Youth4Climate is a UNDP Climate Promise flagship initiative in support of youth-led climate action, implemented in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security following its launch during the pre-COP 26. In the past two years, Youth4Climate has directly seed-funded 100 youth-led solutions across 52 countries through its Call for Solutions (an annual innovation challenge). Project proposals are accepted in four languages (in 2025 also in Portuguese) to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for youth from diverse regions and backgrounds. Youth from all UNDP programme countries (159) can apply for funding of up to USD 30,000 each for their solutions. In 2025, an additional 50 solutions will be funded, bringing the total number of funded solutions since 2023 to 150 and an envelope of USD 4 million.
Day 1 opened with an introduction to the UNFCCC system and the COP’s role in implementing the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol, covering six key topics and highlighting youth engagement through the Global Youth Statement by YOUNGO. The day continued with a project pitching session where Tarbiyah for Climate presented its work and received valuable insights for future collaborations, followed by a discussion on the role of Indigenous Peoples in climate action, emphasizing inclusion, Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and the need to bridge language barriers. The final sessions focused on the Global Ethical Stocktake and an award ceremony, where Tarbiyah for Climate was recognized by the Italian Ministry and UNDP, with discussions underscoring the importance of ethics, climate finance, and collective global action.
Day 2 centered on the theme of justice, creativity, and youth action, beginning with discussions on climate justice and its unequal impacts on vulnerable communities, where speakers from Brazil and Argentina emphasized protecting marginalized groups and restoring the environment through fair, inclusive, and rights-based policies. The next session, led by Instituto E, explored sustainable design thinking, encouraging participants to create ideas that balance social, environmental, and economic values while integrating emotional and rational reflection. The final sessions highlighted the vital role of youth in NDCs and storytelling for climate action, emphasizing inclusion, adequate funding, and authentic narratives to inspire and amplify genuine climate efforts. The day concluded with a shared optimism that collaboration can drive meaningful change.