The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, marked a pivotal moment for youth-led climate action. As the global representative of Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD) and UNFCCC Focal Point, I had the honor of amplifying the voices of young changemakers worldwide while working on critical policy contributions. My involvement spanned preparing a comprehensive position paper to guide YPARD’s stance at COP29, engaging in high-level dialogues, and advocating for sustainable agricultural solutions to combat climate change.
In the lead-up to COP29, I collaborated with YPARD’s global team to develop a position paper outlining key priorities for climate-resilient agriculture and youth empowerment. The paper emphasized the urgent need to integrate youth in policy-making, prioritize regenerative agricultural practices, and enhance investment in education and technology to address climate-induced challenges in the food system. This document served as the foundation for YPARD’s advocacy, aligning with the broader goals of the UNFCCC to foster inclusive and actionable climate solutions.
You can read the full position paper here.
At the COP29 side event "Sustainable Practices in Agriculture for Climate Change Mitigation and Fostering Food Security" on November 12, 2024, I joined representatives from global organizations such as IAAS, ProVeg International, Prakheti, and Save Soil. I shared insights on innovative agricultural practices, focusing on precision farming, renewable energy, and data-driven technologies like GPS mapping and soil sensors. My presentation underscored how these approaches could mitigate climate variability, optimize resource use, and support long-term food security in vulnerable regions.
In another notable session, "Youth-Led Soil Health Solutions for a Resilient Planet," I highlighted transformative youth-led initiatives. Examples included agroforestry systems designed to sequester carbon, composting projects that reduce waste while improving soil fertility, and urban farming innovations that address food security challenges in densely populated areas. The discussion demonstrated the untapped potential of youth as catalysts for global climate resilience, showcasing how young professionals are driving change at local, national, and international levels.
Beyond presenting at these key sessions, I actively engaged in a wide array of events and discussions:
IAAS Side Event: Explored grassroots innovation for climate actions led by youth.
Action on Food Hub: Participated in a session on reducing food loss and waste through youth-driven innovations.
Mediterranean Pavilion Discussions: Examined climate challenges in the Mediterranean region, offering perspectives from Nepal’s agricultural sector.
Ocean Literacy Session: Addressed the intricate relationship between ocean health and climate change.
"Unlocking the Hidden Middle" Dialogue: Discussed strategies for building sustainable and equitable food systems.
Development Fund Night by IAAS: Networked with global stakeholders, identifying collaborative opportunities to advance YPARD’s mission.
My role as YPARD’s representative allowed me to advocate for integrating youth into global climate governance structures. I emphasized that young professionals bring fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and unmatched energy to tackle the complex challenges posed by climate change. Representing YPARD at COP29 was an opportunity to showcase how youth-led initiatives are already making tangible impacts in areas like soil health restoration, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration.
While COP29 was a remarkable platform for collaboration, it also revealed certain challenges:
Time Constraints: The brief duration of sessions often limited in-depth discussions on critical issues.
Overlapping Events: Parallel sessions made it difficult to attend all relevant discussions, diluting engagement opportunities.
Language Barriers: Limited translation services hindered effective participation for some non-native English speakers.
Inclusivity Gaps: Many sessions lacked a focus on marginalized communities, whose voices are vital in climate conversations.
To enhance the inclusivity and impact of future COPs, I recommend:
Increasing Youth Representation: Expanding platforms for young professionals to lead discussions and co-create solutions.
Extending Session Durations: Allowing more time for comprehensive dialogues and actionable takeaways.
Prioritizing Inclusivity: Ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable populations are at the center of climate discussions.
Facilitating Post-Session Networking: Creating spaces for delegates to exchange ideas and build partnerships.
Improving Accessibility: Offering better language support and more streamlined schedules to accommodate diverse participants.
Representing YPARD at COP29 was a transformative experience. The conference not only highlighted the critical role of youth in driving climate action but also underscored the importance of integrating sustainable agriculture into global climate strategies. Through presentations, discussions, and networking, I was able to advocate for scalable solutions that connect local innovations to global challenges.
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