IKI invites youth delegation to climate conferences in Berlin and Bonn
Young changemakers from around the world brought their perspectives to the Global NDC Conference in Berlin and the Bonn Climate Conference – with clear demands for greater youth participation, climate justice, and better access to finance.
On behalf of the German Government, the International Climate Initiative (IKI) – through the GIZ-implemented projects Support Project for the Implementation of the Paris Agreement (SPA) and the Climate Diplomacy Action Programme (CDAP) – supported 26 young changemakers from across the globe to participate in this year’s Global NDC Conference in Berlin and the Bonn Climate Conference (SB62) in June 2025. The participants represented youth organisations, networks, and grassroots initiatives from countries such as Brazil, Egypt, Kenya, India, Mexico, and Samoa.
In addition to financial support, the IKI organised preparatory meetings and dedicated youth events at both conferences. The aim was to strengthen the active participation of young people in climate and biodiversity
Global NDC Conference in Berlin
During the three-day conference in Berlin, the group took part in panel discussions, Solution Labs, and debates – including a panel on financing NDC implementation. In an exchange with Philipp Behrens, Head of Division at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), the young participants shared recommendations on how to better involve youth in national climate processes.
A key concern was the limited access to climate finance for youth organisations from marginalised communities. The Youth Climate Justice Fund was highlighted as a positive example, offering more accessible and inclusive funding mechanisms.
Participants emphasised that the Global NDC Conference stood out for its focus on exchange and networking, fostering open dialogue with decision-makers and personal, eye-level conversations.
Youth perspectives also present in Bonn
Following the conference in Berlin, part of the group travelled on to the Bonn Climate Conference (SB62) to attend negotiations, side events, and networking sessions. There, they joined the cohort of 15 participants from the International Support for Local Activists (ISLA) programme, implemented by CDAP and Klimadelegation e.V.
In meetings with delegates – including the German delegation – they addressed issues such as Just Transition, microfinancing for youth-led action, the rights of Indigenous communities, and the lack of funding for adaptation measures. They also met the designated COP30 Youth Climate Champion, Marcele Oliveira, and took part in the ACE Youth Hub.
Vital voices for a just climate policy
Through their engagement, these young changemakers helped to make youth perspectives visible on the international stage – as vital voices for a just and sustainable climate policy.
A highlight of SB62 was speaking at the COP30 Presidency Event on implementation where I had the opportunity to share the realities and priorities of Pacific youth alongside high-level climate advocates. I spoke not only on behalf of Samoa, but also for many young people from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), who are driving climate action through local community work, often underfunded and unrecognised.
During the SB62, a significant moment for me was participating in the Press Conference on Just Transition. The discussion focused on defending territories threatened by ventures claiming to serve the energy transition. However, these projects often jeopardize traditional ways of life and local biodiversity. To me, a true energy transition must be rooted in sovereignty, community participation, and energy justice – with people and respect for nature at its core.
One of the highlights of my participation at SB62 was the IKI networking evening. It offered valuable insights into international climate finance – and the opportunity to speak about strengthening local youth initiatives in Africa. I was able to represent African youth and engage in discussions on how we can further expand the impact of our local activities.
At an international conference like the Global NDC Conference, it is essential to connect the global with the local. It is important to bring diversity to global spaces – through local experiences, local ideas, and the varied perspectives of people like us. If you don’t see the problems on the ground, you can’t think of the right solutions. That is why it is vital to involve those directly affected – like me, living in a favela.
The true test of NDCs lies not in their level of ambition, but in who carries them. I am joi9ning the Global NDC Conference to help wave structures that invest in youth leadership, workforce development, and local talent. Young people must not only be involved in creatin a vision for the future – they must also play a role in putting it into action.
We are concerned about what is happening in the territories and communities. That is why we are working together with our brothers and sisters to draw special attention attention to indigenous people's rights at the international level and to real inclusion. Participating in the Global NDC Conference is an important step – one that must be continued.
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