![Asian Youth Coalition Network World Café – in the spirit of Talanoa]()
by admin | Nov 12, 2017 | #MYD, MYD2017, YOUNGO
The Asian Youth Coalition Network (AYCN) World Café was a very eye-opening experience for me because it was testimonial to what I believe the United Nations climate change conference should be – just, open, constructive and in good spirit. The World Café kept true to its word as participants hailed from Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Germany, Denmark and France.
Group photo taken at the end of AYCN World Cafe
Unorthodox in its design, the World Café provided a platform for passionate discussion amongst participants who divided into working groups, unlike the usual lecture-audience setting where speakers could drag on for what may seem like an eternity.
The aforementioned working groups discussed on topics from 1) meaning of youth delegation and why we need it; 2) youth and climate change; 3) the future is for youth; and 4) renewable energy status and challenges. For my first article, I find it appropriate to share with all of you on my beliefs and opinion on these four topics.
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Meaning of youth delegation and why we need it
In my opinion, a good organization is representative and inclusive, so it goes without saying that some sort of youth representation is called for. Hence, I believe the meaning of youth delegation is a group of young people set out to perform specific tasks. In our case, we as the Malaysian Youth Delegation, are a group of young people attending COP to track climate change negotiations pertaining to different tracks such as mitigation, adaptation, global stocktake, so on and so forth. I believe a youth delegation is necessary in tracking negotiations at COP so that we can offer fresh perspectives on how we can overcome the issue and most importantly, to ensure continuity so that one day perhaps we may become climate change negotiators or champions of some sort to continue the struggle against climate change.
My thoughts are as such when it comes to this connection: a) that the most severe effects of climate change thus far will be heavily borne by the current generation of youth; b) hence we need to take ownership of the issue because if left by the older generation, we would not have a place to call home once they step down. Also, when I think about the relationship about youth and climate change, my thoughts go back to the need for youth delegations all over the world to make our voices heard, if not have a say in the actual negotiations. If it’s not possible for youths to have an actual influence on the negotiations, we shall resort to climate action if that’s what it takes to bring the issue to light.
In this segment, I recall reading an article from a member of last year’s MYD, Dulanga, where she talks about the fact that the people leading the climate change negotiations aren’t even probably going to be around to feel the worse effects of climate change. Remembering her article reminds me of the pain at how unjust the notion is. Imagine having your car fixed by someone else (but they don’t do a very good job about it) and he/she doesn’t even check if it runs afterwards because they’re not even going to use it. Granted, it is a cynical and pessimistic view of those leading the negotiations, which brings me to my next point – that there are many good people out there who want to make a positive difference and that whatever decision they’re making, it is in full consideration and for the betterment of young and future generations. Also, it goes for the current generation of youths whereby once it comes to the time for us to lead the struggle against climate change, our decision-making should be based on the needs and consideration of the coming generations after us.
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Renewable energy status and challenges
Last but not least (I love the topic of renewable energy), my thoughts surrounding this. When I think about renewable energy, I think about clean energy, be it solar, wind, geothermal. I think about the phasing out of fossil fuels, I think about technology transfer and capacity building. This whole idea goes back to addressing the needs of future generations because if we go about with business as usual, in keeping up with aggressively extracting and depleting natural resources to power our world, there isn’t going to be any left for our children. As for the challenges, in my opinion it’s a matter of political will, as well as incorporating social and environmental values to economic motives, because in the end there is no profit nor development if it is to the detriment of society, health and the environment in which we live in.
The AYCN World Café was straightforward in that youths from across the Global South and Global North were in consensus regarding what is needed to keep global temperatures from increasing above 2oC – it was just, open, constructive and in good spirit. Across the 2 weeks I’ll be spending here in COP to track negotiations, I hope that the decision makers could follow suit and adopt the spirit of ‘Talanoa’ in resolving climate change – for it to be inclusive, participatory and transparent.
Written by Syaqil
Edited by Varun
![Adriana Valenzuela COY speech]()
by admin | Nov 9, 2017 | #MYD, MYD2017, YOUNGO
The Conference of Youth (COY) officially started on the 2nd of November and during the opening ceremony of COY, as many as 1300 youth participants were present from 140 nations. During this ceremony, Adriana Valenzuela, the focal point for Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) with the UN Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) gave a speech to the COY13 participants. She opened her speech by stressing the importance of protecting the people and life in from climate change. She emphasized on how young people would be the leaders and champions of tomorrow.
