Young voices from Maldives appeal to leaders: Protect our future from climate change

Young participants at Youth Track to COP30 co-create recommendations to national policymakers and world leaders ahead of COP30

At the 'Youth Track to COP30' event held in Malé today, 37 young people from across Maldives came together to urge national and global leaders to step up efforts to safeguard children and young people from the increasing impacts of climate change.

As one of the world's lowest-lying nations - with just 1 per cent land and 99 per cent sea - Maldives is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, storm surges and beach erosion threaten children's development, health, education and overall wellbeing. Without urgent action and investment in sustainable, climate-smart solutions, the risks to children's safety and future opportunities will only continue to grow.

"Climate change isn't just about the environment; it's about our future. As young people in Maldives, we worry about how rising sea levels and extreme weather will affect our homes, our education, and the opportunities we have later in life. Taking immediate action now is the only way to protect our islands and our future," stated Shu'a Ahmed Shaheen, a participant at 'Youth Track to COP30'.

UNICEF Maldives/2025/Shaari Shu'a in a discussion during the Youth Track to COP30, which included sessions on climate science, negotiation and advocacy.

The 'Youth Track to COP30' is an initiative that aims to place young people at the heart of climate action. The fifth edition of this initiative, organised in partnership with the President's Office and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, brings together young people and connects them with experts, mentors and peers to equip them with the knowledge and skills to lead advocacy efforts and engage meaningfully in national and global climate discussions.

"The leadership, passion and energy of the young people shown during the Youth Track to COP30 gives me optimism for the future of Maldives. The commitment and enthusiasm shown is recognised by the Government and we are committed to providing platforms to empower and engage young Maldivians on climate action," stated H.E. Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim

The main components of the 'Youth Track to COP30' included technical sessions on climate science and youth-led climate action, Mock COP negotiations, and the development and presentation of recommendations by the young people to the head of the Maldivian delegation for COP30. This year an exciting new component was also added to the Youth Track, which showcased climate solutions developed by young people through imaGen Ventures design thinking workshops held across three islands in Maldives.

As the inheritors of tomorrow's world, young people's recommendations called on national policymakers and global decision-makers to prioritise their future and to meaningfully involve them in shaping climate policy and action. Two participants from this year's 'Youth Track to COP30' were selected to represent the voices of Maldivian children and young people at COP30, scheduled to be held in Belém, Brazil, from 10 to 21 November 2025.

"Young people are not just the inheritors of tomorrow's world; they are also the stakeholders of today. It is crucial that we provide them with the opportunities to become leaders and drivers of change, both in their communities and on the global stage," stated UNICEF Representative to Maldives, Dr. Edward Addai.

UNICEF Maldives/2025/Shaari Minister of Tourism and Environment, H.E Thoriq Ibrahim and UNICEF Representative to Maldives, Dr. Edward Addai with Ziyan and Rafha - the two young people who were selected to go to COP30 with the Maldives' delegation.

Earlier this year, Maldives became one of the first countries in the South Asia region to finalize its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 3.0, achieving a landmark milestone with the inclusion of inputs and perspectives of children and young people in national climate action plans. This reflects a recommendation from last year's Youth Track to COP event, demonstrating how youth-led initiatives can contribute to meaningful policy change when supported by government and partners.

"Young people are the next generation to carry the baton in the fight against climate change. It is heartwarming to see such an enthusiastic and energetic generation engaging in conversations about climate change issues, while learning how social, economic, environmental, and global political forces are interlinked in shaping the future they envision. With the right knowledge and guidance, they will be better informed, more empowered, and ready to make their voices be heard even louder," stated the Special Envoy for Climate Change, His Excellency Ali Shareef.

This year's events reaffirmed that children and young people continue to hold onto hope and optimism for the future. They are speaking out, taking initiative, and calling for urgent action to address the climate crisis. We are committed to strengthening our efforts with the Government and partners to meaningfully engage more young people as we work together to translate national and global commitments into tangible actions and resources that uphold every child's right to a safe and healthy future.

This article is first published at UNICEF Maldives website on Young voices from Maldives appeal to leaders: Protect our future from climate change

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