On the 11th, within the China Corner of the blue zone at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the World University Climate Change Alliance held its highly anticipated 2024 "Climate Change Collaboration" high-level event.
On the 11th, within the China Corner of the blue zone at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the World University Climate Change Alliance held its highly anticipated 2024 "Climate Change Collaboration" high-level event.
The event witnessed the presence of several prominent figures. China's Special Envoy for Climate Change, Liu Zhenmin, was among the attendees, along with the UK Special Representative for Climate, Rachel Kyte, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, Felipe Paullie, and the former Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna.
In his address, Liu Zhenmin lauded the remarkable achievements of the Alliance in involving higher education institutions in the realm of global climate governance. He underlined the significance of collaborating with diverse sectors, which, he emphasized, furnishes young people with an environment conducive to personal growth and the unleashing of their creativity. He further urged the youth to persevere in their low-carbon endeavors and inspire their peers to join this noble cause.
Rachel Kyte expressed her delight upon seeing students and scholars from the UK, China, and across the globe collaborating through the initiatives spearheaded by the Alliance. She accentuated the crucial role the Alliance plays in ensuring that the voices of the youth are heard within the decision-making processes.
Felipe Paullie delved into the United Nations' efforts to galvanize youth climate leadership. He pointed out that the "Climate Change Collaboration" project holds great significance as it heightens public awareness regarding the synergies between climate change and all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Catherine McKenna noted that the global impacts of climate change are growing in intensity. While acknowledging the formidable challenges that lie ahead in the context of global governance on this pressing issue, she remains optimistic that solutions will emerge from the collaborative undertakings among governments, academic institutions, and the generations to come.
Li Zheng, serving as the Secretary-General of the Alliance and the Director of Tsinghua University's Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, delivered the opening remarks. He highlighted that graduates from the three-year training programs have now stepped into various roles, leveraging their expertise to work towards the attainment of carbon neutrality goals. Li Zheng also expressed his eagerness to witness the outstanding performances of these young individuals during COP29.
Under the guidance of Chief Youth Officer He Chaoxin, certificates were bestowed upon the participants of both the "Climate Change Collaboration" leadership training program and the World University Climate Change Alliance Youth Ambassadors.
This year's "Climate Change Collaboration" leadership training program attracted an impressive cohort of 880 students hailing from over 500 universities spanning 79 countries/regions. These students first undertook one month of online thematic courses, followed by two months of practical activities.
Since the inception of Global Youth Climate Week in collaboration with 100 organizations back in 2022, over the past two years, more than 100 events have been mobilized, drawing in over 20,000 participants. These events have also amassed an online following with over 270,000 clicks. Notably, a COP29 youth delegation comprising representatives from nine universities across ten countries has been formed, who will have the unique opportunity to observe the global climate governance processes firsthand at COP29 in Azerbaijan.