Moderator: Daniela Maral
"Hi everyone, good morning. It's really nice to be here with you today. I'm Daniela Maral, one of the executive directors of Inu AED, an organization in Brazil that discusses climate change, gender issues, peace, and security, and other important things that youth need to be a part of. I'm glad to be here with you today, and I’m also glad that you accepted the invite to be here, discussing with the youth people from around the world. I appreciate the people who are here in person and also the ones who are watching us online.
I hope you enjoy this conversation, and I hope we can get out of here with good news and good commitments because this is an issue we’ve been talking about since COP28. There’s a global framework being made, aimed to be launched at COP30, but we still have time to figure out the best way to do it.
So, I’d like to start by saying that I’ve just returned from a regional conference, the Regional Conference of Youth for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2024. We discussed the issues and emergencies that young people from this continent face, and how it's critical for authorities around the world to pay attention to this, as Latin America is the second-most-affected region by climate change. And it's also a region with a lot of youth being impacted by these effects that are going around the world.
I'm a little nervous today, but thank you for being here, and I hope this is a place where we can talk together. I hope we can see how youth from around the world can be part of these discussions because it’s not easy. There are a lot of difficulties, especially with language barriers and the costs to come to places like New York, which is not easy for many. Children and young people will be the most impacted by climate change, and they continue to be excluded from formal decision-making processes. We have data showing that one in four young people is estimated to live in settings affected by armed conflict or violence, and many of the countries most vulnerable to climate change have young populations. Yet, we are not included in a lot of roundtables or big spaces where we can talk about our realities and offer our perspectives.
I want to make a point that youth from indigenous communities, Black communities, women, transgender people, and others like extractivists—what we call them in Brazil—and quilombolas (Afro-Brazilian communities) need to be part of this conversation.
Just to point out, from this roundtable, we expect to get back commitments, as well as a platform that can catalyze joint action and climate-responsive peace and security. We also want to ensure meaningful participation and address interconnected global challenges.
Another important point is to see peace and security not only as the traditional violent conflicts we see in the news but also the covert violence that young people experience worldwide. This violence might not always be in the headlines, but it’s there. In Brazil, for example, we have Black people, indigenous people, and marginalized communities suffering violence every single day.
So, it’s important to look at peace and security in this broader sense, including the lack of education and health systems that support young people. I hope you understand what I’m trying to say, and now I’d like to listen to all of you too."

"Okay, now I would like to invite Leila Hassanova, who is the COP29 Presidency Youth Climate Champion, to speak. The floor is yours."

Leila Hassanova:
"Thank you, Daniela, and good morning, everyone. It’s a pleasure to be here, and I’m delighted to assume the role of COP29 Youth Climate Champion. I’d like to thank COP28 Presidency, UNFPA, the Global Coalition on Youth, Peace, and Security, and YOUNGO for recognizing the importance of the youth, peace, and climate security nexus and initiating this process for developing a common framework.
My mandate as COP29 Youth Climate Champion is to facilitate the meaningful and inclusive engagement of children and youth in climate action, including within UNFCCC processes. It’s important that we continue building on the momentum from COP28, and I am truly excited to carry forward this mandate.
As we look ahead to COP29, it’s essential to amplify youth voices in shaping inclusive and sustainable climate solutions. This collaborative approach is critical in addressing the challenges of our time. We must ensure that youth, peace, and security principles are integrated into climate action.
I want to express my gratitude to the COP28 team and the incoming COP29 Presidency for their commitment to this cause. We are on a journey toward bringing forward this critical agenda, and I look forward to continuing these discussions at COP29 and beyond.
Thank you very much, and I wish us all a productive discussion."

Moderator: Daniela Maral
"Thank you, Leila, for your remarks and your leadership. Now, I’d like to invite Dian Kay, the Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director for Programs at UNFPA, to deliver her opening remarks. The floor is yours."

