In the lead up to COP28, UNICEF launched the largest U-Report poll so far, reaching over 771,406 U-Reporters, through 58 U-Report national and regional platforms. Through the partnership with YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the COP28 Youth Climate Champions, the results were featured in the official Global Youth Statement (GYS) for COP28. The GYS represents the “demands and aspirations” of children and youth from over 160 countries around the world and highlights their collective climate policy demands.
The poll asked young people how prepared they are to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Questions assessed U-Reporters' experiences of learning about the climate crisis, receiving training and skills to address its impacts, and their views on how their actions can influence the climate policies of their countries.
At the World Climate Action Summit (WCAS) at COP28, which brought together Heads of State, Delegation Leaders, non-state actors, children, youth, and educators from diverse backgrounds, the Global Youth Statement (GYS) which includes the results of this U-Report poll, was handed over to COP28 Youth Climate Champion H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui by UNICEF DRC Youth Advocate and U-Reporter, Emmanuel.
"I reiterate that the climate crisis is, first and foremost, a child rights crisis”, said Emmanuel, 16, from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Here are some of the key results from the poll:
-
70% of respondents reported that they did not learn a lot about the climate crisis in school.
-
65% of respondents agree with the statement ‘Unless I am learning about climate change and how to respond to it, my future will be at risk’.
-
66% of respondents believe that their actions can positively influence climate policies in their country.
-
2 in 5 U-Reporters who responded to the poll do not feel they are receiving the skills and training needed to tackle the climate crisis.
What is your message to world leaders at COP28?
These are some of the things that young people from around the world shared in the poll:
