SEATS AT THE TABLE

The document outlines a youth manifesto for COP30, demanding structural inclusion in climate negotiations, the removal of financial and logistical barriers for youth from the Global South, and the integration of intergenerational equity and climate justice into official outcomes.

• Youth participation at COP conferences is currently characterized by tokenism and symbolic presence, such as appearing on panels and side events, rather than having structural influence over decision-making.
• Financial and logistical barriers, specifically the high cost of travel and accommodation, exclude many young people from participating, particularly those from the Global South, Indigenous communities, and climate-vulnerable regions.
• Youth demand to be integrated as equal partners and co-leaders within national delegations and negotiating teams, specifically to shape outcomes regarding finance, national commitments (NDCs), adaptation, and loss and damage.
• The vision for COP30 emphasizes that intergenerational equity and climate justice must guide the conference, requiring the redistribution of resources and the dismantling of extractive systems to protect ecosystems like the Amazon.
• Youth are positioned as essential bridges between science and policy, capable of translating technical evidence into diplomatic action and using art, culture, and storytelling to drive systemic change.
• There is a specific call for the COP30 Presidency to provide affordable accommodation for youth delegates, with a priority focus on underrepresented regions to ensure the conference is inclusive.

APA

Heiling, E. (n.d.). SEATS AT THE TABLE. ClimaTalk. https://climatalk.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Youth-Vision-for-COP30-1.pdf

Chicago

Heiling, Emma. SEATS AT THE TABLE. ClimaTalk, n.d. https://climatalk.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Youth-Vision-for-COP30-1.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Heiling |first1=Emma |title=SEATS AT THE TABLE |publisher=ClimaTalk |url=https://climatalk.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Youth-Vision-for-COP30-1.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{heilingndseats, author = {Heiling, Emma}, title = {{SEATS AT THE TABLE}}, publisher = {ClimaTalk}, url = {https://climatalk.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Youth-Vision-for-COP30-1.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }