• Climate mobility: the forced displacement, migration and relocation exacerbated and/or induced by slow and rapid onset extreme weather events (climate change)
• Climate change and human mobility in the UNFCCC process and negotiations
• Stories and solutions from the frontline as well as best practices
• Migration for adaptation
• Finance for migration and planned relocation as adaptation strategies and minimizing loss and damage

As climate change intensifies, it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, particularly young people, children, indigenous communities and women in regions most susceptible to these impacts. From rising sea levels to extreme weather events that cause loss and damage and destruction of livelihoods, many individuals are forced to leave their homes in search of safety and livelihoods, resulting in climate-induced migration and displacement. Young people, indigenous communities and women, while facing the greatest risks, are also playing a pivotal role in responding to these challenges, proposing innovative solutions, and advocating for policies that address both the causes and effects of climate-induced displacement.

Moreover, migration is often seen as a last resort, but this event discussed how it can be transformed into a proactive adaptation strategy. Strategically planned migration and relocation, if properly supported by implementable policies and resources, can provide opportunities for communities to build resilience and diversify livelihoods in response to climate change. Discussions focused on how migration, rather than being viewed solely as a problem, can be integrated into national and international adaptation frameworks.

Bringing together youth, policymakers and other decision-makers, the event served as a platform to dialogue and discuss how youth leadership and gender-responsive approaches are integral in addressing climate mobility, and how migration can be harnessed as a positive adaptation strategy in the context of climate change.

The overall objective of the session was to reframe migration in the context of climate change by exploring how planned migration and relocation can be a proactive adaptation strategy ensuring the right to move and protection and how adaptation and resilience building are necessary for the right to stay.  Discussions also showcased how youth leadership, gender-responsive policies, and inclusive frameworks can integrate human mobility into national and international climate adaptation strategies while addressing policy gaps and supporting vulnerable communities affected by climate change. This was achieved by sharing experiences and recommendations through an intergenerational dialogue, whilst encouraging cross-sectoral collaboration to explore holistic solutions to climate mobility. 

Speakers:

• Moderators to host

• Elena-Alexandra Miron
• Ifeanyi Ohanyere

• Youth discussants

• Tahanyat Satti
• Kgaugelo Mkumbeni

• Parties and Observers:

• Kavindu Ediriweera - (Sri Lanka)
• Francesco Corvaro - (Italy)
• Meitha Al Noori (UAE)
• Ambassador Ahmed Abdel- Latif (Egypt)
• Elvin Ashrafzade (Azerbaijan)
• Sinziana Puscas - (IOM)

• A shared understanding of how migration can serve as an adaptation strategy.
• Insights into youth-led actions and how they are shaping responses to climate-induced mobility.
• How current discussions around loss and damage can build momentum for more robust policies addressing displacement and migration, ensuring vulnerable communities receive the necessary support
• Recommendations on how to integrate gender-responsive policies, and youth-driven initiatives, into national and international adaptation strategies.
• Mainstream locally-led adaptation measures ensure Indigenous people's climate resilience while recognizing their equal rights and access to land and natural resources.

1. How can gender-responsive policies address the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, particularly in the context of climate-induced displacement and mobility, to ensure their protection and empowerment?
2. How can international frameworks better support countries experiencing high levels of climate-induced displacement?
3. How can national adaptation strategies ensure that migration is used as a proactive tool for resilience-building, rather than a last resort, in communities most vulnerable to climate impacts?
4. What role can youth play in developing localized, innovative adaptation solutions that support both displaced populations and host communities?
5. How can we advocate for stronger gender-responsive policies within national and international climate frameworks to ensure the protection, empowerment, and rights of displaced women and girls, particularly addressing their vulnerabilities during climate-induced migration and displacement caused by climate change?

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Further information on the Youth-led Climate Forums at COP 29 is available here.

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