UNICEF Hungary’s Young Ambassador participated in the COP30 climate summit

At the summit, representatives of 194 countries discussed global emission reductions, the replacement of fossil fuels, the review of national emission reduction plans and climate protection financing. The central message of the conferenceis: “We must act now to leave a livable planet for future generations.”

The presence of young people at the world’s largest climate summit is already becoming stronger

Young people are playing an increasingly prominent role in the COP negotiations every year. This year, a separate Children and Youth Pavilion provided them with a space where discussions and professional programs by youth organizations took place.

“Climate change will not only determine our present, but also our future. Our generation will be the one to experience the consequences, so we have the right to have a say in decisions.  Although the voice of young people is getting stronger, we must continue to work to ensure that leaders take this seriously,” said Benedek.

The young ambassador participated in several consultations, professional workshops and discussions. Topics included the role of education in combating climate change, the protection of vulnerable communities, climate justice, and the involvement of youth in decision-making. He had the opportunity to meet with several high-ranking leaders in person.

“Young people are no longer just passive observers at the COP, but active shapers of the future. There were many committed young people and children of all ages present – ​​the youngest was only 10 years old. They had a tangible impact on the events with their projects and speeches”

– Benedek continued. 

Protests on the streets of Belém

The negotiations were also accompanied by an intense civil presence this year. During the climate summit, several thousand people took to the streets for climate justice, including young activists and representatives of indigenous communities. The protesters demanded the end of the fossil fuel era, a quick, just transition, and greater youth participation in decision-making.

“As I walked between the meeting rooms, I came across protesting groups everywhere. Activists from small island states, young people, indigenous communities, and representatives of many other affected groups, used various demonstrations to draw the attention of the negotiators to the fact that for them this was not just a theoretical debate: the effects of climate change are already seriously affecting their daily lives. The street demonstrators presented the funeral of the fossil fuel era in a very special way: they carried three huge coffins with the inscriptions: “coal,” “oil,” and “gas,” Benedek said. “We young people also know that if we continue at this pace, we will not be able to protect our own future, let alone that of the next generation. The COP is no longer just a diplomatic meeting, but a forum where we must collectively raise our voices for our future,” he continued.

Why is youth participation crucial?

Children and young people are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change – from extreme weather to health challenges to water security. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that their perspectives are also meaningfully reflected in decision-making.

“The most important message I brought home: every child has the right to know what is happening to our planet and has the right to express their opinion about it”

– Benedek emphasized.

“That is why it was a particular pleasure to hear that the importance of involving youth was also emphasized in the Hungarian national speech”

– the UNICEF Hungary Young Ambassador concluded his thoughts.

Benedek’s participation at COP30 was realized within the framework of UNICEF Hungary’s Climate Heroes program. The program aims to provide young people with reliable, understandable knowledge about climate change and create opportunities for them to actively participate in their communities.