
Event at a Glance
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About the Program
Empowering youth to engage in policy making and negotiations is imperative in today's world. The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia is collaborating with partners who share a commitment to nurturing the next generation of climate leaders. Through "Youth 4 COP," our aim is to equip young minds with essential skills and empower them to contribute to a better future for all. Today's youth are the stewards of our planet, holding the key to effecting meaningful change. Our program seeks to provide young participants with a deeper understanding of COP processes and deliberations. They will be trained to articulate their ideas, concerns, and solutions effectively, ensuring their voices are heard. Furthermore, they will learn how to navigate the complexities of the COP platform, preparing them to actively participate in future deliberations. This pioneering initiative endeavours to cultivate leadership skills among youth participants encouraging them to ignite change through capacity building workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, and networking opportunities.
Photo Credit: flickr/UNclimatechange / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Mission
DEVELOP NEGOTIATION & LEADERSHIP SKILLS
The training equips participants to understand climate negotiations better.
Foster leadership through expert lectures, workshops & simulating exercises for a more meaningful global impact.
BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN THE GLOBAL NORTH
& SOUTH
Experience sharing & collaboration on Equity, Just Transition and on ground climate action.
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Learn and execute projects targeting climate solutions / challenges in diverse geographic regions.
Photo Credit: flickr/UNclimatechange / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
REPORT COP PROCESS ON DIVERSE MEDIA PLATFORMS
Utilise media tools to engage with global youth.
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Lead digital campaigns (blog posts, social media) to disseminate information on COP proceedings (day to day action, as it happens), as well as their implications and local scenarios.
Program Structure
Registration
Interested students can register for the ‘Youth 4 COP’ program for FREE by clicking on the registration link on this website. The registration form requires the students to fill their basic information and upload a passport size photo. The students need to submit a one page (max. 300 words) cover letter sharing details of past involvement in national or international events/workshops/conferences/on-ground climate action, including participation in climate policy making and negotiations, if any.
Benefits of Joining
BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF COP PROCESS
OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS
LEARN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION, ADVOCACY & MEDIA REPORTING
CONTRIBUTE TO GLOBAL CLIMATE ACTION &
NEGOTIATIONS
PLATFORM TO NETWORK AND MAKE CONNECTIONS
Program Details
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Registrations opening from: 20 June
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Last date for Registration: 10 July
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Eligibility: Age 18-30 years
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Interest in climate action and advocacy
FAQs
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Who can join the Youth for COP program?The program welcomes individuals aged 18 to 30 who are passionate about climate action and eager to make a meaningful impact.
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How can I apply for the Youth for COP program?Interested participants can apply by clicking the ‘Register Now’ floating button on the homepage of the official website. Additional details about the program timeline and application deadlines are also available on the site.
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Can Youth for COP participants attend COP events in person?The Youth for COP program does not include financial support for attending the official COP conference in person. However, it provides powerful opportunities to engage in global climate dialogues, build connections with changemakers across borders, and amplify your voice- right from wherever you are.
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Will I receive a certificate upon completing the program?Yes. Participants who complete the required components of the Youth for COP program will be eligible for certificates that formally recognize their engagement and learning during the program. Below are the criteria to receive the certificates: Certificate of Participation Awarded to participants who: • Complete at least 65% of the program (including sessions, workshops, and the post-COP session) • Score an average of 65% or above across cumulative assignments Certificate of Appreciation Awarded to participants who: • Complete 90% or more of the program • Score 65% or above across cumulative assignments These certificates reflect your active involvement, celebrate your commitment to climate leadership and can be a valuable addition to your profile.
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What is the total duration of the Youth for COP program?The Youth for COP program runs from late July to December, featuring thoughtfully spaced sessions, workshops and a post-COP debriefing session. To support flexibility, all program sessions and workshops are scheduled exclusively on weekends, making it easier for participants to balance their academic or professional commitments. A detailed timeline is available on the homepage of the website.