Emma Pagliarusco - Delegation Coordinator
As coordinator of the YEE delegation to COP29, I went to Baku with clear objectives: to push for ambitious climate commitments, center justice for vulnerable communities, and ensure youth, Indigenous voices, and civil society had a genuine seat at the table. Sadly, I leave disillusioned and deeply frustrated. The negotiations fell far short of the urgency demanded by the climate crisis, with weak agreements that lack ambition and justice. Among others, the NCQG agreement does not reflect the urgent need for a fair and just financial system to combat climate change, considering first of all the ridiculous amount agreed on by the Global North to be disbursed by 2035. The biggest challenge was navigating an oppressive environment, where civic space was tightly controlled, and critical voices — especially of environmental defenders — were glaringly absent. Moreover, the propaganda and performative leadership from Azerbaijan were deeply troubling, creating a dangerous facade that hid the exclusion of those most affected by the climate crisis. My immediate attention now is on the historic public hearings for the climate change advisory opinion at the International Court of Justice, taking place in The Hague these weeks. An Advisory Opinion from the Court can catalyse more ambitious climate action under the Paris Agreement by clarifying state responsibilities, integrating human rights and environmental law, and reinforcing the scientific consensus on climate change.
Stephanny Ulivieri
As Partnerships Lead for our delegation to COP29 and a Steering Committee member of the Children and Youth Pavilion, I went to Baku with defined objectives: to foster collaboration and our connection to civil society on the ground and to showcase the work done at YEE. Despite the enormous frustration with the negotiations, the unity and resilience within civil society stood out as a beacon of hope. For example, the Children and Youth Pavilion, where I contributed as part of the Steering Committee, was a vital space for connection and collaboration. It allowed grassroots organisations, youth leaders, and Indigenous representatives to share their stories and solutions, highlighting the transformative work being done on the ground - which contrasted with the slow negotiations being led in the meeting rooms. Additionally, our organisation’s participation in different side events showcased the Sustainaware and Eco-Anxiety projects, sparking important discussions about the human dimensions of climate change, such as eco-emotions and cross-sectoral collaboration and the role of young people in leading systemic change. COP29 may have fallen short in ambition, but it reaffirmed the importance of grassroots movements and partnerships. Moving forward, we will continue to build alliances, amplify marginalised voices, and push for systemic reforms in climate finance and policy. The challenges are immense, but the resilience of civil society reminded me that progress is possible when we stand united in our fight for climate justice.
Pegah Moulana
As the YEE delegate following the COP29 negotiation process and the climate finance agenda, I left Baku with a bittersweet feeling. Engaging in the negotiation processes was not just difficult—it was disheartening to witness how the voices of youth, civil society, and the most affected countries were systematically sidelined. Despite presenting clear, evidence-based demands and demonstrating the urgency of action, the response from developed nations, particularly the EU and other wealthy countries, fell painfully short. Our coalition of youth, civil society, and vulnerable nations stood united in demanding at least $1 trillion annually for the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG). This funding needed to be debt-free, accessible, and inclusive of provisions for loss and damage by acknowledging the irreparable harm already inflicted on communities by climate change. These were not extravagant demands but essential measures to ensure a just and effective response to climate change. However, none of these targets were realised. The EU and other developed countries refused to prioritise the needs of those bearing the brunt of the climate crisis, and the final decisions reflect a stark disregard for justice and equity. While we leave COP29 disappointed, we are not hopeless. We know the power of unity and resilience. Civil society will not be silenced. We will always advocate for what is right, whether they choose to listen or not. See you at COP30. The fight continues.
Francesc Almendros Viladerrams
As the External Relations Officer for YEE, I participated in COP29, focusing on strengthening partnerships and amplifying youth voices in global climate policy. During the first week, I served on the Steering Committee of the Children and Youth Pavilion, a vibrant platform where young advocates gathered to discuss critical topics like Just Transition, Renewable Energies, and Climate Justice. My mission was clear: to establish and reinforce partnerships that advance sustainable development and climate resilience. The pavilion was a hub for dialogue and action, hosting workshops and panels on pressing issues such as Climate Adaptation, Carbon Neutrality, and Biodiversity Conservation. I coordinated sessions on our projects like the Eco-anxiety, the Sustainaware within digital tools, and a networking session among European delegates, ensuring that youth-led solutions gained visibility and momentum. Engaging with key figures like the President of COP16 on Combat Desertification, UN Assistant Secretary-General Felipe Paullier, and the Vice Chair of the IPCC, I advocated for youth priorities, including Decarbonisation, Energy Efficiency, and Circular Economy strategies. These interactions strengthened our position as partners in achieving Net Zero Emissions and a Green Economy. Post-COP29, our immediate steps focus on transforming commitments into action. This includes advancing Climate Mitigation strategies, supporting a Clean Transition to renewable energy systems, and ensuring youth participation in developing climate-resilient policies. COP29 underscored the importance of integrating youth leadership into frameworks for Climate Justice and Climate Adaptation. Our primary objectives—amplifying youth voices, securing partnerships, and driving tangible outcomes—were achieved, laying the foundation for meaningful progress toward a sustainable and equitable future.
Learn more about our work on UNFCCC
Our delegation to COP29 has returned with a critical reflection. In this article, we share our insights on navigating the highs and
As European youth, we acknowledge our region’s historic responsibility for global emissions and call for urgent, just climate action. In solidarity with
European youth civil society represented by the Network of European Youth NGOs for Climate Action (NEYCA) sends this joint reaction to European
European youth civil society represented by the Network of European Youth NGOs for Climate Action (NEYCA) sends this collection of demands developed
Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) and Youth4Nature (Y4N) are international youth-led organisations within the nature-climate nexus that strive to bring the voices
There are many things that are wrong with COPs and which should be improved. However, we, the civil society, should not
Our delegation to COP29 has returned with a critical reflection. In this article, we share our insights on navigating the highs and lows of COP29, highlighting the challenges of amplifying youth voices, advocating for vulnerable communities, and pushing for a more just and equitable climate future. Read on for our full reflection and vision for the way forward.
As European youth, we acknowledge our region’s historic responsibility for global emissions and call for urgent, just climate action. In solidarity with young people worldwide, we demand equitable policies that uphold human rights and amplify youth voices, reflecting our duty to a sustainable, inclusive future.
YEE aims to unite environmental youth non-profit organisations in Europe in order to enhance international cooperation, increase knowledge about the climate crisis, raise awareness of environmental problems and to strengthen participation of youth in environmental decision-making.
