The clock is ticking. We’re in a climate crisis that demands transformative action – now! Yet, the voices of young people, who will face the most severe consequences of climate change, are often sidelined and overlooked. It is therefore imperative that today’s youth take a stand to ensure they are included in climate discussions.
This is precisely why our ProVeg Youth Board members are campaigning to attend this year’s World Food Forum (WFF) in Rome and COP30 in Brazil, where vital conversations will take place between policymakers, industry experts, and other stakeholders. Here are five reasons why young people need to have a seat at the table and be meaningfully engaged in climate negotiations:
1. Future generations have the most at stake
The burden of climate change disproportionately affects younger generations. While current leaders may not experience the full severity of a warming planet, today’s youth already contend with the psychological impact of climate anxiety. Their future is increasingly defined by the heightened frequency and intensity of climate-induced disasters, such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires. These are not abstract concepts; they are tangible realities that shape their present and imperil their future.
Therefore, the inclusion of young people at the negotiating table is not merely symbolic; it is a fundamental aspect of intergenerational justice. As primary stakeholders, their viewpoints must directly inform the policies that will determine the habitability of their world. Without their active participation, decisions risk being short-sighted, failing to account for the long-term, irreversible consequences that will inevitably confront younger populations.
2. They have unique perspectives and creativity
Younger generations are less constrained by conventional and traditional thinking. They demonstrate a strong willingness to explore novel and even radical solutions. This fresh approach is crucial for addressing complex environmental challenges. Their involvement often originates from grassroots activism, where they gain firsthand experience of community-level impacts, and develop practical, innovative strategies for change.
This inherent creativity and unburdened viewpoint are valuable assets in discussions that can often be hindered by established norms. Young people can identify new approaches and advocate for more ambitious and fair solutions that benefit everyone.
3. Ensuring inclusivity and representation
Meaningful participation from young people is crucial for making climate solutions truly inclusive and representative. The Youth Board members come from diverse regional backgrounds, including Brazil, Cameroon, India, and Italy. Their varied experiences and viewpoints are essential to these discussions. This representation is particularly vital for people and communities in the Global South, and other marginalised groups, who are acutely affected by climate change but often have the smallest voice in international forums.
Youth Board member Njoke Tangwing, from Cameroon, states, “No fair global policies exist without African perspectives at the drafting table. From Cameroon’s Indigenous forest stewards safeguarding the Congo Basin, to its smallholder women farmers pioneering climate-resilient agroecology, our voices are not just valuable, they are vital. When Cameroonian wisdom on food sovereignty, biodiversity, and just transitions is ignored, so too are the solutions the world desperately needs.”
Their presence helps connect high-level policy discussions with real-world experiences, promoting a just transition that addresses the specific needs and vulnerabilities of all populations. Moreover, an exchange of ideas between generations strengthens global co-operation. This collaboration helps to build trust and effectiveness in multilateral processes, giving them greater credibility.
4. Cultivating future leadership roles
Participation in international climate talks provides young people with invaluable experience, empowering them to become future leaders. This exposure provides a deeper understanding of the complexities of global environmental governance. Such experience is crucial for them to assume leadership roles within their national contexts, effectively connecting decisions made at the international level with concrete action at national and sub-national levels. By engaging directly, young people develop the skills and knowledge necessary to drive environmental policy and implementation in their own countries.
5. Amplifying messages and influencing public opinion
Young people have a unique ability to spread information widely and effectively, particularly by leveraging social-media platforms. Their proficiency in digital communication makes them a powerful asset in influencing public opinion and mobilising broader support for climate action. They can translate complex climate science and policy discussions into accessible and engaging content, reaching diverse audiences globally. This capacity to amplify messages is crucial for fostering widespread understanding and driving collective engagement with environmental issues.
As Vladimir Mijatovic, one of our Youth Board members, succinctly states, “Young people make climate messages urgent, more relatable, and reignite interest among those who’ve tuned out. Their authentic voices give policy a human face, turning data and figures into stories people can’t ignore. And they break the script – pulling more of us into conversations that matter.”
Empower young voices for a better planet
The critical importance of including young people in global climate discussions cannot be overstated. Their unique perspectives, urgent drive, and direct stake in the future are indispensable for achieving meaningful and equitable climate action. The ProVeg Youth Board is dedicated to ensuring these vital voices are heard at COP and other significant forums, advocating for a plant-based food system as a cornerstone of effective climate solutions.
We invite you to learn more about our inspiring Youth Board members by visiting their bios and watching this video explaining why they aspire to be at the climate negotiations:
Support the next generation of climate leaders! Please consider donating to our crowdfunding campaign today to help more young people attend crucial climate talks, and make their voices resonate on the global stage. Share this article widely to spread awareness and empower youth voices globally. Together, we can drive the urgent, transformative change our planet so desperately needs.
Emily Styrka
Content Creator and Writer
