Reflections from COP28

Returning from COP28, I can't help but carry the weight of the stories I've heard and the resilience I've witnessed. What I learned and the discussions I had in Dubai went beyond statistics and policy discussions—they revolved around the heart of UNICEF's mission: the health, wellbeing and future of our children.?

In the past, we often spoke about climate change as a distant threat, something looming on the horizon. But today, the reality is stark—our planet is changing, and it's changing our children. The specter of pollution, disease, and the fury of extreme weather events is something that weighs heavily on the hearts of many children and young people.?

COP28 wasn't just another conference - it was a crossroads where hope met the raw reality of our climate crisis. In the corridors and event pavilions, I encountered stories that painted a vivid picture of what children are enduring. One such encounter remains etched in my memory—a young girl named Lova from Madagascar.?

At the tender age of 11, Lova survived Cyclone Freddy, a force of nature that decimated her village. The losses she endured during that phase of her life—loss of schooling, friendships, and the sense of safety—are not merely statistics. They are irreplaceable moments that have left a profound mark on her, a burden she will carry forever.?

Yet at the same time, the hopeful spirit I hear in the voices of youth activists rallying world leaders for action fuels me and many others to advocate more for a distinct attention to the plight of children. Indeed, some Member States have started to look at the specific impacts on children as part of climate action.?

In the wake of such stories, our call to action at COP28 was crystal clear:?

1. Inclusion of children’s rights in COP28 decisions:?

We advocated fiercely to ensure that core outcome documents (including those related to the new Loss & Damage Fund, Global Goal on Adaptation and the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement) encapsulated the essence of children's rights and the critical role of the essential services they rely on. In a major breakthrough, the Global Stocktake – designed to assess progress and identify gaps and ways forward – has mandated an expert dialogue on the disproportionate impacts of climate change on children and relevant solutions. This paves the way for the first-ever dedicated focus on children, particularly young children, within the UNFCCC process.?

2. Climate Alliance for Children:?

We envisioned a 'climate alliance for children,' a coalition of Governments that would champion the cause of embedding child rights in climate action not just for now but for the years to come.?

3. High-level commitments to children from Key Figures:?

We secured commitments from key political figures, including Heads of State and the Presidency, affirming the importance of prioritizing child rights in climate action.?

4. Presentation of Evidence:?

We pursued our goal to transform awareness into tangible, meaningful action -- armed with evidence showcasing the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on children.?

5. Child and Youth Participation:?

We championed meaningful participation of children and youth in climate policymaking, recognizing that their voices are not just important; they are essential to building a sustainable future.?

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My colleagues and I carry not only the weight of the challenges but also the unwavering determination to navigate this course. Every child, no matter where they are, deserves that their present and their future be free from the shackles of climate-induced adversity.?

Our journey doesn't end with COP28; it's an ongoing narrative of hope, action, and advocacy. Together, let's be the authors of change that every child deserves, ensuring their stories are ones of triumph over adversity and a future where they are not just surviving but thriving.?

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