More often than not, youths are perceived to be incapable, illiterate and immature to be able to make proper decisions. However, one particular youth organization network called YOUNGO is the group that you can entrust to make informed decisions in the UNFCCC intergovernmental process. This is the bunch of youths who holds true to being the guardian of our planet earth and will stand strong in protecting it for the future generation. Each and every YOUNGO member do not simply represent a single nation but they represent the global youth community fighting against climate change as a unity.
Photocredits by tcktcktck.org
“I represent all future generations yet to be born.”
“I represent the billions of children to be born before 2050.”
“I represent over 50% of the world’s population alive today.”
So please do not neglect us.
Continue reading to learn more about YOUNGO, the official youth constituency at UNFCCC.
Youth (Children and young people) are believed to be the key players in reaching innovative, inspiring and ambitious climate change solution. In fact, youth have been actively involved in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) since COP 5 in Bonn.
To date, the idea of youth constituency status was first discussed at COP10 in Buenos Aires. Prior to Conferences of Parties (COP 15), the secretariat granted a provisional observer constituency status to admit youth non-governmental organisations (YOUNGO). As per definition by the UNFCCC secretariat, constituency has a functional role in the climate change negotiation process as a management tool. This status allow youth not only to strengthen their presence during negotiations process but also take part in it as a stakeholder. To make thing clear, YOUNGO is not an organisation but rather an official youth constituency status in UNFCCC. The objective of YOUNGO is youth empowerment
As a constituency, YOUNGO is given the opportunity to address the plenary and high level segment of a COP/CMP. YOUNGO have additional privileges to make official statements and provide technical and policy inputs to negotiation groups during the plenaries. They also invited to attend workshops taking place in between sessions and meet with officials of the Convention such as Chairs of the subsidiary bodies and the COP Presidency.
YOUNGO play an important role in becoming the conduit for the exchange of official information between youth and the secretariat. Focal points are representatives in charge of communicating with the secretariat of the UNFCCC on behalf of youth during negotiation. Besides, YOUNGO assisted the secretariat in ensuring an effective youth participation to an intergovernmental meeting. Besides, it also promote youth participation in specific projects at the local and national levels such as education, mitigation, adaptation and technology transfer. It also coordinated young people’s interaction at sessions including convening constituency meetings, organising meetings with officials, providing names for the speakers list and representation at official function
Starting in COP 11/CMP 1, youth have organised meetings called “Conferences of Youth (COY)” prior to the sessions of the COP/CMP. The annual COY provides a solidarity platform to bring young people from around the world to learn about UNFCCC, building networks and equip themselves in building capacity in participating in the UNFCCC negotiation process. COY is the main summit of the YOUNGO constituency. COY 11 will be held at 26th November 2015
Aside from COY, the youth continue to engage in the negotiation process through various activities. YOUNGO co-organises Young and Future Generation’s Day during the COP/CMP which will feature a series of youth-led events, exhibits, interviews, media stunts and etc. These events provide opportunities for the youth to showcase their project implemented, present a report they have written and even performing arts.
Last but not least, youth participation has brought moral and equity based values as well as transparency to the negotiations.
In a few more months, the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) will determine how we move forward to address climate change as a nation. You may be thinking, how is dealing with climate change more important that dealing with the issue of corruption and political unrest in this country. This is because by the end of the upcoming UNFCCC happening this December, it will be a world-wide effort or rather a long term global effort to resume the responsibility in protecting our planet earth and achieve a sustainable future. Nonetheless, with the understanding that, you may still have the opinion of there are other issues more in need of our country’s attention, the only thing implied here is that this INDCs that our nation will submit publicly SHOULD NOT be taken lighter than the issue on corruption and political unrest.
Get your explanation on INDCs in the articles below by Amalen Sathananthar and Mohammad Shakirin Bin Shahrul Jamal.
In preparation to create a new international climate agreement via the United Nation’s Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris in December 2015, participating countries, parties have agreed to publicly outline what post-2020 climate actions they intend to take under a new international agreement, known as their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). The INDCs will largely determine whether the world achieves an ambitious 2015 agreement and is put on a path toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. All INDCs submitted to the Secretariat by October 1st will be included in a synthesis report prepared by the UNFCCC Secretariat that will be released by November 1st. The report will reflect the aggregate emissions impact of available INDCs ahead of COP21.
What exactly is it?
A country’s INDC indicates to the world that the country is doing its part to combat climate change and limit future climate risks. In their INDCs, UNFCCC Parties are requested to outline the steps they are taking/will take to reduce emissions at the national level. Most INDCs pairs national policy-setting and a global framework to determine their collective contributions in the context of their national priorities, circumstances and capabilities towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.
