Youth delegates call for greater say in climate negotiations

Young climate delegates at the Youth Climate Summit Qatar 2026 urged governments to give young people a more substantial role in drafting national negotiating positions before major climate summits. They argued that merely attending the COP does not ensure real influence over international climate policy. During a panel discussion moderated by Neeshad Shafi of the Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar, diplomats and youth advocates examined how to translate youth participation into genuine impact on global climate agreements.

HE Fahad al-Attiyah, founder of Caravane Earth and Heenat Salma Farm, emphasized that climate awareness and youth involvement must start at the community level, in homes, schools, and neighborhoods. He encouraged stronger connections between young people, experts, and policymakers to foster a deeper understanding of environmental issues and the consequences of daily consumption habits.

Qatari youth advocate Hamed Nasser al-Thani stressed the importance of giving young people a seat at the decision-making tables. Australian Ambassador to Qatar Shane Flanagan highlighted Australia's appointment of Sally Higgins as the COP31 Presidency Youth Climate Champion. Flanagan described Higgins' role as a bridge between young people and international negotiators, particularly those facing the brunt of climate change effects like erratic rainfall and powerful storms.

He noted that Higgins would act as an advisor, potentially paving the way for more youth engagement in future COP processes.

Flanagan also pointed out the collaboration between Turkey, host of COP31 in Antalya, and Australia, the lead negotiator, as a testament to international cooperation. Both sides share a commitment to an effective COP that drives global climate action.

Despite these positive steps, al-Attiyah stressed that true youth involvement goes beyond mere representation. Heur emphasis on integrating young voices throughout the policymaking process until the actual negotiations begin underscores the critical challenge ahead of COP31: moving beyond token representation to meaningful involvement in shaping the environmental policies that will affect their future.