On October 24, a panel discussion was held on “Youth Climate Diplomacy: Demand and Opportunities.” The event is dedicated to the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which will take place from November 11 to 22 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The event was organized by the Youth Water Council, MGIMO Goes Green, and the Department of International Environmental and Ecological Issues at MGIMO of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Lake Baikal Foundation.
The event featured experts from the Lake Baikal Foundation, MGIMO of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rosatom Academy, AIM Carbon, Charity Fund “Vyrucaem” X5 Group, the banking sector, and Global Youth Biodiversity Network, as well as MGIMO students and members of the MGIMO Goes Green club, and representatives from Azerbaijan.
The discussion topics included:
• Water issues in the face of climate challenges;
• Blue bonds and other financial instruments to support sustainable development in the water sector;
• Experience of participating in international energy initiatives from BRICS Youth Energy Agency;
• Experience of the Lake Baikal Foundation as an observer at the Conference;
• Food security in the context of climate change;
• The 30×30 goal. Ecosystem degradation: plans for biodiversity revival.
“The topics covered various aspects related to climate change. Participants could see the link with food security, water resource preservation, capital markets, youth participation in international negotiations, and other areas. I think such events not only allow to learn first-hand about different areas of work in the fight against climate change, but also to make useful connections and opportunities for development in this field,” shared Ekaterina Osokina, member of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network, project manager of “Opportunities in Sustainable Development.”
At the end of the event, Youth Water Council members Maria Tsyk and Nikita Seregin presented the Council’s draft position paper for COP29. Work on this document will continue for two more weeks, with Council members and specialists able to join the process.
The Lake Baikal Foundation expresses gratitude to the Azerbaijan Youth Association of Russia (AMOR) for providing a platform for the event, and to the company BARRIER for supporting the development of the Youth Water Council.