Dian Kay:
"Thank you, Daniela, for your excellent moderation. Good morning, everyone, and thank you to all the participants for joining us. Excellencies, dear colleagues, and young leaders, it’s a great pleasure to have you all here today.
At UNFPA, we’ve been focusing on youth-inclusive approaches to conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and climate action, and we are deeply committed to advancing these agendas. We believe that the involvement of young people is critical, as they are disproportionately impacted by climate change and armed conflicts.
This is a pivotal moment for us to take stock of progress in developing the global framework on youth, peace, and climate security. Since COP28, we’ve seen growing recognition of the importance of integrating climate, peace, and security with a focus on youth leadership.
Today’s roundtable offers an opportunity to discuss concrete commitments and next steps. UNFPA will continue to support national and subnational data systems to understand climate risk, resource strain, and conflict dynamics, and we will work with youth organizations to ensure that climate resilience and peacebuilding efforts are inclusive and data-driven.
I’d like to thank the COP29 Presidency, YOUNGO, and our UN partners, including UNDP, UNICEF, and UNESCO, for their leadership and commitment. We must continue working together to finalize the framework and ensure its effective implementation by COP30 in Brazil.
Let’s choose wisely, act boldly, and leave a legacy of hope for future generations. Thank you very much."

Moderator: Daniela Maral
"Thank you very much, Dian, for your insightful remarks and for highlighting the importance of data-driven approaches. Now, I’d like to invite Ambassador Signe Jensen, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Denmark to the United Nations, to speak. The floor is yours."

Ambassador Signe Jensen (Denmark):
"Thank you, Daniela, and congratulations on your leadership of this roundtable. You’ve done a fantastic job so far.
Excellencies, distinguished guests, fellow panelists, and young advocates, it’s a great honor to be part of this important discussion today.
Denmark has been deeply committed to the agendas of peace, security, and climate for a long time. Historically, we have engaged separately with peace and security on one side and climate on the other, but more recently, we’ve recognized the need to bring these agendas together.
Young people must be part of the solution. They are already key actors in their communities, and we must ensure their voices are heard and their ideas are included at the decision-making level, whether that’s in Denmark or at the global level.
As part of our commitment, Denmark will continue to support the development of the Global Youth, Peace, and Climate Security Framework. We believe that this framework will provide critical guidance for member states, NGOs, and youth organizations to take action on these interconnected challenges.
Additionally, as a newly elected member of the UN Security Council, Denmark will work to ensure that youth participation is prioritized in discussions on peace and security. We have a long tradition of engaging civil society in our national decision-making processes, and we will continue to share our experiences and support youth inclusion in governance.
I also want to acknowledge the inspiring work being done by Madagascar, and I’m looking forward to hearing from other colleagues as well.
Thank you again for this opportunity to speak, and I look forward to our continued collaboration. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there are ways we can assist in amplifying youth voices.
Thank you."

Moderator: Daniela Maral:
"Thank you, Ambassador Jensen, for sharing Denmark’s commitment to youth inclusion and for your remarks about the Global Youth, Peace, and Climate Security Framework. Now, I’d like to invite AB Mustafa, the Minister of Youth and Sports from Madagascar, to share his country’s commitments. The floor is yours."

AB Mustafa (Madagascar):
"Thank you, Daniela.
Good morning, everyone. I’m deeply honored to be here today as Madagascar’s newly appointed Minister of Youth and Sports. Youth, peace, and climate security are critical issues for our country, and I’m excited to contribute to this important conversation.
Madagascar is a youthful nation—over 70% of our population is under 30 years old. These young people are disproportionately affected by climate change and its many consequences, including conflict and displacement.
For example, in the southern part of Madagascar, severe droughts have forced between 250,000 to 500,000 people to move to other regions. Many of these people are children and young people who are now vulnerable to violence, harassment, and even ethnic conflict.
Our government, led by President Andry Rajoelina, is deeply committed to supporting youth and promoting peace and climate security. Recently, our ministry adopted a National Youth Strategy, which was approved by the government. This strategy focuses on empowering young people through community action plans. These plans are created by youth associations and groups, and they address critical issues such as peacebuilding, corruption, climate change, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
One key component of this strategy is the development of intergenerational dialogues, where youth can present their plans to stakeholders and receive support and guidance for implementation.
In Madagascar, young people are already aware of the issues they face, and they are taking action. Our role as policymakers is to support and facilitate their efforts.
I am here today to learn from all of you, and I would love to hear your experiences with projects related to peacebuilding and climate change. I’m confident that we can work together to identify best practices and find ways to support the youth of Madagascar.
I would also like to take this opportunity to invite partners to support Malagasy youth. As I mentioned, more than 70% of our population is under 30, and Madagascar is an underdeveloped country. What we are discussing here today—peace, climate security, and youth participation—are issues that affect us every day.
It is incredibly important for us to be here, raising these voices. My government, led by President Rajoelina, has made youth empowerment a top priority, and we have brought six young delegates with us from Madagascar to participate in this high-level debate.
By investing in youth empowerment, promoting peace, and addressing climate change, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Let us work together to build a world where young people can thrive and contribute to a peaceful and prosperous planet. Let us leave a legacy of hope for the next generation.
Thank you."

