Young people conclude Youth Track to COP31 with a call for stronger climate action and meaningful youth participation

MALÉ, Maldives, 3 September 2026 – Over 40 young people from across Maldives have concluded the ‘Youth Track to COP31’ today, presenting their recommendations to the Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy ahead of this year’s COP31. Young participants stressed that climate action must remain a national and global priority and that their voices must be part of policies and solutions. 

The ‘Youth Track to COP’ is a youth-led climate action initiative led by the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy and UNICEF Maldives. This year marks the sixth edition of the initiative, which was organized with the support of Islamic Relief Australia and UNICEF Australia. 

Throughout the three-day programme, participants engaged in expert-led sessions on climate science, adaptation, mitigation, climate finance and international negotiations. They also participated in an intergenerational dialogue on green skills and just transitions, reflecting on the capabilities young people need to contribute to a more sustainable future. Participants also took part in a Mock COP process, gaining first-hand experience of challenges and opportunities involved in global climate negotiations.

“Climate change and its impacts are not far off scenarios for us; they are our everyday reality. So, understanding climate issues and learning how to speak up about it at the national and global stage is really important for young people to be part of the solutions. It also gives us the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to decisions that will shape our future,” stated Aminath Ajna Imran, 16, a participant of Youth Track to COP31.

As one of the world's lowest-lying nations, Maldives remains highly vulnerable to climate change. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, extreme weather events and ecosystem degradation continue to pose risks to children's health, education, wellbeing and future opportunities. 

During the event, participants drafted and presented a set of youth recommendations, reflecting their priorities for climate resilience, environmental protection and meaningful youth engagement. These recommendations were presented to the head of the Maldivian delegation of COP31, to be taken to the conference, scheduled to be held in Türkiye from 9 to 20 November 2026.

Similar to previous years, two participants from this year’s edition were also selected to represent the voices of children and young people of Maldives at COP31.  

“Young people have a unique perspective on the climate challenges facing Maldives because they will live with the consequences of the decisions we make today. It is our responsibility to ensure that they have opportunities to learn, participate, and make their voices heard. The ideas, energy, and commitment demonstrated through this initiative show that young people are ready to contribute meaningfully to climate action, and we must continue creating spaces where they can do so,” 

Earlier this year, UNICEF also supported the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Maldives 2026 consultation workshop, a youth-led initiative that brought together young people from across the country to discuss climate priorities and develop the first draft of the Maldives National Youth Statement on Climate Change. The statement captures the aspirations, concerns, and recommendations of Maldivian youth and will contribute to the YOUNGO Global Youth Statement, which will also be presented at COP31. 

“As we close this Youth Track to COP, we are reminded that meaningful youth participation cannot begin and end with a single event. As the world looks ahead to COP31, we must ensure that young people continue to have meaningful opportunities to engage in climate discussions and decision-making processes. Their perspectives, experiences, and solutions are critical to building a more resilient Maldives,” stated Ms. Kenanao Keemenao Motlhoiwa, UNICEF Representative to Maldives a.i.

UNICEF and the Government of Maldives remain committed to strengthening efforts with both national and international partners to meaningfully engage more young people, as we work together to translate national and global commitments into tangible actions and resources that uphold every child’s right to a safe, healthy and sustainable future.