IOM COP29 Youth Delegates on Climate Migration

Deadline: 20-Aug-2024

Are you a young person who cares about the environment and people? Do you want to raise your voice on climate migration, and how it affects millions of people around the world, including children and youth? Do you have a story to share as a young person who migrated or has been displaced in the context of climate change? Do you want to play a role in the global policy agenda on these important issues? If yes, then this is your chance to join the IOM COP29 Youth Delegates on Climate Migration and be part of the COP29 in Azerbaijan!

COP29 is a critical moment for global transformative climate action, as it will review the progress and ambition of the countries’ commitments to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Climate change impacts millions of people globally every year and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable ones, including significant numbers of young and marginalized communities. In 2023, there were over 26 million internal displacements, and without concrete action today, climate change could compel 216 million to migrate internally by 2050. Among these staggering numbers, there is yet no clear picture of how many children and young people are on the move in the context of climate change. Children and young people are often invisible in the data and policies on climate change and migration, despite being disproportionately impacted.

In this context, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) invites young people to express their interest in joining the IOM COP29 Youth Delegates on Climate Migration.

What is the IOM Youth Delegates on Climate Migration and how can you join?

• The IOM COP29 Youth Delegates on Climate Migration is an initiative of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN agency that works on migration issues and supports migrants’ rights and well-being;
• The initiative is a unique opportunity for young people to learn from and contribute to the global discussions and negotiations on climate change and migration, and to foster their capacities and networks as agents of change;
• The initiative aims to provide an opportunity for young people to learn from and contribute to the global discussions and negotiations on climate change and migration, and to foster their capacities and networks as agents of change;
• It will be an integral part of IOM`s engagement in COP29, scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan from 11 to 22 November 2024 and will take place in person during COP29 and online a month prior the event;
• The initiative will select and fully funded 20 youth delegates from different regions and backgrounds, to participate in COP29, and in a series of online activities, such as webinars and consultations, before the Conference;
• The Youth Delegates on Climate Migration will also have the opportunity to interact with IOM experts, government representatives, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders on the topic of climate migration.

Categories

• The programme aims to support and fully fund a total of 20 youth members who will be divided into five categories, each with a specific role and focus:
  • Young negotiators on climate migration: They will participate in the UN climate negotiations and advocate for the inclusion of human mobility issues in the global climate agenda.
  • Young people with human stories to share on migration, displacement and plan relocation in the context of climate change: They will share their personal experiences and testimonies of how climate change has impacted their lives and livelihoods, and how they have adapted or coped with the challenges.
  • Young people representing diverse groups and communities: They will represent the perspectives and needs of different groups and communities that are vulnerable or marginalized in the context of climate change and human mobility, such as indigenous peoples, disabled people, LGBTQI+, among others.
  • Young advocates and influencers on climate migration: They will raise awareness and mobilize action on climate migration issues through various media and communication platforms, such as social media, podcasts, videos, media engagement, etc.
  • Young researchers on climate migration: They have conducted research on the nexus of climate change and migration and can provide evidence-based recommendations for policy.

What are the benefits and requirements of being a youth delegate?

• Learn about the latest developments and challenges on climate change and migration, and how they relate to human rights, development, and peace;
• Share your experiences, perspectives, and recommendations on climate migration with other young people, experts, and decision-makers;
• Develop your skills and knowledge on advocacy, communication, and leadership.
• Expand your network and collaborate with other youth activists and organizations working on climate change and migration;
• Represent the voice of young people and influence the global policy agenda on climate migration.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible to apply, the applicants must meet the following requirements:
  • Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of COP29;
  • Have a valid travel document and be able to travel to Azerbaijan and attend the COP29 in person;
  • Have a demonstrated interest and experience in migration and climate change issues, preferably with a focus on one or more of the following themes: human mobility, disaster risk reduction, adaptation, mitigation, resilience, human rights, gender, youth empowerment, water scarcity, security and peace, urban-rural dynamics, or social inclusion;
  • Have a proven record of leadership and engagement in their communities, organizations, or networks on migration and climate change issues/or have a story to share as a person who migrated or has been displaced in the context of climate change;
  • Have the availability and commitment to participate fully in COP29 and in the pre-COP29 activities organized by IOM.

For more information, visit IOM.