Moderator: Daniela Maral:
"Thank you, Minister Mustafa, for sharing Madagascar’s experience and for your country’s commitment to empowering youth. Your words are a reminder of how critical these issues are.
Next, I’d like to invite Dan McQueen, Senior Director for the COP28 Presidency, to deliver his remarks. The floor is yours."

Dan McQueen (Senior Director, COP28 Presidency):
"Thank you, Daniela, and thank you to UNFPA for hosting this important discussion.
It’s a privilege to be here today with such distinguished colleagues and committed youth advocates.
As we reflect on the outcomes of COP28, I’d like to highlight some of the key findings we uncovered, particularly around climate finance. One of the most glaring issues that came up during our discussions was the financing gap in fragile and conflict-affected countries. These countries—many of which are experiencing humanitarian crises—receive the least amount of climate finance.
On average, countries facing conflict or fragility receive 50% less per capita climate finance, and in some cases, it’s as much as 80 times less. This is a huge issue, especially when you look at the levels of finance reaching youth and women in these regions.
As we look ahead to COP29, we need to focus on closing this gap and ensuring that youth organizations in fragile countries are receiving the support they need.
One of the positive outcomes from COP28 was the creation of specialized finance windows for youth organizations. These windows allow donors to allocate funds specifically for youth-led projects. It’s challenging because many donors are concerned about accountability, especially when the grants are small—often $5,000 or less. But through these specialized finance windows, we were able to get money to targeted groups.
Another successful approach has been mainstreaming youth participation in climate programs. We are working on ensuring that youth are consulted in the design and evaluation of climate programs, especially in fragile countries.
I also want to talk about the inclusion piece. Even when youth are lucky enough to participate in these decision-making spaces, they are often not from the most vulnerable countries. The additional costs of travel and logistics often prevent young people from conflict-affected regions from attending these global events.
At COP28, we launched an International Youth Delegates Program with over 100 youth from around the world. We made sure to prioritize youth from small island developing states and least developed countries, especially those facing conflict and climate fragility. We also worked with YOUNGO to support local Conferences of Youth (COYs) in countries where climate is a major factor in fragility, like Syria and Afghanistan. These local COYs feed into the larger Conference of Youth that happens at each COP.
Looking forward to COP29, we are committed to continuing these efforts. We will be working closely with Leila Hassanova and the COP29 Presidency to ensure that peace, relief, and recovery remain at the center of the climate agenda.
Thank you again for this opportunity, and I look forward to continuing our work together."

Moderator: Daniela Maral:
"Thank you, Dan, for sharing these insights and for highlighting the critical importance of closing the climate finance gap, particularly for youth in fragile regions.
Next, I’d like to invite Jorge Valderrábano, representing YOUNGO, to share his thoughts. The floor is yours."

Jorge Valderrábano (YOUNGO Peace and Security Working Group):
"Thank you, Daniela, and thank you to everyone here for this opportunity to speak. My name is George Val, and I work with Ágora, an organization focused on youth, peace, and security. I also lead the Peace and Security Working Group within YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the UNFCCC.
I appreciate this chance to speak about how we can continue to follow paths toward peace and find solutions based on sustainable development to achieve the SDGs.
First, I want to point out that, as youth, we face a critical issue around funding. This is something that constantly holds us back. Youth organizations and networks struggle to find funding and support from UN agencies, member states, and other stakeholders.
The responsibility to help us lies with the member states. Governments should prioritize our needs and invest in projects that can prevent violence and promote peace. But in reality, many youth networks, NGOs, and organizations are collaborating and trying to find grants or other funding to support their work. However, the mechanisms are not always there for us to access that support.
In Ágora, we focus on funding opportunities for youth, helping them apply for calls for funding. Meanwhile, in YOUNGO, we focus more on advocacy and ensuring youth are part of decision-making spaces like this one. But I think there’s a huge gap between advocacy and project implementation, and we need to bridge that.
How can we advocate and push for our ideas while also finding the support we need to implement projects on the ground?
Another point I want to raise is the lack of integration between UNFCCC mechanisms and other UN decision-making processes. Many UN agencies don’t use the official channels within the UNFCCC to support participation from civil society and marginalized communities.
There’s also an issue with corruption in these spaces. I’m sorry to say this, but participation often depends on connections and who you know, rather than merit. It’s not always a meritocracy. People are able to participate because they are privileged or because they know someone within the system who can help them get involved.
If we institutionalize the participation mechanisms, using official channels, we can make sure the people who actually need help are the ones receiving it—not just those with the right connections. This is crucial for us to build peace and address the climate crisis.
I also want to stress the need for accountability and monitoring. We’ve talked a lot about involving youth in decision-making, but how are we tracking these efforts? How are we ensuring that youth participation is meaningful and not tokenistic?
The lack of integration between UNFCCC mechanisms and other UN processes, as well as the need for proper monitoring and evaluation, are key concerns. We need to know what governments and UN agencies are doing to improve these processes and to see whether we’re making progress.
Thank you very much."