It is important that countries follow a transparent process when preparing their INDC in order for the trust and accountability with domestic and international stakeholders be built. A good INDC should be ambitious, leading to transformation in carbon-intensive sectors and industry; transparent, so that stakeholders can track progress and ensure countries meet their stated goals; and equitable, so that each country does its fair share to address climate change. Essentially, INDCs must be clearly communicated so that domestic and international stakeholders can anticipate how these actions will contribute to global emissions reductions and climate resilience in the future.
Well, you see, all nations involved in the COP21 in Paris 2015, they should prepare and submit their INDCs before the Conference. On 3rd of July 2015, our close neighboring country, Singapore submitted their Climate Action Plan along with other countries such as Switzerland, Russia, Andorra, Mexico, Liechtenstein, Serbia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Morocco and many others. With that said, Malaysia certainly won’t want to be left behind.
Well-designed INDCs will signal to the world that the country is doing its part to combat climate change and limit future climate risks. Countries should follow a transparent process when preparing their INDC in order to build trust and accountability with domestic and international stakeholders. A good INDC should be ambitious, leading to transformation in carbon-intensive sectors and industry; transparent, so that stakeholders can track progress and ensure countries meet their stated goals; and equitable, so that each country does its fair share to address climate change. It is important that INDCs be clearly communicated so domestic and international stakeholders can anticipate how these actions will contribute to global emissions reductions and climate resilience in the future.
An INDC should also articulate how the country is integrating climate change into other national priorities, such as sustainable development and poverty reduction, and send signals to the private sector to contribute to these efforts.
What is World Resources Institute (WRI) doing on this topic?
WRI is working on a variety of projects that aim to assist governments in preparing INDCs and help stakeholders understand and evaluate INDCs:
The Open Climate Network is working with partners in eight focus countries to evaluate current emissions trends and abatement potential out to 2030, with a view to informing initial INDCs. Following the release of the INDCs, OCN and its partners will evaluate mitigation pledges based on insights from the GHG Protocol and other tools. This data will provide critical information to decision-makers in the world’s largest economies that will enable the development of ambitious GHG reduction targets in their INDCs.
In partnership with the UNDP, WRI is working on an INDC guidance document that will support the detailed design and preparation of INDCs, including for mitigation and adaptation components and explanations of fairness and ambition.
WRI also works on INDCs through our Open Book initiative that enhances INDC transparency. The ACT 2015 project works to catalyze agreement at COP21, including the ways in which countries’ commitments and other actions from their INDCs are finalized and linked to the 2015 agreement. Our CAIT Paris Contributions Map tracks and analyzes INDCs as countries submit them.
If this INDCs will determine the future of Malaysia, perhaps we need to stand up and voice out our opinion on in direction Malaysia should progress. We should make sure that this matter is taken seriously to ensure that Malaysia will be put on the right path forward rather than continue to regress.
Malaysian Youth Delegation #MYD15 is 20 young Malaysians getting together, learning, fundraising and engaging our government in the process towards UNFCCC Climate Change Conference COP21.
Name
Profile
Chok Pit Yuen
Call me Yen. My academic background was geology, graduated from University of Malaya, having working experiences as exploration geologist (gold mining industry) and PA, interested in both nature and social sciences. Being in an alternative group called The Zeitgeist Movement (M), determine to become a game reformist in order enhance the welfare the world and the earth with holistic approaches, inclusive of personal development of individuals and oneself Like to engage with nature and environmental activities and organizations and as life member of Geological Society of Malaysia, Malaysian Nature Society and Environmental Protection Society Malaysia. There’re both extrovert and introvert inside me, and procrastination is one of my bad habits, pardon moi.
Choong Merryn
Merryn is currently an ACCA Affiliate. She was a student ambassador to the United States of America under the Kennedy Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program in 2010. In 2012, she spent a year, both studying and working part-time in Busan, South Korea. Merryn shows great interest and passion towards nature and environmental studies. She is an active volunteer of Malaysia Nature Society (MNS) and AFS. She was also selected to participate in the Hope and Dreams Project. She has since travelled to Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Japan for natural disasters prevention and mitigation education.
Chua Wanji
Wanji graduated with a BSc degree in Conservation Biology from University Malaysia Sabah (UMS). Her postgraduate study in ‘Stability of Altered Forest Ecosystem’ (SAFE) project, Kalabakan, Tawau, is funded by the Malaysian Ministry of higher Education. Her research focused on ant-plant mutualism in forest regeneration. In 2014, Wanji had her internship with WWF-Malaysia, in the camera-traps maintenance unit for the Tiger Conservation project. She also got involve with many educational activities with the indigenous people. She is a firm believer in sustainable lifestyle and kindness towards animals. Her wide interest could be summarized into adventures, nature, volunteerism and arts.
