Today is Earth Day, and in a world grappling with the urgent threat of climate crisis, young people have emerged as a powerful force in the global climate movement. At the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference last year, we witnessed a surge in youth engagement.

Yet, a significant gap persists in youth participation in climate negotiations. While youth participants are granted observer status at the Conferences of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COPs), they often encounter barriers that hinder them from effectively participating.

From logistical constraints to a lack of access and capacity in negotiations, these challenges underscore the importance of targeted initiatives that will help address this disparity and empower young advocates to be recognized as key stakeholders in shaping climate policies.

In response to this pressing need, Climate Reality Philippines, led by its Youth Cluster, is joining forces with the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), an intergovernmental group of 68 countries representing a population of 1.74 billion, to launch the CVF Youth Fellowship Program. To empower young climate advocates from vulnerable communities, this seven-month program will equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to actively participate in shaping climate policies and decisions.

The CVF Youth Fellowship Program is a testament to the organization’s commitment to knowledge dissemination and capacity building, ensuring that young people’s rights are valued and put at the forefront of COP processes. The program starts from June 2024 until March 2025, with a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare fellows for impactful engagement in climate policy discourse.

Twenty youth fellows from CVF member states will be selected to participate in a series of capacity-building activities, including a climate negotiator's training course. This training will not only cover the basics of climate change but also delve into the intricacies of international climate negotiations, preparing fellows to represent their communities effectively at COP this year.

The program will unfold over several phases, each aimed at different aspects of capacity building and engagement:

1. Negotiation Training Course: Fellows will undergo intensive training sessions from June to October 2024 to hone their negotiation skills and deepen their understanding of climate policy.

2. COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan: From October to December 2024, fellows will apply their learning at the 29th UN Climate Change Conference or COP29, participating in negotiations, bilateral meetings, side events, actions, and other key events.

3. Post-COP Engagement: Fellows will leverage their experiences to advocate for genuine youth representation in climate policy discussions in their respective countries from January 2025 onwards. They will also establish the CVF Youth Fellows Network, which will support the various campaigns of the CVF.

To ensure the program's effectiveness, stringent selection criteria have been established. Applicants must be 18 to 30 years old from a CVF member country and demonstrate a commitment to climate advocacy. Additionally, they must secure an endorsement from their country's UNFCCC Focal or Head of Delegation and be able to attend COP29 in person. Prospective fellows will undergo a multi-step selection process that aims to identify candidates who align with the program's objectives and possess a dedication to climate action.

As we race against time to fight this crisis, initiatives like the CVF Youth Fellowship Program are crucial in empowering the next generation of climate leaders and ensuring that young people’s demands are prioritized and reflected in all climate breakthroughs. By providing young advocates with the knowledge, skills, resources, and platform to engage in decision-making processes, we move one step closer to building a sustainable and equitable future for all.

About the Author: Nikka Gerona is a multifaceted young advocate, passionate storyteller, and a Climate Reality Leader with nearly a decade of experience in communications and project management across non-profit and international organizations. Working with UNICEF and UNDP, she has mobilized impactful campaigns and global initiatives. She has also represented the Philippines in various events, particularly in UN Climate Change Conferences and Conference of Youth, shaping the Global Youth Statement. As an Erasmus Mundus scholar, she will be pursuing her masters in Environmental Sciences and Policy to further solidify her foundation in climate policy.