LANGKAWI: Act on climate change or risk condemning the region’s future generations to its worst impacts, says Asean children and youth.
This was the message conveyed by these young delegates in the Langkawi Children and Youth Climate Declaration.
The document was released following the Asean Children and Youth Climate Summit, held alongside the 18th Asean Ministerial Meeting on Environment on Sept 3 and 4.
Malaysian representative Celeste Chung said climate change is an issue affecting the new generation whose future is at stake.
“Our declaration echoes a truth long recognised: the climate crisis is not only an environmental challenge, it is a children’s rights issue.
“All Asean member states have ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child for every child’s right to a clean, safe, healthy and sustainable environment,” said the 21-year-old from Sabah.
She added that governments must realise many children are being left behind or have fallen through the cracks due to policies that do not prioritise their welfare.
She also highlighted the plight of undocumented and stateless children in Sabah.
“Asean youths, especially Malaysian youths, need to speak up more on issues such as climate change and the environment so that governments and authorities cannot ignore these matters,” she said.
Dylan Pon of Singapore said youth-led networks should be institutionalised to enable cooperation with governments and regional stakeholders.
“Such a network would not only be an enabling mechanism for meaningful youth participation in national policy processes, but also expand regional youth representation in international platforms.
“Importantly, this collaboration would build capacity across borders, opening pathways for youth to take part in green jobs, as well as in innovation and partnerships with academia and the private sector.
“Climate education is critical. Equipping youth with the knowledge and skills to respond to climate risks will ensure Asean’s workforce is ready for the opportunities of a low-carbon economy,” he said.
Alexandra Nicole Dimabayao Eclarinal, 22, from the Philippines called on Asean leaders to place vulnerable communities, indigenous peoples and young people at the heart of policymaking.
“It means securing climate finance that prioritises those most affected, and demanding climate justice from those most responsible for the crisis.
“As you deliberate on policies and partnerships, we ask that you remember that the choices you make today will define the world we inherit tomorrow,” said Nicole, whose parents are farmers.
She later told the media that although it was difficult to reach out to younger people about climate change, he was not giving up easily.
She also said it was vital for governments to consult communities on the ground and initiate changes from the grassroots.
