Deadline: 20th August 2024

Are you a young person who cares about the environment and people? Do you want to raise your voice about climate migration and how it affects millions of people around the world, including children and young people? Do you have a story to share as a young person who has migrated or been displaced in the context of climate change? Do you want to play a role in the global political agenda on these important issues? If so, then this is your chance to join the Delegates. Youth of the IOM COP29 on Climate Migration and be part of COP29 in Azerbaijan!

COP29 is a critical moment for transformative global climate action, as it will review the progress and ambition of countries' commitments to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Climate change affects millions of people around the world every year and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable, including a significant number of young and marginalised communities. In 2023, there were more than 26 million internal displacements and, without concrete measures today, climate change could force 216 million people to migrate internally by 2050. Among these staggering figures, there is still no clear picture of how many children and young people are on the move in the context of climate change. Children and young people are often invisible in data and policies on climate change and migration, despite being disproportionately impacted.

In this context, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) invites young people to express their interest in joining the IOM COP29 Youth Delegates on Climate Migration.

What are the IOM Young Delegates for Climate Migration and how can you join?

• The IOM COP29 Youth Delegates on Climate Migration is an initiative of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the UN agency that works on migration issues and supports the rights and well-being of migrants;
• The initiative is a unique opportunity for young people to learn about and contribute to global discussions and negotiations on climate change and migration, and to promote their capacities and networks as agents of change;
• The initiative aims to provide an opportunity for young people to learn about and contribute to global discussions and negotiations on climate change and migration, and to promote their capacities and networks as agents of change;
• It will be an integral part of the IOM's involvement in COP29, scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November 2024, and will take place in person during COP29 and online one month before the event;
• The initiative will select and fully fund 20 young delegates from different regions and backgrounds to take part in COP29 and a series of online activities, such as webinars and consultations, ahead of the Conference;
• The Young Delegates on Climate Migration will also have the opportunity to interact with IOM experts, government representatives, organisations civil society and other interested parties on the subject of climate migration.

Categories

• The programme aims to support and fully fund a total of 20 young members who will be divided into five categories, each with a specific function and focus:
  • Young negotiators on climate migration: They will participate in the UN climate negotiations and advocate for the inclusion of human mobility issues in the global climate agenda.
  • Young people with human stories to share about migration, displacement and relocation planning in the context of climate change: They will share their personal experiences and testimonies about how climate change has impacted their lives and livelihoods, and how they have adapted or coped with the challenges.
  • Young people representing different groups and communities: They will represent the perspectives and needs of different groups and communities that are vulnerable or marginalised in the context of climate change and human mobility, such as peoples indigenous people with disabilities, LGBTQI+, among others.
  • Young advocates and influencers on climate migration: They will raise awareness and mobilise action on climate migration issues through various media and communication platforms, such as social networks, podcasts, videos, media engagement, etc.
  • Young researchers on climate migration: realised research on the link between climate change and migration and can provide evidence-based policy recommendations.

What are the benefits and requirements of being a youth delegate?

• Learn about the latest developments and challenges of climate change and migration, and how they relate to human rights, development and peace;
• Share your experiences, perspectives and recommendations on climate migration with other young people, experts and decision-makers;
• Develop your skills and knowledge in rights defence, communication and leadership .
• Expand your network and collaborate with other young activists and organisations working on climate change and migration;
• Representing the voice of young people and influencing the global political agenda on climate migration.

Election criteria

• To be eligible to apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:
  • Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of COP29;
  • Have a valid travel document and be able to travel to Azerbaijan and attend COP29 in person;
  • Have a proven interest and experience in migration and climate change issues, preferably with a focus on one or more of the following themes: human mobility, risk reduction of disasters The following are some of the most important aspects of this programme: adaptation, mitigation, resilience, human rights, gender, youth empowerment, water scarcity, security and peace, urban-rural dynamics and social inclusion;
  • Have a proven track record of leadership and involvement in their communities, organisations or networks on migration and climate change issues/or have a story to share as a person who has migrated or been displaced in the context of climate change;
  • Have the willingness and commitment to participate fully in COP29 and the pre-COP29 activities organised by the IOM.

For more information, visit  IOM .