Young climate activists from Ukraine speak up at the UN youth conference

Young Ukrainian changemakers have been sharing their views and experiences at the 16^th United Nations Conference on Climate Change for Youth (COY16).

The conference, which takes place every year before the annual UN climate change conference known as COP26, brings together young climate leaders from around the world to raise awareness of climate change and make their voices heard. This year, over 400 delegates attended the event in Glasgow, UK, from October 28-31.

“This is an inspiring event,” says Victoria Ball, one of the delegates from Ukraine. “We have discovered new approaches to climate policy leadership from experienced UN youth representatives. We are again assured that young people can not only influence public awareness with regards to the consequences of the climate crisis, but also take an active part in international decision-making at the highest level."

This is the first year that a delegation from Ukraine has attended COY16. 

“Such events help unite young people for a better future for the next generations,” says Maryna Kirilchuk, one of the coordinators of the Ukrainian delegation. “I see how delegates motivate and inspire each other, discuss their successful projects, and share their ideas. I am proud of our Ukrainian youth – they are very active and are honored to represent Ukraine at a decent level. I believe that, in the coming years, it is the active youth who will be able to change Ukraine for the better because it is crucial to believe and act.”

This year, Ukrainian youngsters had the opportunity to exchange their views on improving the quality of climate education and public awareness on climate issues with other delegates. Along with other conference participants, they also helped to develop the Global Youth Statement, a document that will be handed to COP26 and policymakers to ensure that youth voices are heard and their demands have an impact on decisions surrounding energy, agriculture, health, transportation, water and sanitation, sustainable cities and communities, technology and innovation, and other matters.

“Our goal at COY16 is to represent Ukrainian youth civic initiatives and to show that young people from Ukraine, including the Fridays for Future youth movement respond responsibly to the climate crisis and fight for the right of the young generation to be heard and represented internationally,” says Ilyess El Kortbi, a coordinator of the COY16 Ukrainian delegation and coordinator of the ‘Fridays for Future’ movement in Ukraine.

Follow the link to read the text of the document in English.

Join the statement following this link.