Colombian youth demand climate action in historic summit
In an event that shook the foundations of climate action in Colombia, hundreds of young people gathered at the Universidad San Buenaventura, Cali for the National Summit of Children, Adolescents and Youth for Climate and Biodiversity. Organized by the mandated group of children and youth (YOUNGO) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in partnership with the Colombian chapter of the majority oficial group of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
It was supported by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, among other government entities such as the Ministry of Equality and Equity, the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare, the National Family Welfare System, UNICEF and Fondo Acción.
This historic summit demonstrated that Colombian youth are willing to lead change and demand a more sustainable future. “The National Summit has been a transformative space,” assured Julián Sánchez Castillo, a student at San Buenaventura University and alumnus of the Fray Damián González School. “As a young person and future lawyer, I feel inspired to use my knowledge to defend the rights of nature and future generations.”
For three days, students, activists and youth leaders from all corners of the country came together to share experiences, knowledge and innovative proposals to address the most pressing environmental challenges. With contagious energy and unwavering commitment, young people demonstrated that they are the driving force behind a global movement demanding climate and environmental justice. “Participating in this summit was like waking up to a new reality,” afirmed Sofñia Hurtado Agudelo, a student at Universidad San Buenaventura. “Hearing the stories of other young people and their proposals filled me with hope and motivated me to continue working for a better future.”
Statement
With the aim of making youth proposals and solutions to the climate crisis and biodiversity loss visible, the summit generated a space for active participation where young people could share their experiences, knowledge and visions on the care of the Common Home. The participants, under 35 years of age, worked together to elaborate the Declaration of Children, Adolescents and Youth for the Conservation of Biodiversity and Climate Justice, a document that includes the main demands and proposals of the new generations. Among them, the following stand out:
- They want a direct and constructive dialogue with the country’s leaders.
- They propose education that incorporates knowledge and technology for the benefit of biodiversity and actions that mitigate climate change.
- They demand respect and consideration for our opinions.
- They want a clean, healthy and safe environment
- Concrete actions proposed for environmental protection
- Climate change threatens our biodiversity and our lives
- They want to guarantee participation and respect for the rights of our communities.
In addition to the elaboration of the declaration, the summit offered a broad agenda of activities that included workshops, conferences, panel discussions and spaces for the exchange of experiences. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the latest trends in environmental conservation and to strengthen their skills to lead projects in their communities.
The Franciscan Province of the Holy Faith, through its Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), the Franciscan College Fray Damian Gonzalez and the University of San Buenaventura – Cali, joined this initiative, reaffirming its commitment to the protection of the environment and the promotion of social justice. The summit was a resounding success, demonstrating that Colombian youth are an unstoppable force and are willing to lead change. The young participants pledged to continue working in their communities to spread the messages of the summit and mobilize more people to join this fight.
