The sun was streaming into my office on a late March afternoon, casting a warm glow that almost made you forget the urgency of our climate crisis. I was glued to my phone, anxiously watching the live stream of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) vote count. My watch ticked away, reminding me of an upcoming virtual meeting. I could hear the chimes signaling people trickling into the meeting, but nothing could distract me from the screen. This moment, years in the making, held the promise of pushing climate change to the forefront of international legal consideration.
The final votes were counted, and it was victory! The UNGA had just adopted a landmark resolution seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of states with respect of climate change. Relief and triumph surged as I did a silent happy dance, unbeknownst to my colleagues celebrating this moment.
This was a monumental step forward driven by the relentless efforts of young people, particularly Vanuatuans and Pacific Islanders, spearheading the initiative. The campaign was ignited by law students from the University of the South Pacific, who were deeply aware of the existential threat posed by climate change to their home countries and aimed to hold states accountable for their environmental responsibilities under international law.
Youth-Led Global Advocacy
To mobilize support, they organized workshops, seminars, and side events to amplify their message and coordinate global advocacy efforts at international forums. They targeted their peers and communities about the nexus between climate change and human rights, with an aim to create a united front that was hard to ignore. This led to a global effort where youth activists lobbied governments and international organizations, including writing letters to governments to take up the cause and forming a core group of supportive countries from various regions to push the resolution forward.
Utilizing social media effectively, the campaign was able to mobilize intergenerational support, creating toolkits to help people worldwide advocate for their countries to back the resolution. This digital activism was crucial in spreading awareness and gathering widespread backing.
I joined this movement in its final stages, helping to secure the support of Arab League member states. Along with other Arab youth climate advocates, we engaged in relentless advocacy, holding countless meetings with policymakers to emphasize the severe consequences of climate change in the Middle East and North Africa. Our collective efforts highlighted the urgent need for international legal clarity on state obligations concerning climate change. The resolution, adopted on March 29, 2023, with the support of over 130 countries, requests that the ICJ provide an advisory opinion on the obligations of states under international law to protect the climate system and the human rights of present and future generations from the adverse effects of climate change. This effort was a testament to the power of youth-led advocacy and the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges.
The Rise of Young Voices in Politics
Historically, youth have been marginalized in international decision-making processes. However, their persistence has shifted this narrative. The role of youth in driving systemic change has become increasingly prominent. We are now witnessing how millennials and Gen Z are vocal activists, influential investors pushing for sustainable practices, and advocates for organized citizenry. This shift is crucial as traditional systems have often sidelined their voices. Young people perceive the fractures in their societies as symptoms of deeper political issues. Corruption, austerity, and stagnant leadership have eroded their trust in traditional political systems. The bleak faith in the international system, where more faith was placed in AI governance systems over human-driven institutions, reflects the growing disenchantment. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, for example, further exemplifies this scenario, where young people, through their active encampments and marches, are demanding an urgent need for effective multilateral action with each party adhering to the agreed-upon values, norms, and conduct.
To address these concerns, we are witnessing an increasing number of young people pursuing careers in politics and policymaking, challenging the narrative that youth are disengaged. Globally, youth are stepping into political roles more than ever. According to Apolitical, nearly half of their members are under 40, with many under 30, highlighting a growing trend of youth engagement in governance. In the UK, France, Germany, New Zealand, and Chile, they are making significant impacts, advocating for progressive policies and greater youth representation in government. For instance, in New Zealand, Chlöe Swarbrick was elected to Parliament at 23 and has been a vocal advocate for climate action and youth rights.
Arab Youth Survey on Climate: Insights and Implications
This global trend finds a strong echo in the Arab world, where young Arabs increasingly take on leadership roles and demand climate action to secure their futures. The Arab Youth Survey on Climate, which I co-authored and have been sharing insights from in this series, reveals that a staggering 72% of young Arabs view climate change as a serious issue. Despite this recognition, the region's carbon emissions continue to rise, underscoring the urgency of their calls for action. The survey further shows that 52% of these young people actively engage in environmental activism, signaling a strong movement driven by youth determined to address this crisis.
In terms of future aspirations, over half of the respondents are keen on green careers, but only one-third have high-level skills in this area. This gap underscores the need for more training and information on climate action. The interest in green careers aligns with the global trend of youth entering sustainability and environmental protection fields.
In the multilateral front, young Arabs are particularly optimistic about the potential of international platforms like COP meetings to bring about meaningful change. The survey indicates that 69% believe COP conferences can achieve climate justice, with the highest expectations recorded in Oman (71%) and the UAE (68%). This optimism translates into action, where they are not merely waiting for change but working tirelessly to ensure it happens. The urgency and scale of climate action demanded by Arab youth are clear. A significant 70% view climate justice as a human right, with the highest agreement in Sudan (79%), Oman (78%), and the UAE (68%). This morally solid stance drives their activism, despite awareness levels in the region still lagging behind those in developed countries by about 20 percentage points.
However, this optimism is tempered by a realistic understanding of the challenges ahead. The study highlights that 83% support a gradual phase-out of fossil fuels, recognizing the complexity of transitioning to sustainable energy sources—only 17% advocate for an immediate end, reflecting a pragmatic approach to climate advocacy. This balanced perspective shows that while young Arabs are urgent in their calls for climate action, they are also realistic about the steps needed to achieve a sustainable transition. They understand that a phased approach can mitigate economic disruptions and allow for the development of viable renewable energy alternatives.
Moreover, 56% of respondents believe that the Loss and Damage Fund was going to be significantly activated at COP28, showcasing their awareness of and engagement with critical climate negotiations. This belief indicates a sophisticated understanding of international climate policy mechanisms and the importance of financial support for vulnerable communities affected by climate change. The engagement of young Arabs in these complex discussions reflects their growing influence and commitment to ensuring that climate justice is a central component of global climate strategies. However, with the recent revelation that wealthy nations have been profiting from climate change loans meant to help vulnerable countries, there is an increased loud cry from youth groups on the urgency of transparent and equitable climate finance. This troubling trend, where funds intended for climate mitigation and adaptation are instead generating profits for rich nations, highlights the need for vigilant oversight and a genuine commitment to addressing climate impacts fairly.
The study also underscores the vital role that institutions and governments must play in combating climate change. Over half of the respondents believe that specialized institutions and governments are responsible for addressing climate change. However, there is a notable gap between this expectation and the perceived action, as about 60% of young Arabs feel that their governments are not doing enough. This dissatisfaction with governmental efforts highlights a significant disconnect between policy and the urgent demands of the youth. It fuels their activism, with 43% of respondents actively participating in climate action initiatives. These young leaders are not just demanding change but are actively involved in shaping it. They are pushing for stronger climate policies and more sustainable practices from their governments. This surge in youth activism is reshaping the political and environmental landscape in the MENA region. Arab youth are demonstrating that they are a formidable force in the fight against climate change, leveraging both grassroots movements and institutional engagement to drive progress.
In the final installment of this series, we will explore actionable steps and policy recommendations identified by the youth to help steer toward a more sustainable future. These insights will underscore the critical role of youth in driving the climate agenda forward, ensuring their voices are not only heard but also lead to tangible change. This includes advocating for comprehensive climate education, investing in green job training programs, and ensuring youth representation in policy-making processes. By amplifying these recommendations, we can support the dynamic efforts of young Arab activists and help build a more resilient and sustainable world.
