Youth-Led Climate Action Forum

On 30 September – 1 October, the COP29 Presidency, Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization (NAMYO), and the “Regional Development” Public Union co-organized the Youth-Led Climate Forum on the sidelines of Baku Climate Action Week 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Climate change remains one of the most pressing global challenges, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities, particularly in the Global South. Aligned with global efforts to empower youth in climate action, the Forum brought together young leaders, policymakers, high-level officials, experts, and international partners to foster dialogue, cooperation, and youth-led solutions.

On 30 September, the Youth-Led Climate Forum officially opened with high-level remarks. H.E. Mr. Mukhtar Babayev, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues and COP29 President, underlined the importance of collective action and the central role of youth in driving climate solutions. Mr. Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan and COP29 Lead Negotiator, emphasized that COP29 stands among the most youth-inclusive climate platforms, ensuring meaningful youth participation in negotiations and decision-making. Ms. Nigar Arpadarai, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29, highlighted the leadership and determination of young people in advancing climate action. Ms. Vladanka Andreeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, stressed youth participation as a vital force for progress and sustainable solutions. The opening ceremony concluded with remarks by Ms. Leyla Hasanova, COP29 Presidency Youth Climate Champion and Chairperson of NAMYO, who reaffirmed that children and youth must remain at the center of all climate efforts to secure a just and sustainable future.

The first day of the Forum continued with panel discussions. The panel titled “From Ideas to Action: How Digital Transformation Enables Sustainable Development”, moderated by Ms. Kanako Mabuchi, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, focused on education and digital innovation as drivers of sustainable development. The second panel, “From Vision to Reality: Clean Energy and Urban Development for a Greener World”, moderated by Mr. Samir Mammadov, Country Manager at UN Global Compact, explored innovative approaches to clean energy and sustainable urban development, positioning Azerbaijan as a regional leader ahead of WUF13. The third panel discussion, “From Negotiation to Action: Diplomacy for Climate Resilience", moderated by Ms. Leyla Hasanova, highlighted the importance of effective diplomacy and multilateral cooperation in strengthening climate resilience.

On 1 October, the second day of the Youth-Led Climate Forum featured interactive workshops led by UN agencies, fostering dialogue, shared insights, and stronger partnerships. Youth participants engaged in breakout sessions with WHO, FAO, and IOM, addressing the interlinkages between climate change and public health, food security, and migration. The Forum concluded with a final plenary session, where participants presented the outcomes of their discussions in the form of local initiatives, advocacy messages, policy recommendations, and awareness campaigns.

Day two concluded with a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Center, where the National Chapter Representatives of NAMYO were immersed in Azerbaijan’s history, culture, and heritage, gaining valuable insights into significant historical and cultural milestones.