Rising above youthwashing at COP29

November 26, 2024

DHAKA – As the world’s youth take to the stage at COP29, many more than before, we wonder, are we amplifying youth voices with genuine intent, or are we succumbing to “youthwashing,” where young people are included merely for appearances without meaningful opportunities to lead and impact decisions? Too often their presence is symbolic, fleeting, and mostly powerless.

We can no longer afford this superficial inclusion. The youth voice is vital. They are the inheritors of this legacy, and so they must be present with the strength and freedom to act and lead. We need empowered youth—not just to be seen, but to meaningfully shape outcomes.

Tokenism at events like COP29 risks reducing youth engagement to mere visibility. This approach not only disrespects their talents and intelligence but also fails to harness their full potential. Organisations must critically reflect on their motives and commitment to empowering youth.

Today, there are 1.8 billion young people globally—our largest generation—and they stand on the precipice of an uncertain future. We know that in 2019 alone, 24 million people were displaced by climate-induced disasters, with an estimated 140 million projected by 2050. We cannot treat or use young people as props in a global spectacle, instead of vital allies in this existential fight.

We speak of global targets and yet ignore the transformative power of youth when effectively engaged. Youth-led change is not new; it is essential, and it is immediate. Look at the strength of today’s youths in the July uprising.

Real youth representation must rise above mere gestures. It means giving young leaders the ability to engage on the critical topics of our time, giving them needed tools—climate finance,