Youth send a message: Let's fight together for a better and livable world

The Climate Council Climate Envoys Online Workshop, organized in partnership with the United Nations Turkey and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, and facilitated by the Centre for the Conservation of Nature, took place between 31 January-1 February.

More than 100 young climate envoys representing universities in Turkey attended the workshop.

Climate Envoys emphasized that an all-out struggle is essential in order to cope with the climate crisis and build a better world.

“We count on your support to win the race against the climate crisis”

Addressing the Climate Envoys at the opening session, UN Turkey Resident Coordinator Alvaro Rodriguez stated that he is very happy to see that youth has focused on the issues that concern the future of humanity and said, "The declaration to be adopted by the Climate Envoys will enable world leaders to learn about the demands of the youth firsthand. We count on your support to win the race against the climate crisis."

Another UN official addressing the youth at the opening was UNICEF Turkey Representative Regina De Dominicis.

"The right thing to do is to listen to children and young people," said De Dominicis, adding that youth possess an ability to envision and fashion a more equal, a more just, and a truly sustainable world for all.

“We want to hear your voices and implicate your ideas”, she said.

“Remember, you are not alone; you are our strongest partner,” De Dominicis added.

Addressing the youth on behalf of the Ministry, Head of Climate Change Presidency Orhan Solak stated that they attach great importance to the involvement of youth at a time when the negative effects of climate change are being exposed more and more and they are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the meeting.

Making a presentation to the participants on the second day of the workshop, UN Development Program representative Nuri Özbağdatlı emphasized the importance of Sustainable Development Goals in overcoming the climate crisis.

On 1 February, workshop ended following the presentations of the climate envoys on their suggestions and expectations for combating the climate crisis.

Drafting committee selected from among the climate envoys will prepare a Youth Declaration on Climate Change.

The declaration will be submitted to the Climate Council to be held in Konya at the end of February.