YEE’s first official delegation to SB62

Earlier this summer, Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) took an important step towards its COP30 preparation by joining the 62nd session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB62) of the UNFCCC in Bonn with its first official in-person and online delegation to the international climate gathering. This marked a significant milestone in YEE’s advocacy journey this year, further cementing our presence in formal international climate negotiations.

Overview of the negotiations

While this was the first time YEE had attended the international climate gathering in person, it was also the first time we had a virtual delegation, which was both challenging and inspiring. As is often the case in the UNFCCC process, access to real negotiations remains limited for observers, and virtual participation was no exception. Most key negotiating sessions were closed to online observers, and even for the few that were open, technical issues such as platform lag made it difficult to join on time or follow them fully.

Still, following workshops and informal consultations gave more understanding into the process of upcoming COP negotiations and some hope for more productive and action-oriented discussions at Belém. The YEE online team closely followed discussions on gender and inclusion of Local Peoples and Indigenous Communities in the UNFCCC framework. A new Gender Action Plan (GAP) was being discussed, and the term intersectionality came up more frequently, signalling a positive shift in negotiation language. 

Gender and inclusion in climate policy

One of the notable developments was care work and gender-based violence being recognised, but Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and inclusive language are still contested, with some countries restricting gender to biological sex. While constructive engagement continues, more work is needed before COP30 to secure an ambitious, actionable GAP with funding. Gender mainstreaming showcased uneven progress, while some adaptation references were made, a notable step back was observed in the agreed language. Overall, cautious optimism is warranted alongside ongoing advocacy to set gender justice in climate action.

Key issues raised included the recognition of people of African descent, the need for gender-disaggregated data, and broader calls for intersectional approaches. YOUNGO’s intervention emphasised that age must also be considered, especially when it comes to children, who remain largely invisible in climate finance frameworks.

It was encouraging to see these issues raised by multiple parties, reflecting growing awareness. At the same time, heated debates around the definition of gender showed that more work is needed, including from civil society, to keep challenging the stigma and push for broader acceptance of non-binary and inclusive gender identities in climate policy spaces. 

Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) highlights

The on-the-ground delegation also closely followed the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) negotiations, which stood out as one of the silver lining elements of SB62. Despite limited progress across other negotiation streams, discussions under the JTWP signalled a growing openness to more rights-based, inclusive approaches that prioritise workers, frontline communities, and youth.

For YEE, this space offered meaningful entry points to push for climate justice through structured and ongoing engagement. But the fight is not yet over. Having left Bonn with a strong chairs’ note draft was just the beginning in order for us to obtain an ambitious decision later this year at COP30. Before that, in early September, the Fourth Dialogue under the United Arab Emirates just transition work programme will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and it will focus on “Just energy transition pathways and holistic approaches to just transitions including socioeconomic, workforce, social protection and other dimensions, based on nationally defined development priorities“.

The messages and summaries arising out of the dialogue will be integrated into the existing draft text, thus essentially shaping what negotiators will be focusing on in Belém. And that is where our role will matter – holding the lines for negotiators to know that civil society needs a strong text to come out of it. For example, one of the main cross-constituency proposals is about the BAM (Belém Action Mechanism) for a Global Just Transition, concrete ideas on how to operationalise the JTWP and discuss actionable outcomes. 

Adaptation negotiations and global resilience

Negotiations on adaptation measures showed the balance between urgency and capacity, with parties emphasising that adaptation guidance to be based on practical experiences and lessons learned by implementing nations. There was also a call for better coherence among review processes like the Global Stocktake and the Methodology Panel. Persistent capacity constraints, especially among smaller delegations, were mentioned regarding the conduct of comprehensive reviews as early as 2027 or postponing them to 2028.

The discussions showcased the intention of pursuing a balanced approach to build collaboration, inclusivity, and actionable climate resilience strategies globally. Yet, there were missed opportunities, like no concrete agreement on further advancing National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and some issues being postponed to SBI 63. Overall, while negotiations set foundations, NGOs and civil society expect faster, clearer commitments, stronger financial support, and implementation of more inclusive, ambitious adaptation to meet the urgency of climate impacts worldwide.

Beyond negotiations – youth-led advocacy and solidarity

Right at the beginning of the SBs, alongside partners from the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and the World’s Youth for Climate Justice (WYCJ), the delegation co-hosted a side event on the right to a healthy environment. The discussion unpacked the international legal basis of this fundamental right, recent developments at the Council of Europe, and how youth can leverage these tools in their advocacy and litigation work.

The YEE delegation also attended and supported the second edition of the Bonn Climate Camp, a dynamic and inclusive space co-created by youth and civil society. It provided a much needed alternative to the often too sterile halls of conferences, with it becoming a space for dialogue, creativity, resistance, and deep connection, a reminder that our fights are not just about policy—they’re essentially about people.

On top of that, Bonn was a moment to meet some of our member organisations in person and to connect with other friends and allies, such as those part of the CAN-I Just Transition Working Group, and the members of the Human Rights and Climate Change Working Group, through which we had the chance to have bilaterals and meet with people such as Elisa Morguera, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change and Denise Dora, COP30 Special Envoy for Human Rights and Just Transition.

Looking ahead to COP30

Bonn was also a moment for solidarity and resistance. The YEE delegation joined protests in support of Palestine and stood by civil society against the censorship being imposed by the UNFCCC Secretariat. 

SB62 marked just the beginning of YEE’s presence in international climate negotiations in 2025, with COP30 on the horizon. Building on this experience, YEE managed to expand its policy engagement, strengthen partnerships, and support young people across its network to access and influence global climate spaces.

Showing up matters—and this first official presence at SB62 was a clear signal that YEE is ready to contribute with purpose, solidarity, and a deep commitment to youth-led climate action.