
UNICEF at COP29: Making children part of the conversation
Children are raising their voices on the climate crisis. Are we listening?
Schools are being flooded, health services washed away and access to food is evaporating. The climate crisis is impacting children the most – their health, their safety, their very ability to survive and lead fulfilling lives.
Almost 1 billion children are living under extremely high risk of climate change impacts.
The past few years have seen – for the first time – a recognition of the impact of climate change on children and a collective global commitment to respond. But children are still largely ignored in climate policy and investment.
COP29 is an opportunity to build on global progress for children and embed child rights into all climate plans and financing. To ensure a sustainable and safe world for all children.
Children cannot wait: The only way to protect children and the places we love from the climate crisis is to significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Children should not pay: World leaders must step up their ambition and fund climate action that will protect children’s futures.
A message from the world's children
From a shrinking Arctic Circle to a drying Caspian Sea, children around the world have a message for world leaders.
UNICEF at COP29
At COP29, UNICEF is calling for world leaders to deliver for children:
- Ensure that the COP29 Cover Decision recognizes the unique and disproportionate impact of climate change on children by taking forward the recommendations from the Expert Dialogue on children and climate change.
- Secure a dramatic increase in climate financing for children by ensuring the new target to replace the $100 billion goal is guided by child rights.
- Empower children and young people to be present and meaningfully participate in climate decision-making at COP and beyond.
- Guarantee that all new NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) are child sensitive and respond to the disproportionate impact of climate change on children.
Looking ahead to COP30, UNICEF continues to build on results by urging Parties to engage children and young people in policy processes, and to promote a more child-friendly approach in their NDCs and national adaptation plans.
Outcomes from COP29
Statement: UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell at the conclusion of COP29
Partnership announcement: Prioritizing children in climate action and financing
Joint statement: Baku Initiative on Human Development for Climate Resilience
Guiding principles: Human Development for Climate Resilience
>> Read more about UNICEF's key messages and events at COP29.
>> Learn about UNICEF's on the ground activities in Baku.
>> Explore agendas, webcasts and more through the UN Climate Change Conference website.
UNICEF x Youth x Climate
Children and young people can be powerful agents of change. At COP29 we are ensuring their active involvement in all UNICEF events, including high-level events, and providing opportunities for them to speak and interact with decision-makers.
Climate research, publications and programmes
Highlights from UNICEF at COP29
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