Layla Jusko represents the youth of BiH at COP28

Layla Jusko, a young researcher, and activist from Sarajevo, is set to participate in the COP28 UN Conference on Climate Change in Dubai as a part of the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) delegation. COP28 is a crucial event for global climate efforts aligned with the Paris Agreement's goals, addressing urgent issues like global warming and climate-related destruction. Layla carries messages from young participants in the First Local Conference for Youth Climate Action in BiH, an event she initiated and joined in Sarajevo. The conference, supported by YOUNGO (the UNFCCC's youth unit) and UNICEF BiH, focuses on involving children and youth in climate change initiatives. 

In an interview with UNICEF BiH, Layla discusses how young people can positively impact their environment by engaging in climate actions. She emphasizes starting at the local level with initiatives like cleaning and reforestation and progressing to the global stage with messages directed at world leaders. Layla plans to use any opportunity to convey the voices of young people from BiH to those influencing their future at the highest levels.

Sarajevo this morning was once more the most polluted city in Europe, based on official measurements. Why is this so and can we do anything to change it?

The primary reason behind this pollution is the city's geographical location in a valley. At a recent conference addressing the issue, we identified various causes, with the predominant source being household activities, specifically heating. Many people, due to economic challenges like high prices and inflation, lack the means to opt for alternative heating methods. Consequently, they resort to burning whatever materials they can find, including plastics, contributing significantly to the pollution problem. Addressing this issue involves finding solutions to make cleaner heating options more accessible and affordable for the residents.

In addition to stating the causes of pollution at the conference, did you propose any solutions?

The focus of this year's Local Conference for Youth Climate Action in BiH was on education and awareness raising. While plans are in place to delve deeper into addressing pollution and providing effective solutions in the future, one proposal put forward involves enhancing thermal insulation and heating systems in buildings. Another idea centers around the creation of urban forests, which serve not only as air filters but also act as shields during heat waves. These proposals were part of the conference discussions. Specifically, from the perspective of young participants, emphasis was placed on the importance of active involvement in advocacy efforts and the formulation of policies to effectively address and solve environmental challenges, including pollution.

When we talk about advocacy, how important is the opinion of young people and how much knowledge, strength and power do young people have to initiate important changes in the world and their community?

The conference we organized was built on the insights we gathered from young people during our preparatory research, where we collected 320 responses. I was pleasantly surprised by the results, debunking the common belief that young people are not active or aware, especially regarding climate change. Our survey demonstrated the opposite – that young people are indeed aware and knowledgeable about what's happening. Moving to the solutions part, one impactful action that doesn't require significant resources is the identification of problems in local communities.

It's crucial to consider the context of local communities, as different areas in BiH face distinct challenges. For instance, Sarajevo may deal with flood issues, while Mostar and the rest of Herzegovina may grapple with forest fires and droughts. Identifying these problems and joining organizations to address them is key. Through these organizations, young people can actively engage in politics, influence policy changes, and participate in advocacy efforts for meaningful climate actions.

A good example is the conference you actively worked on, as well as your trip to COP28 in Dubai, at the very center of making important decisions for the future of all of us. How did the conference come about and how much do you show by your example that young people can really influence changes?

The conference originated from a collaboration between my colleague Asja Begić and myself. Asja, residing in Germany, is a member of YOUNGO, the official youth branch of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which organizes the COP Conferences. We conceived the idea to apply for a conference this year, seeking official permission from YOUNGO, which grants licenses for such events worldwide, covering various topics based on the needs of each country's population.

With the support of the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Red Cross of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we secured a license, official accreditation, and permissions. Our primary focus was to understand the desires of young people because it's easy for us to express our preferences. Given my background as a climate researcher and activist, it's natural for me to discuss what I want to see. However, our approach centred on discovering what young people in BiH want. Through research and feedback, we crafted the conference agenda based on their preferences and needs.

You got the permissions, did the research, but how and with what funds did you manage to organize the conference?

I had genuine concerns about the conference. We made efforts and reached out to various sources, understanding that it was mid-year, and everyone had already planned their budgets. Our last hope was to seek resources indirectly, where the conduit would be someone else.

Fortunately, we received support from UNICEF and the European Union in BiH. They provided us with resources, a venue, and all the necessary expertise and assistance. It's noteworthy that this conference marked my first experience in organizing such an event. Collaborating with and learning from various individuals was amazing, and I was hopeful for its success. In the end, it all came together.

What, in your opinion, is the most important result of the conference?

The result of the conference is the youth recommendations that we created for the BiH delegation going to COP28. We used the research we did previously, as well as feedback from 70 young people, participants of the two-day conference. We combined the two - the scientific and research part, and the activism and advocacy part, and based on that we created the youth recommendations that were delivered to our delegation.

You will have the opportunity to attend the COP28 Conference in Dubai. If you get the chance, what messages of young people from BiH will you convey to world leaders?

I've applied multiple times for opportunities to speak at COP28. Planning is challenging as these opportunities tend to arise unexpectedly. I always carry the messages with me, ready to present them if given the chance. The key message is an invitation to put young people and children at the centre of the climate agenda, actively involving them in discussions, initiatives, and policies to address environmental issues.

Even if I'm unable to speak directly, we have the right to attend and participate in discussions. I hope our messages, representing the concerns of young people in BiH, will be conveyed. We aim to showcase our commitment and actions, considering this as an official start. With the support of UNDP BiH for participation in COP28, I'll be there for four days, ready to express my opinion and share what young people have conveyed to me, should the opportunity arise.

What are your further plans after COP28, are you already preparing for the next conference?

Certainly, as we've discussed. Given the incredible turnout and many applications this year, despite the short deadline, our plan for next year is to shift the practical focus. This year was dedicated to education and raising awareness, and for the upcoming year, we aim to directly engage with local communities, supporting young people in taking climate action.

If opportunities and resources permit, our goal is to offer grants to young individuals interested in implementing climate actions in their local communities. These actions don't have to be drastic; we understand that change often begins with small, steady steps leading to lasting impact. It could involve anything from building birdhouses to organizing cleaning and reforestation initiatives. Our commitment is to be there for young people as they work towards positive climate actions.