COP-29: Qaiser Nawab outlines key steps for youth global climate action

COP-29: Qaiser Nawab outlines key steps for youth global climate action

Qaiser Nawab, a renowned global climate youth activist and President of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD), has outlined key steps to empower youth for global climate action.

Speaking at the 2024 United Nations Climate Conference COP-29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Nawab said that institutionalizing youth engagement and ensuring youth voices are integral to climate governance.

According to the global climate activist, investing in youth capacity and providing resources to innovate and scale solutions will also help to empower youth for global climate action.

Nawab also called on the media and other stakeholders to continue amplifying climate action stories and leveraging storytelling to inspire global action and influence climate policy.

He also stressed the importance of linking cultural heritage with modern AI tools, suggesting that lessons from ancient civilizations could be integrated into today’s technologies for a sustainable future.

He said that the Baku Youth Declaration symbolized youth leadership, “showcasing how we can shape climate policies and drive impactful actions globally.”

He highlighted the success of youth-led initiatives in areas such as sustainable farming, renewable energy, and community advocacy, citing campaigns like “One Small Act for Climate” as evidence of the collective impact youth can have on climate resilience

Also speaking at the forum, Ms. Leyla Hasanova, the COP-29 Presidency Youth Climate Champion, underscored the need for increased financial resources to support youth engagement and human development.

She shared updates on recent initiatives to enhance meaningful participation by young people in climate action.

Nawab spoke during a panel discussion titled “Youth Dialogue for Climate Action” at the Social and Human Science Event themed: “Human Capital: Children and Youth; Health; Education,” organized by ICESCO.

The panel featured prominent speakers, including H.E. Ms. Malahat Ibrahimgizi, Member of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan; Mr. Nasser Majali, Secretary General of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association; Ms. Leyla Hasanova, COP-29 Presidency Youth Climate Champion; and Dr. Aytakin Huseynli, Assistant Research Professor at the Center for Social Development, Washington University in St. Louis.

In another forum, Qaiser Nawab also met with Li Jinbin, Vice Chairman of China’s Environmental Protection and Resources Conservation Committee of the National People’s Congress of China at COP-29 Parliamentary Meeting.

During the meeting, Mr. Nawab highlighted BRISD’s mission and vision, emphasizing its commitment to sustainable development through Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)-aligned projects. He shared insights into BRISD’s ongoing work, including its initiatives to foster environmental sustainability, regional collaboration, and youth engagement across BRI partner nations.

Mr. Li Jinbin expressed his gratitude to Mr. Nawab for BRISD’s unwavering support in promoting the BRI and commended its impactful initiatives. He praised the strong and enduring friendship between China and Pakistan, calling it an exemplary model of international cooperation. Mr. Li assured his support for BRISD’s endeavors and extended a warm invitation to Mr. Nawab to visit Beijing for further collaboration.

This meeting underscored the shared commitment of China and BRISD to advancing global sustainability and strengthening the ties between BRI partner countries.(www.amatropics.com)