Adriana Valenzuela giving the youth spirit and hope to combat climate change
She reminded us that in order to move forward, we as global citizens needed to move and act with potency. She also mentioned on developing the right change to promote sustainable lifestyle and vocalised on the urgency required in this matter. Adriana mentioned that UNFCCC need youth at COY to inspire the rest of the youth around the world, so that they too can contribute to meaningful transformation. In the interest of doing so, she added that the youth needed to establish partnerships with the government towards integrating implementation of climate action at national levels. One of the initial crucial step to get up there was through education.
Adriana explained to the floor on how we cannot change the world without educating and fostering capable change. To bring about that, we must invest more resources into education which prosper public action involvement, awareness and development. Adriana then mentioned that during COP23, there would commemorate 9th of November for the Youth and Future Generation (YoFuGe) day and the Education day on the 16th of November. These days memorializes the belief of Adriana for the Youth and Education to be the main focal point for climate action.
She then says how we, as COY13, are united in our mission for rapid climate action that would be furious, faster and a movement that would act in solidarity. Although the task may at times seem doubting and demanding, it would be a part and parcel of climate action. Adriana spoke this from the bottom of her heart as she was a youth delegate and had organized the Latin American youth movement that globalized Latin countries.
Her message during COY13 resonates among the MYD17 members as Malaysia’s combat against climate change was similar. The lack of exposure towards climate issues among the people, the lack of climate action urgency and sense of disempowerment in communities are of the many issues Malaysians face. This year’s COP23 hosted by Fiji will be an important platform for MYD17 to make Malaysians more aware of climate action as the agenda for COP23 would primarily be:
1) Capturing progress on the implementation guidelines for the Paris Agreement
2) Consultation on the organization for facilitative dialogue
We need to work on our dreams, our passion and our ideas because only then we can make a difference. Adriana made her closing remarks by stating a quote from John F. Kennedy; “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”.
MYD17 hopes that COP23 be aligned to the Fijian slogan of Talanoa and the spirit of Bula, which expressed the meaningful participatory dialog that was inclusive; bringing people’s concerns and issues to express their ideas, and create a realistic practical solution for climate change, which is Fiji’s presidency mission for COP23 to accelerate climate action.
Written by Azam
Edited by Varun
![COY Day Three – MYD Leads Global Discussion on Climate Action]()
by admin | Nov 8, 2017 | #MYD, MYD2017, YOUNGO
Team Asia Youth
As part of the Asian Youth Climate Network (AYCN), the Malaysian Youth Delegation (MYD) co-hosted a session at the 13th Conference of Youth (COY13) on Youths Climate Action in Asia, which was participated by youths from various countries across the world. The session adopted a World Cafe format, and the participants were separated into four groups at different tables, whereby each group had a lead facilitator to facilitate the discussion. Every table had their own topic that revolved around climate action.
One of the MYD members, Azam, facilitated a table that discussed on ‘How Can Youth Educate the Public?’ It was really interesting to see the different views and perspectives contributed by the participants in interpreting the many ways to install education towards the public. Among the ideas that were brought up in the session included outreach via social media, capacity building workshops, upcycling programmes, sustainable fashion, responsible consumerism and creative ways in approaching the government.
For the wrap up, each tables were required to present the outcome or gist of their discussion. Azam enthusiastically presented on his table’s discussion and Mike volunteered to present on one of the table’s topic, which is ‘The Value of Youth’ – a topic that is crucial in many countries whereby youth are still having challenges in getting their voices heard, in terms of reaching out to the government, policy makers and the public.
Mike Leading Presentation
Putting being biased aside, this session on Youths Climate Action in Asia is one of the best sessions that I have attended as it is highly interactive and spurs up intellectual discourse. Learning on the programmes and movements in not only Asian countries like Taiwan, China, Korea or Japan, but European countries such as France and Germany from the participants attended, truly paints a bigger picture and making my see things in a new paradigm.
Azam Making a Point
The knowledge sharing session was definitely productive and I am glad that MYD played a vital role in getting the conversation going.
