Today young people have shown why their role in these negotiations is so critically important! While most of the negotiators were inside the rooms of n the High Level Ministerial Session, discussing at length, young people were outside in the lobby, asking themselves why there aren’t many ministers if this is supposed to be a ministerial session? Using the large magnifying glass, the lead detective tracked down the “missing ministers”, hiding behind masks, and tucked away behind corners throughout the negotiating halls. Later in the day, members of UKYCC, CliMates (organizations who are part of YOUNGO) and other youth activists also launched in a press conference its new project: Youth Climate Action. It is an initiative hoping to encourage young people to participate in the Climate Summit, a meeting with Chiefs of State will occur during the General Assembly, in September. UN’s Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, expects world leaders to take to the floor their targets for 2015 agreement to New York, so the presence of youth pressuring them for ambition is crucial. YOUNGO members behind the Youth Climate Action initiative are still searching for funding to make sure they can launch a platform on August 23th that will bring together youth-based climate initiatives around the world. This would include activities, actions, videos, blogs, etc, as well as sharing experience so that others can engage in local, national or regional level climate action throughout the conference. Another objective is to fundraise physical participation, especially from the global south youth, who has almost none representation here in Germany. The Youth’s role today in Bonn is an example of why participation should be a regular practice of all governments, not only on climate change negotiations, but in any process. Practical information: Website (launching on 23th Aug): www.action.youth.org Facebook: fb.com/youthclimateaction
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