COP28 delivers lasting legacy for youth with Youth Climate Champion role institutionalised

COP28 delivers lasting legacy for youth with Youth Climate Champion role institutionalised

DUBAI, 15th December, 2023 (WAM) -- The COP28 Presidency delivered a lasting legacy for youth inclusion in climate decision-making, with the announcement that the role of the Presidency Youth Climate Champion (YCC) will be carried forward to future COPs.

Parties have agreed in the official COP28 negotiated text to institutionalise the role of the YCC within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process. This mandates all future COP Presidencies to facilitate the meaningful participation and representation of youth in future COPs.

COP28 was the first COP to appoint an official YCC, Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, who was previously the youngest minister in the world at the age of 22. She now serves as the UAE’s Minister of Community Development.

“The UAE has become the birthplace of the role of the first ever COP Youth Climate Champion, carrying forward the nation’s rich legacy in empowering youth to a global level,” said Al Mazrouei. “COP28 has been a groundbreaking COP for youth inclusion, with unprecedented initiatives that have put children and young people are the heart of the climate action process. We have delivered transformative change that will stand as a lasting legacy for future