Baku, Azerbaijan – November 22, 2024
As COP29 concludes, a sense of disappointment hangs in the air. Despite high expectations and the urgency of the global climate crisis, the outcomes of this year’s conference fell short of delivering the bold and decisive action many had hoped for. Yet, amid the frustrations and perceived lack of progress, one story has emerged as a beacon of hope: the transformative impact of the Youth Negotiators Academy (YNA) and the rise of young leaders shaping the future of climate change governance. With almost 140 trained negotiators representing 63 countries—two of whom were appointed as Heads of Delegation—the Youth Negotiators Academy (YNA) is rewriting the representation of young people within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations.
From the Streets to the Tables of Power
Co-founded by four diverse, international team of young women – Heeta Lakhani, Marie Claire Graf, Sophie Daud and Veena Balakrishnan – the YNA’s mission is to systemically transform multilateral decision-making and create a culture of inter- and intra-generational cooperation and solidarity. These extraordinary leaders launched the YNA at the 2022 Global Youth Summit co-hosted by YOUNGO (the official youth constituency of the UNFCCC) and March For Science on Earth Day, which brought together nearly 100 youth leaders from over 35 countries in Dallas, Texas. Within 2.5 years, YNA has made tremendous progress towards its ambitious mission.
Change the World - Subscribe Now
Veena shares, “we achieve this by nurturing a global community of compassionate, trusted and effective young negotiators to successfully deliver inclusive, innovative and impactful outcomes.”
Marie-Claire Graf, reflects on this movement’s transformative vision:
“Intergenerational leadership and the power of young people is here to transform how multilateralism is conducted and will lead to the transformation of the UNFCCC and climate governance as a whole. And we are just getting started.”
YNA’s impact at COP29 is undeniable. As a testament to its influence, two country delegations are led by YNA alumni—a milestone that underscores the rising power of young people’s leadership as decision makers. By occupying leadership positions on the global stage, these young negotiators demonstrate that structural and systemic transformation is not only possible but already underway.
The Academy’s Mission and Impact
YNA’s mission is straightforward yet ambitious: the voices of all citizens, present and future, are considered in global governance to deliver solutions that safeguard the collective well-being of our planet and its inhabitants.
Partnering with countries to secure mandates for young negotiators to represent their country at the multilateral climate negotiations, YNA provides rigorous training to prepare them for the complexities of international diplomacy.
The results speak for themselves. Beyond participation, YNA alumni are shaping outcomes and driving progress. One young negotiator shared: “This training gave me the courage to speak up—not just as a youth representative, but as a powerful agent of change.”
Asmau Muhammad Yahaya, a Nigerian negotiator, added: “Before this training, I was a bird trapped in a cage. Now, I am part of a great flock that cannot be ignored.”
A Movement for Multilateral Transformation
YNA’s work is more than a programme—it’s a movement. YNA embodies a new era of climate governance. By combining procedural and institutional access for young people’s representation and leadership and capacity development for young people it bridges the divide between activism and policy.
As COP29 has unfolded, YNA’s influence signals a broader transformation within the UNFCCC. The Academy’s alumni are not just participating—they are leading, negotiating, and reshaping the system from within.
The Future of Climate Leadership
With its expanding network and proven model, YNA is poised to become a cornerstone of climate diplomacy. Its success at COP29 is a powerful reminder that the future of multilateralism is intergenerational, inclusive, and deeply rooted in the transformative power of young leaders.To follow the Youth Negotiators Academy’s journey, visit their Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Related Article: COP29 Gains Momentum as G20 Leaders Back Scaling Up Climate Finance
