Empowering Voices for Environmental Rights: Key Takeaways from the Youth, Indigenous Peoples, and Small Island States Conference
Geneva, 23 October 2024 – On a day dedicated to advancing environmental rights and climate justice, the Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue hosted a ground-breaking conference entitled “Empowering Youth, Indigenous Peoples, and Small Island States in Promoting Environmental Rights and Climate Justice.” The event, held at Domaine de la Pastorale and available online, brought together international experts, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss the intersection of environmental rights and the unique challenges faced by these vulnerable groups.
The conference had the privilege of hearing, in its high-level segment, the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, the Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission of the Philippines, the Director and Principal Legal Advisor of the UN Climate Change, the Chief of the Development, Economic and Social Issues Branch at the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Regional Focal Point and Swiss Youth for Climate.
Panels and Discussions
The conference featured three dynamic panels:
1. Youth Voices as Catalysts for Change: Young environmental leaders shared how they are driving grassroots change in their communities. Their testimonies highlighted the urgency of empowering youth to take centre stage in the fight against climate injustice.
2. Indigenous Peoples: Protectors of the Earth Indigenous activists and experts shed light on the critical role their communities play in safeguarding the planet’s biodiversity and traditional knowledge.
3. Small Island States: Representatives from small island nations and other experts shared their experiences of climate impacts, from rising sea levels to extreme weather events.
Reflections and Outcomes
Throughout the event, participants emphasized the need for greater collaboration between nations, communities, and international organizations to address climate challenges. The discussions culminated in a set of actionable recommendations for policymakers, civil society, and global leaders.
Moving Forward
The conference served as a precursor to the Geneva Centre’s broader initiatives leading up to COP29, where these issues will be at the forefront of international negotiations. A comprehensive report summarizing the conference’s outcomes will be published soon, highlighting strategies to advance environmental rights and climate justice globally.