One Young World at COP

One Young World at COP

The world is at a crossroads with unparalleled levels and extent of the climate crisis. Young people are particularly at the forefront of combatting the climate crisis by demonstrating exceptional leadership. 

 


At One Young World, we are committed to furthering youth representation globally by empowering and developing young leaders to build a sustainable future for all. These young leaders within the One Young World global community are from a wide array of sectors, disciplines, and nations and are part of shaping the conversation around much-needed climate action.

 

 

Our goal for COP29 is to have One Young World Ambassadors at the table, debating important issues relating to climate action, innovation and solutions. It is our primary purpose to have young leaders part of the decision-making process that will not only affect this present generation but as important stakeholders for future generations.

What is the COP Blue Zone?

The Blue Zone is essential to the COP process. It hosts negotiations, delegations and observer organisations to exchange ideas and share their work during panel discussions, side events, exhibits and cultural events. However, not all COP attendees have access to the Blue Zone.


Progress on climate action depends on young leaders' participation, and ensuring our attending Ambassadors have access to the Blue Zone at COP29 enables contribution to decision-making and collaboration with others. This way, they will amplify their contributions to the conversations and drive actionable impact and change

One Young World in numbers at the COP29 Conference

10 +

events in Blue Zone

10 +

events in Green Zone

40 +

One Young World Ambassadors attending the conference

One Young World Ambassadors at COP29 events

Blue Zone Highlight Sessions

13 Nov 2024 14:00 - 15:00

Global Youth Leadership in Climate Action

Global Youth Leadership in Climate Action, hosted by COMSATS, brings together young leaders to discuss pressing climate challenges and solutions. This session will feature a distinguished speaker sharing insights on global climate action, moderated by 13-year old climate activist Emaan Danish Khan.

 

Ambassador: Serena Bashal

Pakistan Pavilion, Blue Zone

 

COMSATS (an international intergovernmental organization comprising 27 member states)

15 - 16 Nov 2024 18:15 - 19:30

Asia-Europe Climate Leaders Forum

Uniting Asia and Europe climate leaders to create interregional collaboration

 

Ambassador: Nathaniel Diong

Major Pavillion


Future Minds Network  & Asia Europe Foundation

18 Nov 2024 12:30 - 14:30

The Importance and Strategies of ESD in Responding to the Era of Climate Catastrophe

This session will explore ways to apply the outcomes of the UN’s 2022 Transforming Education Summit (TES) and the 2024 Summit of the Future (SOTF) to higher education policies and philosophies. The event will feature speakers from the SDSN Korea network, SDSN Youth, and the SDG Academy.

 

Ambassador: Antonio Díaz Aranda

Korea Pavilion, Blue Zone

 

SDSN Korea, Green Leadership Centre.

18 Nov 2024 13:00 - 14.30

Future in Action - Youth Engagement in National Youth Climate Policies

This side event aims to strengthen the includion of young people in national climate strategies particularly in the development and implementation of NDCs and National Adaptation Plans.

 

Ambassador: Hillary Briffa

Burundi Pavilion

 

Burundi Pavilion and ISHAKA 2250

18 Nov 2024 15:00 - 16:30

High-Level Side Event: Developing Communities Through Creative Climate Financing

Ambassador: Rza Aliyev

NGIC/UNDP Pavilion

 

NGIC & Joyce Banda Foundation

18 Nov 2024 14:30 - 15:15

Shared Tomorrow: Intergenerational Justice and Climate Action

Integrating long-term thinking is fundamental to defining public policies capable of responding effectively to the climate crisis facing Humanity. Only in this way will it be possible to avoid acting only having in mind the problems that seem most urgent, which, despite the immediate pressure they may exert, may not be the most pressing, or whose short-term resolution may lead to solutions that exacerbate medium / long-term problems.

 

Ambassador: Antonio Díaz Aranda

Portugal Pavilion

 

ZERO - Association for the Sustainability of the Earth System in Portugal, in partnership with the Portuguese Ministry of the Environment and Energy.