Moderator: Daniela Maral:
"Thank you, Jorge, for your honest and powerful intervention. Your points about funding, participation, and accountability are very important, and I’m sure they resonate with many of us here. Now, I would like to invite Vanessa White, the Global Lead on Conflict Prevention from UNICEF, to share her thoughts. The floor is yours, Vanessa."

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Vanessa White:
"Thank you, Daniela, and thank you to all the participants for their dedication to this important conversation. I am honored to be here today representing UNICEF.
At UNICEF, we are deeply aware that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a children’s rights crisis. Children are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In fact, over 1 billion children are currently at ‘extremely high risk’ due to climate-related disasters, including floods, droughts, and extreme temperatures. These conditions create instability, conflict, and displacement, exacerbating the challenges that many children face on a daily basis.
We know that children and youth are disproportionately affected by conflict and climate change, yet they are also the key to solving these crises. UNICEF is committed to ensuring that young people are not just victims of these challenges but agents of change in their communities.
We have launched programs aimed at building climate resilience, which combine peacebuilding and climate action at the grassroots level. In regions like the Sahel, for instance, we are focusing on conflict prevention through education, water security, and youth engagement. We also emphasize the role of peace education to foster social cohesion and to build the capacity of young people to be leaders in their communities.
One initiative I’m particularly proud of is our Climate Action for Peacebuilding Project, which involves creating spaces where children can participate in community dialogues and decision-making processes. These platforms allow children and youth to advocate for climate justice while also addressing local peace and security concerns.
Another area of our focus is climate financing for children. We’re working with governments and partners to ensure that investments in climate resilience include targeted support for the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.
It’s clear that we cannot talk about climate action without talking about peace, and we cannot talk about peace without considering the futures of children and youth.
In closing, I want to say that UNICEF is committed to continuing our work alongside youth advocates, governments, and partners to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable, and climate-resilient world.
Thank you, and I look forward to continuing the discussion."

Moderator: Daniela Maral:
"Thank you, Vanessa, for sharing such crucial insights into how UNICEF is integrating climate resilience into peacebuilding and ensuring that children and youth are at the heart of the solution. Your work is truly inspiring. Next, I would like to invite Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO, to share her testimony. Gabriela, the floor is yours."

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Gabriela Ramos - Assistant Director-General, UNESCO

Gabriela Ramos:
"Thank you, Daniela, and greetings to everyone. It’s an honor to be part of this important discussion. At UNESCO, we firmly believe that the climate crisis is a crisis of humanity—a crisis that touches every aspect of our lives, from peace to education, and from culture to heritage.
But let’s be clear: young people are the key to addressing these interconnected crises. They are not just the future; they are the present. And they are already leading movements for climate justice, human rights, and peace across the world.
UNESCO’s mission is to empower youth by equipping them with the tools, skills, and knowledge they need to tackle these global challenges. One of our flagship programs is the Youth as Researchers Project, where we support young people to conduct research on climate change, human rights, and peacebuilding. This gives them a platform to bring forward their findings and recommendations to policymakers.
In addition, we have been promoting intergenerational dialogues to foster understanding and cooperation between young people and decision-makers. For example, in regions like the Caribbean and Jamaica, we have facilitated dialogues where youth leaders and local governments work together to create climate adaptation strategies.
Education is at the heart of UNESCO’s work, and we see it as a key peacebuilding tool. Through our Education for Sustainable Development framework, we are ensuring that climate education is integrated into curricula worldwide. This approach not only raises awareness but also empowers young people to take action.
We also understand the importance of protecting environmental defenders, many of whom are young people. UNESCO, through its World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves, is working to safeguard these individuals who are on the front lines of defending their communities from environmental destruction and exploitation.
Lastly, I want to mention our work on cultural resilience. Climate change threatens not only the environment but also the cultural heritage of many communities. Through initiatives like the ResiliArt Movement, we are helping youth in the cultural sector create innovative solutions to preserve their heritage in the face of climate impacts.
UNESCO will continue to work with young people to build a more sustainable, peaceful, and resilient world. We need youth leadership at the heart of this conversation. We need to listen to their ideas, invest in their projects, and ensure that they are part of the decision-making processes at every level.
Thank you very much."

