Over 500 international youth delegates gathered at the fourth international Conference of Youth (COY-4) prior to the official start of the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
This year's COY ran from November 29-30, drawing delegates from countries across the world. By design, the COY is a space where youth come to learn about the nuts and bolts of the COP, formulate common strategy on direct actions, messaging, communications, policy positions and share inspiring stories, with a sprinkle of uplifting cheer, to motivate and energize delegates to participate in the UN conference. The COY has also played a tremendous role in establishing what is no doubt a growing youth movement.
I spoke briefly with a long-time COY participant from the United States who told me that the turnout this year is simply overwhelming, and that he had never seen so many young (registered) delegates at the COP before - although he did note that there was a similarly overwhelming crowd of young participants at the 2005 UN conference in Montreal, many of whom were not registered delegates.
One of the most inspiring tales came from the Australian youth delegation, who organized a 40-day land-only trek to Poznan. Rather than flying, the group of 5 young people make an incredible effort to substantially reduce their carbon footprint.
The COY serves as a clear signal to the international community that young people demand a voice in the climate change debate. They are conscious of the impacts that climate change will invariably have on their future. And they've proven their ability to mobilize, in building a diverse, well-informed, movement.
Although many of the participants received accreditation through large NGOs to attend the conference, many of them have come as individuals and joined with national youth delegations - leaving their personal organizational affiliations behind. Others have funded their own way to Poznan and have joined up with established national youth delegations while here.
This, in itself, is a testament to the strength and commitment of individuals in this movement.
If there's one thing I've learned so far (well, not really learned as much as confirmed) is that young people have an incredible propensity to think creatively.
On shoe string budgets, the international youth group has lined up an assortment of clever and well-organized actions that will roll out over the coming weeks. It's inspiring to watch this group feed off each other's energy while brainstorming action ideas!
International youth are primed and ready to go. COP starts tomorrow. First action starts in the morning, so stay tuned!