19 Nov 2024 13:15 - 14:15

Building Connections That Matter: Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities with Traditional Lifestyles, Scientists, and Policy Makers

A panel to discuss how Indigenous and traditional knowledge are critical to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity.

 

Ambassador: Bodhi Patil

Indigenous Peoples Pavilion

 

High Sea Alliance

19 Nov 2024 16:00 - 17:00

Youth Consultation Workshop at UK Pavilion in collaboration with the Singapore Pavilion

Youth play an instrumental role in global climate action. At COP29, it is essential that youth perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes. This workshop aims to create a reflection space post COP29, to serve as a platform for youth voices, allowing young people to express their needs, concerns and expectations for what happens after COP29.

 

Ambassador: Samantha Thian

UK Pavilion supported by One Young World

 

20 Nov 2024 12:40 - 13:10

High-Level Segment: In conversation with Mary Robinson, First woman President of Ireland, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Chair of The Elders

This fireside chat aims to spotlight the journey of Ms. Robinson and how young girls can take up the fight against the climate crisis. 

 

Ambassador: Sagar Kalra

D8, Children & Youth Pavilion, Blue Zone

 

Presidency Youth Climate Champion & YOUNGO

20 Nov 2024 16:55

High-Level Segment: Power of Storytelling

This session aims to provide young people with insights on how to leverage the power of communications to amplify their climate action efforts Place or location of the events

 

Ambassador: Sagar Kalra

Singapore Pavilion

 

20 Nov 2024 18:30 - 20:00

Advancing the Quality and Integrity of Forestry Climate NbS: Challenges, Innovations, and Strategies

Advancing the climate finance of forest-based NbS to ensure genuine carbon, biodiversity, and socio-economic benefits via lenses like the NCQG and Paris Article 6. Discussing challenges and innovations and promoting collaboration among NGOs, policymakers, and industry leaders for robust forest NbS.

 

Ambassador: Oliver Reiche

Side Event 9

 

Balance Eco Foundation,  Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Université Laval (Institut EDS), and Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University (ZAFU)

Green Zone Highlight Sessions

12 Nov 2024 10:10 - 10:40

High-Level Segment: From COP27 to COP30: The Youth Intersection

In this segment, we have High-Level representatives of young people from each Presidency since COP27 until COP30. The session aims to explain the history of youth engagement at COPs and set up a stage for COP30 to undertake meaningful youth participation.

 

Ambassador: Sagar Kalra

D8, Children & Youth Pavilion

 

Presidency Youth Climate Champion & YOUNGO

15 Nov 2024 16:30

Innovations in Intergenerational Partnerships

Panel focused on intergenerational equity and partnerships in the climate space.


Ambassador: Hikaru Hayakawa

 

Youth House, Ministry of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan

12 Nov 2024 14:00 - 14:30

YOUNGO Week 1 Press Conference

The press conference aims to highlight the advocacy efforts young people are taking at COP29, the key demands of the Global Youth Statement, shed light on the Youth-Led Climate Finance and call for climate justice.

 

Ambassador: Sagar Karla

Press Conference Room, Green Zone

 

YOUNGO

 

14 Nov 2024 10:45 - 11:30

Trust as a Catalyst: Driving the Climate Transition Forward

Join us for an inspiring series of lightning talks that explore the powerful role of storytelling in building trust and accelerating the climate transition. Each speaker will share unique narratives that highlight how authentic communication can foster relationships, empower communities, and drive impactful climate action.

 

Ambassador: Sara Rajabli

Green Zone

 

Workiva & Extreme Hangout

14 Nov 2024 11:45 - 12:15

Fireside Chat with ASG Youth, Felipe

This fireside chat aims to spotlight the journey of ASG Felipe until the present moment and shed light on the plans of his office for the year 2025.

