The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), held from November 11 to 22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan, spotlighted the critical demands of global youth for climate action. This year’s conference featured the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition (LDYC) as a key voice advocating for a sustainable and equitable climate future.
The LDYC’s contributions to COP29 were rooted in extensive global consultations, expert analyses, and collaborative efforts among young climate advocates. These efforts culminated in two comprehensive documents: the General Demands for public understanding and the Technical Demands tailored for policymakers and negotiators. Both documents outlined actionable strategies to address the escalating climate crisis, emphasizing the needs of vulnerable populations and the importance of youth-led solutions.
In the aftermath of COP29, the LDYC released an assessment document evaluating the progress made on their demands. The report provides a detailed analysis of the outcomes achieved during the conference, juxtaposed with the coalition’s original expectations. This ongoing assessment highlights the significant gaps between youth demands and the actual commitments secured at COP29, underscoring the challenges in translating advocacy into tangible policy shifts.
To further explore the LDYC’s evaluation and access the COP29 Demands Assessment and the original COP29 Demand documents, visit their official platform here.
As the global community reflects on COP29, the voices of young leaders remain a powerful reminder of the urgent need for transformative action to combat climate change. The work of the LDYC exemplifies the role of youth in shaping a sustainable future, bridging the gap between aspirations and outcomes.
