As the world gathered at COP29 to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change, a vibrant group of young negotiators stood at the forefront, ready to make their voices heard. This year, the Youth Negotiators Academy (YNA) brought together over 100 passionate young leaders from diverse backgrounds and countries, each armed with their unique stories and aspirations. Since its launch in 2022, YNA has trained more than 400 youth negotiators from 63 countries, with a strong emphasis on representation from the Global South.
A Mission Fueled by Passion
At the heart of YNA’s mission is a powerful vision: to transform multilateral decision-making by fostering a culture of cooperation across generations.
Co-founder Veena Balakrishnan reflects on this mission, saying, “With YNA’s founding, for me, it was about addressing a systemic issue. I wanted to understand why we weren’t seeing enough amazing people like me in positions of power.”
This desire to change the narrative drives YNA’s commitment to nurturing a community of effective young negotiators who can deliver inclusive and impactful outcomes.
Among these young leaders is Emmanuel Prado, a political scientist from Costa Rica. With a deep passion for climate action and ocean policy, Emmanuel shares how he became involved in negotiations: “I feel so optimistic about the role we are currently playing in these discussions.”
He represents Costa Rica at COP29, where he aims to emphasize the need for resources dedicated to climate adaptation – a critical area for his country facing increasing climate challenges.
The Power of Diverse Perspectives
The diversity among YNA’s participants is striking. Each negotiator brings their own experiences and insights shaped by their home countries’ unique challenges. Emmanuel Elogima Vandi, representing Sierra Leone, speaks passionately about his motivation: “My commitment stems from addressing the adverse effects of climate change on vulnerable communities.”
He highlights Sierra Leone’s struggles with extreme weather events that threaten livelihoods and emphasizes the importance of securing funding for sustainable development projects.
In Jordan, Rahma Al-Rafayia faces her own set of challenges. Growing up in a country grappling with water scarcity and desertification, she is determined to advocate for international support for climate adaptation initiatives.
“Through effective negotiation and collaboration, we can address the urgent challenges posed by climate change,” she asserts.
Rahma’s journey reflects the hope and urgency that young negotiators bring to COP29.
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Building Skills and Confidence
YNA’s programs are designed not just to educate but to empower. Through intensive training sessions, participants gain essential skills in negotiation and policy analysis while building a supportive network of like-minded youth leaders.
Emmanuel Prado shares how this preparation has impacted him: “There was a lot of mental health support that we developed thanks to the program. I felt very included in the community-building process.”
Marie-Claire Graf, another co-founder of YNA, emphasizes that empowering young people means ensuring they have genuine opportunities to engage in decision-making processes.
“I wanted to ensure that young people had a seat at the table as delegates representing their countries,” she explains. This commitment resonates deeply with all YNA participants as they navigated complex negotiations at COP29.
A Call for Action
As these young negotiators engage in discussions that will shape their futures, they carry with them not only their hopes but also a sense of responsibility. Emmanuel Elogima Vandi encapsulates this sentiment perfectly: “Young people bring fresh perspectives, innovation, and urgency to climate negotiations.” Their involvement ensures that policies reflect the needs and concerns of future generations.
“By actively participating in the negotiation process, young negotiators can strengthen trust in these systems and revitalize their purpose.”
– Veena Balakrishnan, Co-founder, Youth Negotiators Academy (YNA)
This belief is what drives each participant as they work tirelessly to advocate for ambitious climate actions that prioritize sustainability and equity.
A Future Built Together
The Youth Negotiators Academy is more than just an organization; it is a movement towards inclusivity and empowerment in global climate discussions. As these young leaders step onto the world stage at COP29, they are not just representatives of their countries – they are champions for justice, innovation, and collaboration.
With their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to meaningful change, the young negotiators embody hope for a sustainable future. As they continue their journey beyond COP29, one thing is certain: they are ready to lead us toward a better tomorrow – together.