 

Ambassador: Sagar Kalra

D8, Children & Youth Pavilion, Green Zone

 

Presidency Youth Climate Champion & YOUNGO

18 Nov 2024 11:00 - 12:30

Climate and Health Side Event

The event, titled “Climate and Health: Youth Perspectives from the Global South”, focuses on amplifying African youth voices in global climate and health discussions. It will explore the integration of youth-driven perspectives into global climate negotiations, highlight youth-led innovations, and emphasize the critical connection between climate resilience and health.

 

Ambassador: Christine Mhone

NGO Pavilion

 

Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and AMREF Health Africa

19 Nov 2024 14:30 - 15:30

UN Youth Panel: Trailblazing Change - Young Women Leading the Way in Sustainable Tourism

Highlighting young women leading change in sustainable tourism.

 

Ambassador: Serena Bashal

Case Brasil, Green Zone

 

Ministry of Tourism, Brazil

20 Nov 2024 11:00 - 12:00

Climate Mobility in South Asia: Urban Challenges and Human Impacts

A panel exploring the urban challenges and human impacts of climate-driven mobility in South Asia, highlighting resilience strategies for affected communities.

 

Ambassador: Sagar Kalra

Extreme Hangout, Green Zone

20 Nov 2024 13.00 - 14.00

How can the corporate sector better support social change?

The corporate sector plays a pivotal role in driving social change, leveraging its resources, influence, and expertise to address pressing societal issues. The channels for this support are typically Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainable Practices, Community Engagement, Advocacy and Thought Leadership, Inclusive Workplaces, investing in Social Innovation, and Employee Engagement and Education.

 

This panel will explore some positive experiences and outcomes in Azerbaijan and compare and contract with global trends. The impact of digitalization may do more to support inclusion in all meanings of the term, and the experience of emerging countries such as Azerbaijan, with its energy wealth, may be leading the way in this field.

 

By leveraging their resources and influence, businesses can create meaningful and lasting impacts that contribute to a more equitable and sustainable society. Embracing this role not only benefits communities but also enhances corporate reputation and long-term success.

 

Ambassador: Sara Rajabli

Azersun Pavilion, Green Zone

 

Azersun

Green Zone OYW Panel Sessions

Tuesday, 12 November 2024, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Elevating Perspectives in Climate Action: The Importance of Centering Diverse Voices

Location

Baku Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan (Green Zone)

 

Moderator(s)

Keithlin Caroo-Afrifa - Executive Director, Helen’s Daughters

 

Panellist(s)

Samantha Thian - UN IPCC - Deputy Head of Operations, Technical Support Unit, WGII

Session overview

While youth play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, it is essential that multiple perspectives are considered when engaging in meaningful climate action. This panel will explore perspectives from professionals who work with different groups including women, indigenous peoples and other communities who are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. This fireside chat will identify effective ways to prioritise these diverse viewpoints and implement impactful action.

Keithlin Caroo-Afrifa and Samantha Thian at COP29

 

 

Q&A at Elevating Perspectives in Climate Action The Importance of Centering Diverse Voices panel
Q&A at Elevating Perspectives in Climate Action The Importance of Centering Diverse Voices panel

 

 

Keithlin Caroo-Afrifa and Samantha Thian at COP29
Keithlin Caroo-Afrifa and Samantha Thian at COP29

 

 

Q&A at Elevating Perspectives in Climate Action The Importance of Centering Diverse Voices panel

Saturday, 16 November 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Guardians of the Environment: AI, Innovation and Tradition in Climate Action

Location

Baku Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan (Green Zone)

 

Moderator(s)

Dr Gurleen Kaur, Technology and Solar Specialist, International Solar Alliance (ISA) - Moderator

 

Panellists

Hikaru Wakeel Hayakawa (OYW Ambassador), Executive Director of Climate Cardinals
Nicholas Kee (OYW Ambassador), Co-founder and CEO of Kee Farms
Nathaniel Diong (OYW Ambassador), Founder & CEO of Future Minds Network

Session overview

Combining emerging technological advancements and traditional wisdom can enhance efforts to protect the planet and combat climate change. Achieving a balance of the two will allow for technologically advanced solutions that are also culturally informed.

