From Dare Akogun, Egypt
COP27 President and Foreign Minister of Egypt Sameh Shoukry has urged the youth to push governments in their country to action by speaking out about climate change.
Shoukry gave the charge on Wednesday while addressing crowds at the Child & Youth Pavilion at COP27 following a tour of the Pavilion.
According to him, “I depend on your voices. It is your future that we are supposed to be here to guarantee and it is only through your voices, your advocacy and your inspiration that you will have been able to enjoy your right to take full advantage of the earth, the forests and the air and to live a long and prosperous future on our beautiful planet once governments undertake their responsibilities.
“You are the future and it is your voice that will help deliver I, he declared.”
Following his address, the COP27 President received a petition from young people campaigning for loss and damage funding which following negotiations at the outset of the COP.
As part of another youth initiative the Youth-led Climate Forum will be presenting key findings of a policy paper that will be introduced via two roundtables on the Young Future Generations Day on November 10 at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh.
For the first time ever, this youth statement will find its way to the COP Presidency’s Action Agenda where youth representatives, Ministers and negotiators will discuss the expectations and the demands agreed by the youth activists.
The first of its kind Children & Youth Pavilion provides a place for young people to engage, debate and collaborate to make their voice heard at the COP.
Activity includes: initiative launches, talks and events for the under 35’s. Free meeting rooms and also help young people to get together for implementation at COP27.
