Recording

This workshop aimed to empower youth through a blend of expert-led presentations and experiential training - they gained comprehensive knowledge of NDC 3.0 timelines and identified critical engagement points for influencing national climate commitments. The session introduced tools such as the NDC Equity Tracker and Universal Youth Clause to help participants assess and advocate for equity and youth inclusion within NDCs. An interactive exercise allowed for youth to practice delivering compelling pitches to policymakers. Participants left this session equipped with outreach templates and stakeholder mapping experience to support ongoing engagement - they were not just informed, but mobilized with a view towards shaping NDC submissions ahead of COP30. 

Credit: YOUNGO

Background

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are the heart of the Paris Agreement, outlining each country's climate actions and commitments to reduce emissions and build resilience. The third round of NDCs (NDC 3.0), due in February 2025, marked a pivotal opportunity for countries to align their climate commitments with the 1.5°C target and the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake. As of mid-2025, many are still finalising their submissions - offering a strategic and time-sensitive opportunity for youth to engage and advocate for more ambitious, inclusive, and just NDCs. 

Across regions, young people have been gathering insights and recommendations through the YOUNGO NDCs Working Group and UNDP’s Regional Consultations on Meaningful Youth Engagement, helping to shape a global picture of meaningful youth engagement in climate policymaking. In parallel, Care About Climate is building a network of trained youth advocates and policy analysts through its NDC Equity Tracker and Universal Youth Clause initiatives. These tools not only monitor intergenerational justice and gender inclusion in NDCs, but also provide targeted training to empower youth advocates with the skills and policy literacy to engage effectively in national climate planning and multilateral processes.

This SB62 session built on that momentum by equipping youth with tangible skills - how to frame youth demands effectively, and strategically engage with decision-makers shaping national climate plans during this critical window of opportunity.

Objectives

• Equip youth delegates with knowledge, practical tools and advocacy skills to engage with policymakers and Party delegates at SB62.
• Strengthen understanding of NDC processes and youth entry points at the national and multilateral levels.
• Simulate real-life policymaker interactions to practice delivery and receive constructive feedback.
• Integrate findings from the regional youth consultations into ongoing advocacy efforts.
• Provide follow-up resources to support national-level youth advocacy after SB62.

Agenda