Journey to COP28: Nomin advocates for children's voices in climate action
Last week, Nomin, a sponsored child and child leader with World Vision in Mongolia, participated in COP28. There she had the opportunity to be part of a global community of passionate, young climate activists, as well as global leaders and decision-makers in the COP28 dialogues.
"I have gained valuable insights that have broadened my vision for a green future in Mongolia. Connecting with diverse perspectives and innovative ideas, I was inspired to bring sustainable initiatives for my home country."
"I really appreciated spending time talking to an expert like Tony. The stories he shared of transforming barren African land into a lush green area through dedicated efforts was truly inspirational. I was very keen to know some tips about tree preservation and plantation in Mongolia and ways to take care of them so that I can share this knowledge with others. Tony emphasised on cost-effectiveness of caring for existing roots over planting new trees. He highlighted the need for extensive care, services, and funding for new plantings. He advised me on the need to protected planted trees from animals, people, and natural disasters. I learnt the importance of planning for protection and care right at the start of any tree-planting project," says 17-year-old Nomin.
"I believe that children's voices matter in a platform like COP28 because we can offer valuable insights and solutions. Despite the perception of children as 'vulnerable', we have the potential to contribute significantly to development and positive change."
Weathering the extreme weather conditions from a freezing Mongolia to a warmer Dubai, Nomin’s zeal for learning and sharing on a global stage drives her to advocate for a safer and healthier planet. She actively engaged in various impactful sessions on resilience in the face of disasters, global collaboration for climate action, climate solutions, and loss and damage funding. "I am so thankful for this privilege to attend COP28. At the Youth Climate Champions Pavilion, I was able to contribute to discussions on climate challenges facing the youth community. For me, the most powerful takeaway was that Youth are not only leaders for the future but leaders now," says Nomin.
"We play an influential role in shaping the global climate narrative, so we need to speak up. I will carry all these experiences and insights back to Mongolia so that I can advocate for a sustainable and resilient future in Mongolia."
At the health pavilion, Nomin got to uncover the profound impact of climate change on women's and children's health and nutrition. The discussions emphasised the link between climate change, food shortages, and nutrition deficiencies, particularly affecting Asian children.
"I was able to engage with medical experts to talk about potential solutions. We must develop effective strategies to protect vulnerable populations in the face of climate challenges."
Nomin's advocacy extended beyond the conference walls. She was interviewed by Mongolian TV, where she highlighted the importance of amplifying children's voices at global forums like COP28. Nomin shed light on the daily challenges children in Mongolia face due to climate change, stressing the critical role of youth in combating climate change. Her purpose was clear - to ensure the voices of young people reach national leaders.
In addition to talking with local media, on December 1st, Nomin actively participated in a meeting focused on engaging communities and raising climate change awareness through art and history. Eager to implement initiatives in her community, she was able to highlight the community's interest in being educated and motivated for the Earth's well-being.
Not a passive listener but an active doer, Nomin took action, establishing the campaign Be an Eco," which has inspired over a thousand children to join the movement. She has also initiated several projects like planting trees, establishing a waste centre and raising awareness about the climate crisis among her peers.
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Children are the most affected by the negative impact of climate change.
There is a need to invest in strategies and policies that enable the meaningful participation of children and the most vulnerable groups in climate action and provide children and young people the space to participate in the decision-making process.
World Vision believes that the climate crisis threatens the realisation of children’s rights and that girls and boys must have a central voice in climate change discussions and decision-making. In response to the climate crisis, World Vision is committed to empowering girls and boys as agents of change, and ensuring their active participation and opinions are reflected in climate action decision-making at the local, national and global levels.
Exclusive look at Nomin's journey to COP28.