This session focused on advocating for health and educational equity in the context of climate action, with a specific emphasis on the role of youth and children as key stakeholders. Discussions explored the intersection of climate change with health disparities and the importance of inclusive education for climate resilience, especially in marginalized communities.

Climate change is a global challenge that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, especially children and youth, leading to inequalities in health and access to quality education. Communities facing health disparities and limited access to quality education are more vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, which lead to further marginalization. This session aimed to bring attention to these critical issues while providing a platform for young people to lead and propose solutions to integrate health and educational equity into climate action policies. This session also aligned with international frameworks, including the Paris Agreement, UNFCCC Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE), and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8, SDG 12, and  SDG 13.

Focus on integrating youth and children's perspectives in health and educational equity as critical components of climate action strategies through:

• Advocating for the inclusion of health and education equity in climate policies
• Empowering youth and children to participate in climate negotiations and decision-making
• Promoting youth-led solutions for bridging health and education gaps within the context of climate adaptation and mitigation efforts

One child and one youth moderator to host 

• Rasul Asadzade
• Fay Khales

Two youth speakers and one child speaker

• Mahnoor Rashid
• Assem Gebreal
• Emmanuel Ngeleji Jidisa

Parties and Observers:

• Massiel Cairo (Dominican Republic)
• Jared Huntley (Australia)
• Roberta Ianna (Italy)

• Visibility of Children’s Voices: Elevate children’s perspectives in climate discussions at COP29.
• Capacity Building: Equip children including those in indigenous communities with the tools and skills to engage in global climate advocacy.
• Impactful Contributions: Ensure children and youth recommendations that emphasise practical solutions for addressing health disparities and educational inequalities in the context of climate resilience are incorporated into climate policies and future dialogues. Stronger Networks: Pledge governments, NGOs, and multilateral organisations to support initiatives that bridge the gaps in health and education for communities affected by climate change.

1. How can collaboration between sectors like health, education, and climate action be strengthened to create a more integrated approach in addressing the needs of children and youth affected by climate change? 
2. What can be the role of children in this fight, as their involvement is essential for a sustainable future.
3. a) How can governments ensure that the needed financial resources and institutional support for ACE implementation and climate actions by children and youth are provided? / b) What investments will be made in environmental education and how do you plan to strengthen community resilience to extreme weather events

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