“Speak up, speak the truth and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves”
Elyas Eric
Hi, I’m Elyas Eric, a 23 year old student from Universiti Malaysia Sabah. I’m currently in my final semester of my 3 years course, and I will graduate with a Bsc. (Hons.)in Conservation Biology, in November 2015. My subject of interest is anuran or commonly known as frogs and toads. I love field work because working in the forest excites me, especially when it involves trekking, and canopy climbing. I love to interact with the nature and its elements. I’m introvert in nature but love meeting new people. I’m still waiting to check travelling off my 2015 to do list.
Bella Septiarani
My name is FK Bella Septiarani, I am Political Science student at Bakrie University, majoring in International Politics. I am very outgoing and cooperative individual, and currently involved in various student organizations, and presently assume leadership as head of public relation commissions at Bakrie University. I am highly respectful of others and love learning new things. I love to learn more about culture and diversity. But now I am concerning on climate change and more respectful to the mother of nature. And will do something to make a change for the better future.
Lai Yoke Hwa (Thomas)
Lai Yoke Hwa (Thomas) was a BEng graduate in the field of Chemical Engineering with Environmental Engineering. He is currently pursuing master’s degree in Geospatial Science for Development Management at The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus. The master degree provides him a competitive edge of expertise in combining geospatial skill and international development knowledge to solve and develop strategies in fields such as climate change (environment). He was one of the 3 recipients to receive the Vice-Chancellor’s Achievement Award in 2014 in recognition of his outstanding contribution and leaving positive impact to the university.
Loh Rachel
Hello there! I am Loh Rachel, an 18-year-old who loves exploring, meeting new people and learning about new cultures, and to no surprise, would love to travel the world someday! Having just graduated from high school, I will be taking a gap year to explore my interests in neurobiology, psychology and environmental science. Besides my academic interests, I also enjoy long-distance running, photography and acting. I look forward to contributing to this amazing team of talented individuals and making an impact at UNFCCC COP21.
Low Pau Ling (Roxanne)
Guten tag, meine Mitarbeiter! (That technically translates to good day my fellow colleagues!) Yes, I speak and write German as I lived abroad for almost a year after my SPM. I just survived the IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) and will be pursuing my tertiary education in USA this Fall. I was a member of PowerShift ’13 and would like to contribute and put the skills learnt into good use by participating in MYD. As compared to many, I am still a noobie in Climate Change Movements but to make up for it, I am quite a fast and proactive learner. 所以， 请多多教导。(In Mandarin, that means, I hope that you will be willing share your knowledge and wisdom with me so that together we can make the youths’ voices heard. To great teamwork and collaboration!
Michael Jason Campton
Mike is a communications consultant with a BSc degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Earth System Science and an emphasis on Climate Systems from San Francisco State University in California. At university he was a part of The Green Initiative Fund, which was a student organization that was set up to campaign for money to be set aside by the University for a fund that students and staff could utilize to carry out sustainability projects on campus. At his day job, Mike helps his clients find solutions to their communication problems. He helps Lenovo manage their social media community, create engaging content and devise digital media strategy. He also helps GSK with their internal communications as well as Magic: The Gathering and Motorola with public relations. Mike has an interest in earth science, geography, public transit, cycling, travel and photography.
Mohammad Shakirin Bin Shahrul Jamal
For someone to find his interest in a specific area, he has to go through certain experiences which will then contribute to the learning process. It was not until my experience of being an exchange student in the United States of America when I found my interest in Social Science. As an exchange student, I loved watching the difference in terms of culture, economics background and sociology, just to name few; between my home country Malaysia and the US. The impact I gained during my exchange year has driven me to explore a field of study that consist of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary essentials, hence the Social Science. I’m currently pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Mohd Fahmi Azman Othman
Hello, My name Fahmi Azman Othman, just call me Fahmi.. I am 29 Years Old Currently living in Penang also work in Penang. I am very active in volunteering especially involve in environmentally activities, I am participated in many volunteering such as tree planting, power shift Malaysia, organize freeze flash mob during WWF Earth Hour Celebration to give awareness to public about climate change issues. I am looking forward to join Malaysia Delegate to COP21 in Paris this year to understand more about climate change issues and could share it with my community how important this issues and take an action to prevent from climate change.
