The Children and Youth Pavilion has been opened at the UN Climate Change Conference COP31 in Antalya, marking its fifth consecutive year as the only fully youth-led space at the official climate summit.

 

The pavilion provides a platform for young people to engage with policymakers, exchange ideas and advocate stronger climate action. The opening ceremony was attended by COP31 and COP30 Presidency Youth Climate Champions Sally Higgins and Marcele Oliveira, along with representatives of UNICEF, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and the British Council. 

 

The pavilion is also represented by 10 young spokespeople, aged between 14 and 31, who bring diverse experiences and expertise to discussions on different negotiation topics, ensuring that children’s and young people’s priorities remain visible throughout the conference.

 

Speaking at the event, Samoan climate activist Brianna Fruean stressed the importance of youth participation in climate negotiations, saying young people must be involved in decisions they will be responsible for implementing in the future. She pointed out that young people must be part of climate negotiations because they will ultimately be responsible for turning today’s promises into tomorrow’s action.