The 62nd session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB62) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is underway in Bonn, and the atmosphere is dynamic, intense, and undeniably overwhelming. As global negotiations grow tougher and more complex, one thing is clear: youth are not waiting on the sidelines; they are stepping into the center of the climate arena.
From the halls of the World Conference Center in Bonn, youth delegates from every region of the world are boldly asserting their presence, demanding urgent action and accountability from world leaders. With the climate crisis escalating and the clock ticking fast, these young leaders are pushing boundaries, challenging inertia, and presenting innovative, intersectional solutions to drive transformative change.
“We are already one week into SB62 but there has been little meaningful progress in finance negotiations” said Dawda Cham, a youth delegate from the Africa Youth Partnership on Climate Action.
Backed by Youth Opportunity and Transformation in Africa (YOTA) and the Africa Youth Partnership on Climate Action, African youth are standing in solidarity with their global peers to call for climate justice, meaningful youth engagement in decision-making processes, and financing that truly reaches communities on the frontlines.
Youth participation at SB62 is not just symbolic; it is strategic. From demanding stronger adaptation frameworks to pushing for just transitions and equitable climate finance, young people are engaging directly with negotiators, organizing side events, and coordinating advocacy actions to ensure that their voices are heard and their demands taken seriously.
“I hope we will make progress towards bridging the divide on the New Collective Quantified Goal, securing adequate adaptation finance, and ensuring that climate finance is predictable, equitable, and accessible to those who need it most.” Dawda Cham shares his expectations for the 62nd session of the SB62.
As the negotiations intensify, youth remain undeterred. They are mobilized, united, and clear-eyed about the future they are fighting for. From Bonn to the rest of the world, the message is simple and loud: Action is needed. The time is now.