Nur Anisah Binti Abd Manan
My name is Nur Anisah Binti Abd Manan from Masjid Tanah, Melaka. I was born on 24th September 1990, the first born of my siblings. I graduated in 2013 from University of Malaya in Ecology and Biodiversity. For hobbies, I have interest in both outdoor and indoor activities and both social and solitary activities such as running, swimming (though I’m such a bad swimmer), archery, reading, watching film/drama/documentary, skygazing, and wildlife viewing. In term of personality, I’m INFP-T type. I love to involve with issues on climate change as they are interrelated to other environmental and social issues that I’m interested with.
Oi Yen Tse (Emily)
Oi Yen Tse (Emily) has completed her first degree in Chemical with Environmental Engineering and is currently pursuing her Masters in Environmental Monitoring and Management in University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus. She is value driven, people oriented and love to travel. She has had several local and international voluntary experiences with cultural and environmental theme such as the ASEAN Youth Camp in Thailand, AIESEC exchange in India and PowerShift Malaysia. Her background and experience as well as her sentimental feelings towards her hometown, Johor Bahru- a rapidly growing border city, built her motivation to contribute in sustainable urban development and climate change related causes.
Oliver Shawn PV Kumaran
Oliver has worked on sustainability projects and strategy since 2009 for one of the largest listed palm oil companies worldwide. He was part of a pioneering green technology unit focusing on waste management projects to reduce carbon emissions. . While here, he managed 4 projects that delivered first-of-its-kind Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) under the Clean Development Mechanism, UNFCCC, developed carbon reduction strategy and 5-year sustainability blueprint for the company, and was involved in sustainability communications efforts, including the writing and editing of a 150-page coffee table book on sustainability initiatives. He was the main writer, design lead, and project manager for the organisation’s first GRI-compliant sustainability report focusing on plantations. He believes that sustainability can be embedded in daily lives with the use of efficient, clean technologies and increased consumer awareness.
Ooi May Chen
My name is Ooi May Chen. I graduated from USM Penang with a degree holder in Environmental Technology. I worked as a safety and health executive previously in industry sector. After that, I joined CETDEM as PJ-EcoMobility Project Officer. I am concern of the environment and how climate change affects living organisms on earth. It worried me when I see the development coming up so fast and the environment worsening. I realized sustainable development is the most practical solution to combat climate change and save our future. This may be the last chance for us to act globally together to save our only earth.
See Yee Ling (Elaine)
I’m an A-level student at Taylor’s College Subang Jaya, under the Ministry of Education Bursary. I have started to concern and pay more attention about the climate change issue since Form 3 and this is an impact of the newspaper articles. The reason I applied and participated the COP21 Malaysian Delegation(MYD) is to gain more knowledge and experience related to the aforementioned world crisis so that I can leave an impact on someone and on Mother Earth, as well as to support the Malaysian Negotiator.
Tan Mei Peng (Jolene)
Jolene Journe Tan is a curious cat of climate change who tends to live in her own bubble. Yet, at the same time, she likes to travel, explore, learn and connect the world especially on how human impacts the environment and vice versa. She finds that there is a huge gap on understanding climate change between the scientists, major stakeholders and the public where, she hopes to facilitates and bridge the gap via writing, communicating and engaging in any ways she could. She is grateful to be able to be part of MYD COP21 Program – as this would be her first trip to represent Malaysia in this prestigious event; to witness the world leaders and major stakeholders on finalizing the very first treaty agreement on mitigating climate change, including Malaysia. For her, climate change is a social issue that can be resolved. Stay optimistic as the universe has its way.
Amalen Sathananthar
Amalen Sathananthar, raised in Kuantan and someone who has spent a lot of his youth with nature through various outdoor activities like camping and trail running. Through this bond I have discovered a need to help preserve what remains and help reverse the effects of Climate change in whatever way that I can. An avid volunteer at PowerShiftMalaysia and various other environmental NGO’s, I spend most of my time dedicated to my job at Yellowshorts Consulting, working on projects to better help society.
Chuah Ee Chia
Ee Chia thinks that the climate change and the current capitalistic economic system is interrelated. She believes that the way forward towards a more sustainable planet is economic degrowth and through localization with more emphasis on indigenous practices. She’s mesmerized by the beauty of the Coral Triangle and the biodiversity of its marine lives. Climate change is a threat to the corals, marine lives and the people of the Coral Triangle. She’s fascinated by the life of the last surviving sea nomads, the Bajau Laut who reside in the Coral Triangle. She hopes that the statelessness of the Bajau Laut in Semporna, Malaysia can be resolved soon. She also hopes to see a successful COP21 where world leaders will put the future’s interest before their nation’s. She loves Odissi and seeing the world through the eyes of the locals.
