Youth Track to COP30 Event held by UNICEF Maldives, MoTE and SECCO

The 'Youth Track to COP30' event, hosted in the Maldives, brought together young climate leaders from around the country for conversation, capacity-building, and solution-focused workshops ahead of the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30). A total of thirty-seven young people from across the Maldives gathered for the event.

Jointly organized by UNICEF Maldives, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, and the Office of the Special Envoy for Climate Change at the President’s Office (SECCO), the event served as a vital platform to amplify youth voices in climate policy and environmental decision-making—supporting global efforts toward intergenerational climate justice.

It provided an important venue for amplifying young voices in climate policy and environmental decision-making, in line with worldwide initiatives to achieve intergenerational justice in the response to the climate issue. Participants stressed that climate change is more than simply an environmental concern; it is a catastrophe affecting their everyday life, health, education, and future. As one of the world's lowest-lying countries, the Maldives faces increasing sea levels and shoreline erosion, posing serious hazards to its youth.

The program included technical seminars, a simulated COP negotiation, and the drafting of young suggestions, which were submitted to the Head of the Maldivian Delegation to COP30. Two youth participants were chosen to represent the Maldives in the worldwide conference, cultivating long-term leadership in climate resilience and sustainable development.

A highlight of this year’s edition was the showcasing of youth-led climate innovations, developed through imaGen Ventures workshops held across three islands.

“Young people are not just the inheritors of tomorrow’s world; they are also the stakeholders of today. It is crucial that we provide them with the opportunities to become leaders and drivers of change, both in their communities and on the global stage,” stated UNICEF Representative to Maldives, Dr. Edward Addai.

“The leadership, passion and energy of the young people shown during the Youth Track to COP30 gives me optimism for the future of the Maldives. The commitment and enthusiasm shown is recognised by the Government and we are committed to providing platforms to empower and engage young Maldivians on climate action,” said Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim.

Special Envoy for Climate Change, H.E Ali Shareef said, “Young people are the next generation to carry the baton in the fight against climate change. It is heartwarming to see such an enthusiastic and energetic generation engaging in conversations about climate change issues, while learning how social, economic, environmental, and global political forces are interlinked in shaping the future they envision. With the right knowledge and guidance, they will be better informed, more empowered, and ready to make their voices be heard even louder”.

In a significant milestone, the Maldives recently finalized its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 3.0, incorporating youth input for the first time—a direct outcome of recommendations made during last year’s Youth Track. This makes the Maldives one of the first countries in South Asia to formally include youth perspectives in national climate planning.

The event reaffirmed the Government and UNICEF’s commitment to empowering youth and translating climate commitments into action for every child.

This is the fifth edition of the Youth Track event, organized by UNICEF in partnership with Tourism Ministry and the President's Office.