The exercise allowed recognising the importance of preparing young people to bring their innovative ideas to the negotiations in a way that is consistent with the best available science and the UNFCCC process.

12 November 2022, Sharm-El-Seikh, Egypt - At #EuroclimaCOP27 we had the opportunity to host an event dedicated to Young Negotiators. The event entitled “Voices of Youth Climate Negotiators from Latin America” took place on the afternoon of Saturday 12 November..

At this event, four young leaders in climate action shared perspectives on their training in international climate negotiations and their participation in COP 27, in the framework of the Operation COP - Youth Climate Ambassadors Project. The event recognised the importance of preparing young people to bring their innovative ideas to the negotiations in a way that is consistent with the best available science and the UNFCCC process.

Despite initially feeling intimidated by the magnitude and specialisation of the event, the young people have been persevering and consistent in their contributions to their respective national delegations and are proud to represent Latin America. This is how these voices, previously relegated away from the table, have become a force that drives ambitious results in the final decisions, mainly in favour of improving the conditions of populations vulnerable to the climate crisis.

They also shared that they are looking to take the lessons learned from COP 27 to projects and initiatives within their countries, because they understand that more spaces for action should be sought for youth. They also hope that other young people will benefit in the coming years from the same intergenerational solidarity that has been generated between the delegations and youth.

In this regard, the programme has succeeded in making country delegations and decision-makers appreciate the importance and capacity of youth representation, which is why they proposed to continue the process with participation initiatives during future conferences. The panel made it clear that the climate crisis is also an issue of human rights and the rights of youth and children.

"Indigenous people do not decide whether they want to defend the environment or not, we are born with that responsibility, because we are born into a world where we live off nature. I am very grateful for the accompaniment provided by Operation COP, but I want other indigenous people, young people, children and women to have this accompaniment". -Reina Salguero, 22 years old, young indigenous negotiator.

The end of this event was summarised in a rap, which we invite you to listen to in this video: