Young Voices Matter: Maldives Hosts Mock COP29

UNICEF Maldives, in partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, and the President’s Office, has successfully held the fourth edition of the ‘Youth Track to COP29,’ a mock COP negotiation designed for young people across the Maldives.

This event gathered 26 youths to discuss pressing climate issues and collaborate on potential solutions. Participants engaged in mock negotiations, attended technical sessions on climate science, and developed recommendations to present at the event. Additionally, two young representatives were chosen to attend COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, ensuring that the perspectives of Maldivian youth reach an international audience.

Environment Minister Thorif Ibrahim remarked that the ‘Youth Track to COP29’ serves as a vital platform for the government and UNICEF to amplify youth voices on climate change. He highlighted that these young leaders have unique insights and emphasized the importance of empowering them to take charge in addressing the climate crisis.

“Although children and young people from countries like the Maldives contribute the least to climate change, they are the ones bearing its heaviest burdens, facing growing threats to their health, education, safety, and future,” he stated.

Dr. Edward Addai, UNICEF Representative to the Maldives, also spoke at the event, stressing the value of integrating young people's perspectives into climate policy and action. He encouraged participants to embrace the role of ‘Climate Guardians’ and assured them of UNICEF’s commitment to providing the knowledge and skills needed to foster a more sustainable and resilient future.