Azerbaijan appoints Youth Climate Envoys to advocate for climate rights at the local and global level

On 24 November, in an official ceremony in Baku, the first 19 Azerbaijani climate activists and volunteers were awarded the title of Youth Climate Envoys. After undergoing a rigorous selection process and participating in comprehensive educational programs, these young people are now set to advance the climate agenda locally and globally. 

The Youth Climate Envoys programme, a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and UNICEF, aims to empower Azerbaijani youth. It encourages them to raise their voices and propose solutions, ranging from local communities all the way up to global climate discussions. In particular, two Youth Climate Envoys will be part of Azerbaijan's official delegation at COP28 in Dubai, scheduled from 30 November to 12 December 2023. 

The programme, supported by experts and mentors, will build the knowledge and skills of young people on climate agenda and environmental protection. After a series of learning sessions and workshops, envoys will travel to urban and rural areas across the country, educating other adolescents and youth about climate action. Additionally, the program will offer educational and grant opportunities for local community initiatives led by the youth. 

The award ceremony coincided with World Children’s Day, which commemorates the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November 1959. This year, UNICEF, along with partners in many countries, places a special focus on the climate rights of children. 

“Climate change is impacting the lives of children and young people everywhere,” highlights Acting UNICEF Deputy Representative Leyla Hasanova. “UNICEF is working to raise youth voices and empower them to participate in the decisions and actions that affect their future. We partner with local authorities to develop child-friendly tools for climate action and support young climate activists, innovators and entrepreneurs”. 

Coming from diverse backgrounds in energy, technology, finance and law, youth envoys are dedicated to making a change and mobilizing others for a greener and more sustainable future.   

’As a youth climate envoy, I believe in the power of global collaboration to address climate change urgently”, highlights Oruc Bayramov, one of the Youth Climate Envoys, attending COP28 in Dubai.