Youths praised for participating in first climate summit

THE 200 youth delegates who participated in the inaugural National Youth Climate Action Summit 2021 recognise that climate change is a human crisis that threatens their lives, says Youth and Sports Minister Parveen Kumar.

He made the comment while delivering a ministerial statement on the summit in Parliament yesterday. Mr Kumar said the youth representatives acknowledged Government for its strong leadership and steps taken at national level, including the development of the Climate Change Bill 2020.

“Furthermore, the youth participants recommended to establish a national youth climate change advisory group to amplify the voices of young people which will contribute to the governance and oversight of climate change-related issues in the National Climate Change Coordination Committee,” Mr Kumar said.

“To strengthen mechanisms, frameworks and financial support for the inclusion and active participation of Fijian youths, irrespective of gender and abilities within all policymaking and planning processes at national, regional and international level, including participation of young people in official government delegations.”

Mr Kumar said Fiji had a relatively young population with youths between the ages of 15-35 making up more than a third of the nation’s population.

“Youths play a vital role in the decision-making process and their potential as key agents for social change, innovation and future leadership places them at the heart of building up resilience to worsening climate impacts.”