Unicef at Cop31, children and adolescents are at the center of climate policies

The climate crisis represents one of the main threats to children's rights today. Nearly every child in the world is exposed to at least one severe climate risk, while more than 1.1 billion children simultaneously face three or more threats related to extreme events such as floods, droughts, heat waves and storms. This was stated by UNICEF which, in view of COP31, which opens today in Antalya, Turkey, is asking negotiators and governments to formally recognize the disproportionate impacts of the climate crisis on children and to systematically integrate their rights into the decisions adopted within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Among the main requests presented at COP31 is the strengthening of adaptation policies so that they take into account the specific needs of children.

UNICEF also calls for greater attention to the role of education and participation of young people and proposes that the new Action Plan on Action for Climate Empowerment explicitly recognizes children as a distinct group, with specific needs and rights, alongside young people.

Finally, Unicef ​​invites all governments to adhere to the Declaration on Children, Young People and Climate Action, already signed by 70 countries, committing themselves to promoting inclusive, participatory climate policies oriented towards the rights of children and adolescents.

To bring the point of view of the new generations to the center of the debate, Unicef ​​Italy has launched the photography competition "A shot for the climate - environment and future seen by me", aimed at girls and boys aged between 14 and 19 who are asked to tell through photography how the climate crisis is influencing their lives and what actions are necessary to build a more just and sustainable future. It is possible to participate until 28 March 2027, information and regulations on www.unicef.it/scatto-clima As part of COP31, on 14 November Unicef ​​Italia will participate in the event "From Local Communities to COP31: Youth at the Core of Climate Action", organized together with Fondazione Cima, Hubzine Italia - Osservatorio Parigi, Save the Children Italia and WeWorld. The initiative will bring together young activists, institutional representatives and civil society organizations on opportunities for young people to participate in climate policies, from local action to international negotiations.