JEJAK Warisan is a youth-led environmental initiative based in Terengganu that showcases how traditional knowledge and practices to adapt to climate change can open paths for a sustainable future.
It is among the initiatives that need support and funding. Youths bring with them a long-term perspective that is often overlooked. Young people are inclined to consider the interests of future generations, thus ensuring environmental sustainability.
Young people want to see comprehensive climate education included in school curriculums.
This should start with emphasising the ethos of thinking globally while acting locally — instilling an awareness of global climate challenges, while empowering students to take impactful actions within their communities.
Climate education should remain open and adaptable, embracing diverse learning pathways beyond conventional approaches.
To support engagement between youth climate advocates and decision-makers, Unicef Youth Climate Champions are working to get youths involved in shaping climate policies.
It will also act as a link between the government, civil society and the younger generation. This is a model of how the voices of youths can be meaningfully incorporated in shaping future climate policies.
COP28 will see the first-ever Global Stocktake that will determine if our collective efforts are on the right track towards meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Unicef is calling on leaders to include children and intergenerational equity in this exercise. In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we want to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a better, more inclusive and healthier future.
The decisions made at COP28 will have far-reaching implications and it is crucial that we seize this opportunity to drive meaningful action and protect the planet for future generations.
Today, more than ever, young people are exercising their right to participate in matters that affect them the most. Climate action matters. Young people are ready to see this through! Unicef stands with them.
AIDIL IMAN,
MOGESH SABABATHY,
NURFATIN HAMZAH, and
SARA EISYA
Unicef Malaysia Youth Climate Champions
ROBERT GASS
Unicef representative in Malaysia