This report, “Advocates for Change: Asia Pacific Children and Youth’s Voices & Perspectives on Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction”, is the result of the collaboration between partners from different development organizations. This project commenced in May 2024 and culminated in the launch of the report in October 2024 by the Asia Pacific Coalition for School Safety (APCSS).

Disasters pose a substantial and growing threat to children and youth's well-being, and climate change is a rising threat to the environment and livelihood, including the survival and well-being of future generations. However, children and youth continue to be on the frontlines in combating climate change and building resilience in their communities. There have been consultative and robust research on child-centred risk reduction and school safety developed globally and in Asia-Pacific. Drawing from the findings, we highlight young people’s voices and perspectives in urging governments, DRR partners, and practitioners to undertake the following actions in line with the underlying goals of the 10th APMCDRR.

Türkiye hosts the world’s largest population of persons under temporary and international protection, with over 3.65 million Syrians under temporary protection. As of May 2023, Türkiye was hosting 3.4 million Syrian refugees of which nearly half are children and 46% are women and girls. The country has seen significant increases in commodity prices, particularly food and energy, alongside inflation and the depreciation of the Turkish lira, leading to poverty rates surpassing pre- 2019 levels. These socio-economic challenges have put a strain on community relations, consequently inciting growing anti-refugee sentiments. The approach to the 2023 elections has seen refugee issues becoming a focal point of political discourse, prompting the government to consider adopting more stringent policies.

Virtual Learning Exchange on Social and Behavior Change for Nutrition in partnership with SUN - CSN (Scaling Up Nutrition – Civil Society Network). In addition to speakers from WV and SUN-CSN, we will have speakers/presenters from WFP, UNICEF, Alive& Thrive Vietnam, Nutrition International, Pakistan, and Gems Heart Philippines. This collaborative learning exchange will highlight best SBC practices, innovative SBC tools, and encourage robust dialogue through breakout room discussions. Please come along and also share the poster with colleagues, donors and partners so they can register to join.

Since May 2024, over 400 Ukrainians have been attending language classes funded by Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH) and implemented by World Vision’s partner WeWorld aimed to help participants integrate into the local society and open new opportunities, such as finding jobs or learn Romanian or English languages.

This policy brief provides a call to action for development partners of Viet Nam and Thailand as the primary destination of choice for Vietnamese migrants, to address key drivers of distress migration in communities of origin and to make migration safer, more humane and more just for Vietnamese parents and children alike, providing more support for those who stay behind and those who go, empowering children to help shape a better future for themselves.