Written by Jasmin
Edited by Varun and Kelly
Group picture from the session
![MYD spoke at Youth Day in Nordic Pavilion]()
by admin | Nov 8, 2017 | #MYD, MYD2017, YOUNGO
Today marks the 1st day (7th of November 2017) of the 23rd session of the Conference of Parties #COP23.
The Nordic countries had a joint pavilion under the auspices of Nordic Council of Ministers and they had set the thematic for the very 1st day of COP23, to be YOUTH DAY.
I was fortunate to be invited as a panelist for one of the session named “Youth and Climate Change”. The session served as a platform for us, the youth, to share our experience of climate change impacts, what paved our way to get empowered, and what we have done to combat climate change. The session had a well-balanced global south and global north representatives.
From left, Adam Leckius (PUSH SWEDEN), Fredrick Ouma, Matilde Solberg Clemesten (The Norwegian Youth Delegation), Thomas Lai (Malaysian Youth Delegation MYD)
After the sharing session, there was a breakout group discussion on four different topics. I moderated one of the discussion, which was based on the role of youth organisations at a national level to accelerate climate action.
The rendezvous was constructive and we managed to compile all ideas into four main roles that youth were able to contribute to speed up climate action:
- Education
- Collaboration
- Green Vote
- Gender Empowerment.
Education
Policy languages tend to be tough to digest as jargon can be widely found. Due to these predicaments, public easily get lost in translation and eventually lost interest in studying about it. Thus, it is really important to translate and convey the message into laymen terms – This is where youth can show its fortitude. It become easier to get the message across in a more meaningful and efficient way as the generation gap is minimal. When comes to creating awareness, nothing can beat the creativity of the youth.
Collaboration
Asides rendering criticism, youth can provide recommendation to the government in combating climate change. In order to provide constructive feedback, it is also vital for the youth to understand the governance of the country (i.e how Federal and State governments function). To enact this, we could encourage the government of the day to educate the public on the governance.
Green Voting
Climate change has become a mainstream issue. Given the fact that most of the people are already aware of this, the politicians may use this a platform to gain extra vote from the public. In order to hold their accountability, we the youth, have a role to play. Before the general election, the youth can gauge the politicians’ knowledge on climate change and/or environment issue (i.e renewable energy, mitigation, adaptation plan). After their manifesto are published, we can then analyse them and constantly follow up with the politicians on the promised they had made.
Gender Empowerment
Climate change is not gender biased as it affects everyone with women, who are the most vulnerable. Educating and empowering the female population can be one of the agenda for youth. During the discussion, William Horsu from Institute For Sustainable Energy & Environmental Solutions, points out a very important statement, which I completely agreed upon.
“When you educate a man, you educate a person. When you educate a woman, you educate the community.”
Enhancing the capacity building of women (not limited to guys as well) is a catalyst for development, which help boost countries with economy growth, socioeconomic development, and also keep environmental problem in check. Last but not the least, increasing the potential of adaptation would be required.
Written by Thomas
Edited by Varun
![COY Day Two – Understanding Climate Negotiations from a Youth Perspective]()
by admin | Nov 8, 2017 | #MYD, MYD2017, YOUNGO
Understanding Climate Negotiations by Cli’Mates
I walked in a room where everyone was heavily engaged with the speaker. Notes of papers lying on the floor, indicated that I arrived slightly after the participants completed a group exercise, which was to arrange the various international agreements under the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in a chronological order. I was moderately glad that I came a bit late, as I would confess of not really being an expert in the history of UNFCCC.
The climate negotiations revolves around UNFCCC, but until what extent do we really know about the UNFCCC? The session took a step back to reflect on the history of the UNFCCC, which began with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In 1990, the UNGA established the International Negotiating Committee (INC) for a Framework Convention on Climate Change. At the same time, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released first assessment report, which stated that ‘emissions resulting from human activities are substantially increasing the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gas’. This in turn led to the second World Climate Conference for a global treaty.
Although it is known that the legal regime in addressing climate change has been around since the 1980s, it is not a well known fact that one of the driving force that pushes the General Assembly to put together a high level mechanism for climate change was actually a southern European island state in the Mediterranean, called Malta. Malta even presented a concrete proposal in the form of a draft solution, which was unanimously presented in the plenary of the General Assembly in 1988.
