Researchers highlight inequalities for young people at UN climate change summit

Today, young people from all over the world can participate in the United Nations’ major climate conference. But inequality and bureaucracy make this impossible for many. This is the conclusion of a study conducted at Linköping University in Sweden. One of the researchers behind the study says the United Nations needs to invest more money in youth engagement.

“This research contributes to knowledge about how young people experience climate change summits and what the consequences of unequal conditions are. I think it also points out how inadequate we are in taking into account the interests of the public,” says Associate Professor Jonathan. Josefsson from Linköping University’s Department of Children’s Research Themes (TEMAB).

According to Jonathan, youth participation in the United Nations Climate Change Conference has been officially recognized since 2009. Their participation is considered important because they are the ones most affected by climate change and they can contribute to solving the problem, Jonathan said. Josephson.

He and his colleague Frida Boulle from Uppsala University in Sweden will be conducting research sessions with people of different ages, genders, Interviews were conducted with young people of all racial and geographic origins. On-site observation. Their work is now published in the journal Globalizations.

Researchers point out that young people face a variety of challenges. The most severe are economic barriers and red tape, especially affecting those with weaker socio-economic resources and those living furthest from the summit venue. Getting there can be achieved through independent organizations or national delegations. However, this requires that young people have considerable knowledge, education, and economic resources.

“This basically means that only the elite among young people can attend these conferences. The United Nations should have significant funds to fund travel and accommodation,” said Jonathan. Josephson says.

Another hurdle is that participants must be at least 16 years old. Only about 5 percent of climate conference participants are under 26, and many of the so-called youth delegates are approaching 30. Given that one-third of the world’s population is under the age of 18, representation is skewed. So, according to Jonathan Josephson, the United Nations should consider lowering the age limit.

But even those young people who manage to attend climate change conferences face major obstacles once they get there. Meetings are perceived to be hierarchically organized, with few people having access to the negotiation rooms and stages where important decisions are made. They are often not allowed access until late in the decision-making process.

Young people testify that they face prejudice from the adult world and that their presence is often symbolic. They also argue that when the government invites young people to participate, it selects those it can control. One interviewee called it “youth cherry picking.”

On the other hand, young people are resisting. This could include deliberate violations of diplomatic norms regarding protests and how to communicate with other delegations, but also includes the establishment of a special youth pavilion several years ago. There, they manage their own agendas and find safe haven in a conference environment that is difficult to navigate.

The researchers say that depending on how meetings are held, young people have little opportunity to influence decisions about their futures. Rather, young people can gain experience and build networks by participating.

Associate Professor Jonathan Josephson said, “I haven’t done it yet,” he says.