Daily Tribune‘Youth are our most active force in nation-building, and we must maximize their skills and talents to secure the success of our climate change initiatives’
The Quezon City government and UNICEF Philippines recognized the voice, agency and leadership of children and youth in climate change efforts during this year’s World Children’s Day celebration. (PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UNICEF PHILIPPINES)
The Quezon City government and UNICEF Philippines recognized the voice, agency and leadership of children and youth in climate change efforts during this year's World Children's Day celebration.
The Philippines is at the global epicenter of the climate crisis, with the highest levels of youth eco-anxiety and displacement. The movement "Ngayon, Para Bukas! A Call for Collective Climate Action" brought children's perspectives on this issue ahead of the global climate conference COP28 in Dubai.
Results from children's dialogues and surveys from the Local Conference of Youth 2023, U-Report and the Quezon City Children's Climate Change Agenda were presented to the COP28 Philippine delegation. Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte also graced the event to express her support.
Among the demands of the children and young people are community-centered platforms for young people's education and participation, mental health support networks, and safe and enabling environments for Indigenous Peoples and environmental defenders.
"Children in the Philippines are bearing the brunt of climate change. They need to be given more opportunity to meaningfully participate in the decisions and actions that affect them. The voices, perspectives and ideas of children and young people must be heard at the highest levels and taken seriously. Many children and youth are already doing their part," UNICEF Philippines representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov said.
Youth-led programs highlighted at the event included an organization protecting Irrawady dolphins in Western Visayas; an initiative teaching environmental and agricultural programs to public schools; a network of young environmentalist journalists; and an advocacy group that empowers communities living around the Pasig River.
"Youth are our most active force in nation-building, and we must maximize their skills and talents to secure the success of our climate change initiatives," Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
The Quezon City government is at the forefront of the battle against the climate crisis. From promotion of sustainable energy, active mobility, food security, water conservation, air quality management to circular economy, the LGU has been successful in its environmental endeavors, resulting in many recognitions here and abroad.