The ‘Maltese Initiative’ marks the origin of the UNFCCC, with the Conference of the Parties (COP) a the prime authority of the Convention. The text of the UNFCCC was adopted at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in May 1992, and opened for signatures at Rio Earth Summit in June 1992. The ‘ultimate objective’ was to curb greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. The UNFCCC also recognises that the climate system is largely affected by anthropogenic influences.
In the session, the speaker brought up that the UNFCCC highlights the importance of the Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) principle and commitments, with mitigation being primary followed by adaptation, which was secondary. The UNFCCC greatly emphasised on mitigation measures. Even the EU’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) was largely focused on mitigation. It was not until Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA) in 1998, that adaptation was mainstreamed into the UNFCCC process. There were several discussion surrounding adaptation, but were finally resolved in COP10, which was the Buenos Aires Programme of Work on Adaptation and Response Measures.
All these insightful information took about 30 minutes for the speaker to walk us through, with many of the youth in the room looking perplexed and clueless. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Learning the history of the UNFCCC requires perseverance, big time!
References:
Written by Jasmin
Edited by Varun
![COYnnecting and COYllecting]()
by admin | Nov 7, 2017 | #MYD, MYD2017, YOUNGO
After three amazing days, COY13 came to a close. The 13th Conference of Youth, which took place from 2-4 November, serves as the annual pre-COP conference. This year’s conference saw 1,300 participants from 123 countries descend onto the sleepy city of Bonn. Since MYD 2015, there has been a mandate for Malaysian Youth Delegates to attend COY before each COP. Over the course of the past three days, I definitely saw the benefit to attending COY before starting our COP journey.
COYllaorating
I must admit that the pun “COYnnecting” is not an original one. The organizers of the conference used it as one of their official hashtags; I’m merely borrowing it and adapting it for “COYllecting”. With the presence of over a thousand youths from all across the globe, the COY venue, for three days, was transformed into the ultimate playground for like-minded, passionate, hungry and determined young people to teach, learn, and share their ideas and opinions on the topic of climate change.
Across the three days, there were over 200 talks, workshops and discussion sessions. These sessions were hosted to not just prepare youths for the upcoming Conference of Parties (COP23), but also to serve as a platform for young people to connect with other like-minded youth to share case studies, their work and even collect ideas to bring back to their respective countries. Azam, Jasmin, Lhavanya, Syaqil, Xiandi and myself from MYD attended COY, and I’m sure we were able to both contribute and collect thoughts and ideas from the sessions.
Fijians had a big presence at this year’s COY, considering their presidency at COP23
The mandate for MYD members to attend COY, is a necessary and justified one. Yes, our goal here in Bonn is to track UNFCCC negotiations at COP, but we need to remember that we’re not alone in our objective for promoting climate action and climate policy. There are hundreds of other young people from around the world who want the same thing as us, and connecting with them over the three days definitely helped in a few different ways:
- Networking and connecting with like-minded people from different parts of the world
- Collecting stories, experiences, case studies, plans, ideas and solutions that may be useful to local initiatives
- Participating in an honest, inclusive and constructive dialogue with the goal of pushing forward the conversation of climate action
Some sessions at COY13 consisted of presentations and talks that prepared youths attending the COP, running through crash courses on the processes as well as working groups within the UNFCCC, such as the Training on International Climate Negotiations hosted by CliMates. Other sessions were more about sharing the different challenges faced by youths concerned about climate change and what they are doing about it to come to a solution, such as the How to Negotiate for Your Values in a Local Community? workshop.
Appropriately illustrating the spirit at COY13
While I use the team playground for like-minded youths metaphorically, it really did feel like one. As I walked the halls of the school that served as the venue for the conference, I definitely felt that the vibe was a youthful and collaborative one. In reference to the title of this article, COY truly shines when the attendees organically do what the conference was built for – connecting with one another, and collecting ideas and stories. I feel that for any youth attending COP, it is absolutely necessary to join COY. It gives an appropriate amount of preparation for COP, while in an amazing one-of-a-kind environment.
Before COY I understood the importance of youth involvement in the climate change conversation. It wasn’t until after COY did I see it in action. The passion, hunger, intelligence and capabilities shown by the youth of the world in just three days gave me hope and even more drive to push the youth voice along. Power is currently in the hands of a completely different group of people, who may not care for the climate as much as we do. So until we are old enough to become decision-makers, we need to speak up and ensure our voices are continued to be heard.
Written by Mike
Edited by Varun