Ch’ng Sin Yi (Beatrice)
Beatrice Ch’ng is currently pursuing her Masters in Environmental Science, Policy and Management (MESPOM) in Europe (www.mespom.eu). She has a background in Environmental Science (major in Chemistry). Upon graduation, she worked as an Environmental Consultant in ENVIRON Malaysia covering 8 countries within Asia. Her main responsibilities include environmental assessment; technical report and business proposal writing; and client liaison (local and multinational industries). Her interests lies with energy, education and sustainable governance. Conversant with 4 languages, she enjoys reading, writing and experiencing new culture. Of course, a good conversation with a cup of hot chocolate makes her heart glad!
Nur Fatihah Zainal Abidin
My name is Nur Fatihah binti Zainal Abidin and I am a master student at University Technology of Malaysia. My current study focus on solid waste management. I am a member of UTM-Asia Low Carbon Research Centre. I have a high interest in environmental related research. With knowledge and enthusiasm that I have towards the environment,I feel responsible to contribute to our environment and society. Last year, I joined a community-based participatory research (CBPR) project to tackle water issues in Kg Air Papan, Mersing and being selected by UTM to be one of the ambassadors to Lao PDR under the Southeast Asian Water Challenge program. Currently I’m involved in a community composting project at Felda Taib Andak in the hope that the community can manage their organic waste with cost efficient and environmentally friendly. I’m very delighted for being selected as a member of MYD15. This is a valuable opportunity for me to gain experience and knowledge on climate change issues and also an opportunity to build like minded network.
During the plenary of SBSTA, civil societies were given space to engage with the parties of UNFCCC. Very fortunately, I had the opportunity to deliver an intervention on behalf of Climate Action Network (CAN). The full text of the intervention can be found below.
Adrian Yeo
Thank you co-chairs, I am Adrian Yeo, speaking on behalf of Climate Action Network. Governments need to phase out all fossil fuel emissions as early as possible, but not later than 2050, ensuring that mitigation does not compromise adaptation, food security or social and environmental safeguards.
In line with this, resolving the pending technical issues in relation to REDD+ non-carbon benefits and the development of safeguard information systems is crucial. Without further guidance from SBSTA, there is a risk that safeguards are not being addressed and respected; and result in significant negative social and environmental impacts and jeopardize the ability of REDD+ to mitigate climate change.
The Framework for Various Approaches should develop detailed accounting rules for carbon markets consistent with the overall framework. To promote the highest standards of environmental and social sustainability and to ensure good governance Carbon market eligibility criteria are indispensable.
The fight against climate change does not justify accepting solutions that affect human rights, ignore environmental safeguards, or increase social or gender inequality. And no sector can escape their responsibility to cap and reduce their emissions and pay their fair share of financing, including international shipping and aviation.
The forty-second session of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI 42) and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA 42), as well as the June session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP2-9) is currrently taking place from 1-11 June 2015 in Bonn, Germany. http://unfccc.int/2860.php
#PowerShiftMsia is covering the meetings and keeping track of Malaysia’s delegation; we feel privileged and honored to bring you, our readers the most updated photos and heated stories. Check them out on our Facebook page!
As I was waiting to board my flight to attend the UNFCCC Meeting in Bonn-Germany, I lost count the number of times I was asked, “Isn’t COP usually at the end of the year?”
Bonn 2015
Annually, there are usually 2 to 4 intersessional meetings. These meetings happen either in the UN offices in Bonn-Germany or Bangkok-Thailand. Sometimes, due to the urgency and increased amount of negotiations, there may be additional meetings planned and hosted by countries that are interested, such as China (Tianjin), Panama (Panama City) or Spain (Barcelona).
Find out more about the past meeting schedules and documents here.
This year, there are four meetings namely, Bonn1 (1-11 June), Bonn2 (31 Aug – 4 Sept) and Bonn3 (19-23 Oct). While Bonn1 is for Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), Bonn2 & Bonn3 are for Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP).
The number that follows the acronym indicates the edition of the meeting. For example, this is SBI 42, which means it is the 42nd meeting of SBI. Another example is COP21, it means that it will be the COP’s 21st meeting assemble.
For more updates of current and upcoming UNFCCC meetings, you can easily refer to the website here.
Chok Pit Yuen
Choong Merryn
Chua Wanji
Elyas Eric
Bella Septiarani
Lai Yoke Hwa (Thomas)
Loh Rachel
Michael Jason Campton
Mohd Fahmi Azman Othman
Nur Anisah Binti Abd Manan
Oliver Shawn PV Kumaran
See Yee Ling (Elaine)
Tan Mei Peng (Jolene)
Chuah Ee Chia
Ch’ng Sin Yi (Beatrice)
Nur Fatihah Zainal Abidin