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Moderator: Daniela Maral:
"Thank you so much, Gabriela, for highlighting UNESCO’s invaluable work in education, culture, and youth empowerment. Your words remind us of the crucial role of youth as both protectors and innovators in the climate and peace space. Now, I would like to welcome Rosario Gavito, representing Millennials Movement and UNO Americas. Rosario, please go ahead."

Rosario Gavito - Millennials Movement, UNO Americas

Rosario Gavito:
"Thank you, Daniela, and a big thank you to everyone here for your incredible contributions today. I’m here today representing the Millennials Movement and UNO Americas, where we work closely with youth to push for sustainable, inclusive development in Latin America.
One of the key issues we have been focusing on is the Escazú Agreement, the first environmental human rights agreement in Latin America and the Caribbean. It’s groundbreaking in that it recognizes the rights of environmental defenders, many of whom are youth. These young people are standing up for their communities, fighting against deforestation, mining, and the exploitation of natural resources.
However, we face many challenges. One of the biggest is that youth environmental defenders face intimidation, harassment, and even violence. There are still places where speaking out for the environment can cost you your life.
That’s why we need to raise awareness and increase protection for these youth. We have been advocating for the full implementation of the Escazú Agreement, and we are calling on all governments in the region to adopt its provisions and protect young environmental defenders.
At Millennials Movement, we’re also working with young leaders on the ground to develop climate action plans that are not just about reducing emissions but also about building resilience and equity.
We need data-driven policies and youth-focused climate financing mechanisms to make sure that young people can take their projects to the next level. We’re pushing for this through our partnerships with organizations like UNO Americas.
Finally, I want to emphasize the importance of solidarity. We can’t do this alone. Climate change and environmental degradation are global problems, and we need a collective response. Young people are already leading the way, but they need support from policymakers, institutions, and communities.
Let’s make sure that youth voices are heard and that they are empowered to take meaningful action. Thank you."

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Moderator: Daniela Maral:
"Thank you, Rosario, for your passionate advocacy and for shining a light on the courageous work of youth environmental defenders. Your call for solidarity is one we must all take seriously. Now, I’d like to invite Dr. Will Bak, Chief of Program at UNFPA, to conclude our panel with his remarks. Dr. Bak, the floor is yours."

Dr. Will Bak - Chief of Program, UNFPA

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Dr. Will Bak:
"Thank you, Daniela, and thank you to all the panelists for the powerful contributions we’ve heard today. I’m Dr. Will Bak, and I am here on behalf of UNFPA, where we are committed to supporting youth-led initiatives, particularly in areas affected by conflict and climate change.
As we’ve heard today, climate change is a threat multiplier. It exacerbates existing inequalities and disproportionately affects the world’s most vulnerable populations, including youth. In conflict-affected areas, the situation is even more dire.
At UNFPA, we focus on ensuring that young people are not only survivors of these crises but are also given the opportunity to be leaders in climate resilience and peacebuilding efforts.
Our program on youth, peace, and security integrates climate action into peacebuilding strategies. In regions like Niger and Sudan, we’re working with local youth networks to develop projects that both mitigate climate risks and address the root causes of conflict.
One of the critical lessons we’ve learned is that peacebuilding and climate action must be locally driven. It’s the young people on the ground who know their communities best, and they are the ones coming up with the most innovative solutions.
We are also working to secure funding for youth-led climate initiatives. Many of the young leaders we partner with have amazing ideas, but they struggle to access the financial resources needed to implement them. That’s why UNFPA is advocating for dedicated funding streams for youth-led projects.
Finally, I want to emphasize that we need to move beyond seeing young people as just beneficiaries of programs. They are our partners in peace and climate security. We must continue to create spaces where their ideas are heard, and more importantly, acted upon.
At UNFPA, we will continue to work with all of you to ensure that youth are at the forefront of building a more peaceful and climate-resilient world.
Thank you."

Moderator: Daniela Maral:
"Thank you, Dr. Bak, for your closing words and for highlighting the importance of youth-led initiatives in both climate resilience and peacebuilding. We are grateful to all the panelists for their incredible contributions today."