 

This session will explore how we can harness emerging technologies, such as AI, while still being guided by traditional wisdom and the opportunities and challenges within this. Attendees will gain insights into the opportunities and challenges of merging innovation and traditional wisdom and how these contribute to a sustainable future. 

Speakers at Guardians of the Env AI Innovation Tradition in Climate Action Panel(2)

 

 

Nicholas Kee speaking at COP29
Gurleen Kaur speaking at COP29

 

 

Nathaniel Diong speaking at COP2
Hikaru Hayakawa speaking at COP29

 

 

Speakers at Guardians of the Env AI Innovation Tradition in Climate Action Panel

Thursday, 21 November 2024, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

An Inclusive Move: Harnessing Intersectional and Intergenerational Cooperation for the Just Transition

Location

Baku Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan (Green Zone)

 

Moderator(s)

Mary Robinson (OYW Counsellor), Former President of Ireland and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

 

Panellists

Rza Aliyev (OYW Ambassador),  Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC)
Ricardo Pineda (OYW Ambassador), Founder of Sustenta Honduras
Serena Bashal  (OYW Ambassador), Youth Climate Activist

Session overview

Effective solutions to tackle climate change require effective engagement and participation from the Global South. Within this, specific challenges faced in the Global South must also be taken into account in order for there to be a ‘just transition’. Therefore, an equitable and inclusive approach needs to be taken in regard to transitions within our global energy systems.

 

This session will highlight how youth in particular play a key role in ensuring a just transition and how they are uniquely positioned to drive this change. Attendees will gain insights into how youth perspectives can shape energy transitions in an inclusive and equitable way.

Speakers at the panel- An Inclusive Move Harnessing Intersectional and Intergenerational Cooperation for the Just Transition

 

 

Ricardo Pineda at the panel- An Inclusive Move Harnessing Intersectional and Intergenerational Cooperation for the Just Transition
Mary Robinson at the panel- An Inclusive Move Harnessing Intersectional and Intergenerational Cooperation for the Just Transition

 

 

Rza Aliyev at the panel- An Inclusive Move Harnessing Intersectional and Intergenerational Cooperation for the Just Transition.JPG
Serena Bashal at the panel- An Inclusive Move Harnessing Intersectional and Intergenerational Cooperation for the Just Transition

 

 

Speakers at the panel- An Inclusive Move Harnessing Intersectional and Intergenerational Cooperation for the Just Transition

News and Media

Elevating Perspectives in Climate Action: The Importance of Centring Diverse Voices

The Guardians of the Environment, AI, Innovation and Tradition in Climate Action

An Inclusive Move: Harnessing Intersectional and Intergenerational Cooperation for the Just Transition

  • Activists participate in a demonstration with a sign that says "we don't have another year!" at the COP29 U.N. Climate Summit, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan

    Let's Face It – This Year's COP Was A Flop. How Did The Climate Negotiations Go So Wrong?

    Huffington Post

  • World leaders and delegates pose for a family photo on day two of the UNFCCC COP29 Climate Conference at Baku Stadium on November 12, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

    From Baku To The Amazon: Eyes On COP30 As COP29 Disappoints

    Forbes

    "Youth leaders from the One Young World Ambassadors program, a global initiative that empowers young leaders to drive sustainable development, played a critical role at COP 29 by elevating the conversation on intergenerational collaboration and accountability."

Learn more about One Young World at COP28

Contact us for COP30

One Young World is committed to climate action and ensuring that young leaders are at the heart of the decision-making process. Ahead of COP30, we are eager to continue to forge impactful partnerships. If you are working on or know of any relevant opportunities for young leaders and One Young World at COP30, please get in touch:

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