Empowering youth meaningful participation in climate action
Aayush Dwivedi
The Voluntās Foundation conducts global research on youth meaningfulness and engagement, exploring what drives a sense of purpose in young people’s lives. In addition, the foundation provides fellowship support to individuals pursuing initiatives that are personally meaningful and contribute to broader societal understanding. As part of this commitment, the foundation sponsored Aayush Dwivedi to attend COP 29. Aayush, a student at the Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS), is deeply engaged in climate action and youth advocacy.
In a world increasingly shaped by climate challenges, youth engagement in climate action is not merely a symbol of hope but an imperative of survival and resilience. This generation inherits an endangered planet yet holds the potential for innovative solutions and transformative change.
This article reflects Aayush’s personal experience, illustrating the critical need to empower youth in political participation and ensure their voices are heard in global climate action forums. Supporting young leaders like Aayush is not just an investment in their future—it is an investment in the future of our planet.
“Reflecting on my journey, especially my experience at COP29, where I had the privilege of representing South Asia and the Voluntās Foundation, I am more convinced than ever of the transformative power that youth participation holds in creating a sustainable future.”
A CALL TO ACTION
Meaningfulness in Youth Participation
The significance of youth involvement in climate action lies in the outcomes and the process itself. Youth engagement in decision-making can generate a sense of resilience, purpose, and ownership— qualities essential to navigating the challenges of the 21st century. As highlighted in the Voluntās Foundation’s Global Meaningfulness Index, when youth are meaningfully engaged, they foster a deeper connection to the cause, fueling collective energy.
“At COP29, this ethos was visible in the official inclusion of youth within the COP presidency statement and the establishment of the UN Youth Office.”
Participation in such global platforms is an opportunity for representation and a life-shaping experience. Engaging in these discussions is not simply about representing youth voices but empowering youth to become agents of change.
“One moment that remains etched in my memory was a bilateral meeting where financial reparations for vulnerable nations were discussed in depth. Sitting across from diplomats and policymakers, I realized the immense responsibility youth advocates carry—not only in raising concerns but in shaping the discourse on climate justice. The discussion was intense, yet there was a palpable respect for youth perspectives. I distinctly recall a Bangladeshi delegate, a veteran in climate diplomacy, acknowledging my arguments on the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities. He said, “Your insights remind us why we are fighting this battle.” That moment encapsulated the significance of youth in global climate discussions.”
For many, COP29 was not just a diplomatic summit but a profound chapter in their development as a climate advocate. Youth representatives found themself at the intersection of passionate activist voices and seasoned policy experts. They had the chance to be deeply involved in bilateral negotiations with global stakeholders from diverse regions. Such experiences also reinforced the importance of equipping young researchers with platforms to share their findings, ensuring they translate into meaningful policy interventions.
“My educational pursuits in Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainability Studies have always been guided by a commitment to implementing tangible, impactful change. My ongoing research on urban flooding in Assam and West Bengal exemplifies this commitment. By modelling flood damage trends and analyzing contributing factors such as rapid urbanization, population growth, and shifting climatic patterns, my work seeks to inform localized, actionable strategies that can help mitigate future risks.
These insights became essential to my advocacy at COP29, where I called for policies integrating community-driven adaptation strategies into flood-prone urban zones. For instance, I advocated for including flood-resilient infrastructure in vulnerable zones.
This recommendation gained traction with several policymakers, who expressed interest in adapting it to their local contexts.”
