Save the Children Australia says the Albanese Government can and must demonstrate global climate leadership at COP31, regardless of who hosts, by championing the voices and rights of children in the climate crisis.
The leading child rights organisation is calling on the Albanese Government to use Australia's proposed COP31 Presidency to put children and young people at the centre of global climate action - making this the first truly intergenerational climate summit.
According to media reports, Australia’s Climate Change Minister, Chris Bowen, will likely take on COP31’s Presidency, shaping and leading negotiations in next year’s climate summit. Australia is also seeking to ensure a "pre-COP" leaders meeting is held in the Pacific under the deal made with Türkiye.
As a major player in the Pacific region, where children face some of the world's most severe climate impacts, Australia has a unique opportunity to use COP31 to push for three critical commitments:
- Recognition of children as a priority group in all climate negotiations, policies, and finance decisions
- Guaranteed meaningful participation of children in climate decision-making
- Urgent and equitable phase-out of fossil fuels in line with the 1.5-degree goal
Children in the Pacific are already experiencing rising seas, devastating cyclones, and threats to their food security and livelihoods. Under current emissions trajectories, 83 percent of the 120 million children born globally in 2020 will face unprecedented heat levels by the time they reach 80.
Hosting a pre-COP leaders' meeting in the Pacific presents a vital opportunity to amplify the voices of children and young climate activists from the region, many of whom face financial and geographical barriers to speaking directly with global leaders. By bringing the meeting to the heart of the crisis, world leaders will not only be able to witness the devastating impacts of climate change firsthand but also hear directly from communities at the forefront of developing solutions.
Save the Children Australia urges the Government to meaningfully engage key Pacific partners including civil society on co-hosting the pre-COP, and to guarantee a seat at the table for children and young people in Australia and the Pacific to have a say in the decisions that impact their lives and futures.
Save the Children Australia CEO Mat Tinkler says Australia can demonstrate leadership by championing these child-focused priorities at COP31.
“Leadership isn't about who gets to host the summit - it's about what you fight for when you're in the room. Australia must use its voice and influence, as lead negotiator, to make COP31 the turning point for children's rights in climate action.
“As President of COP31, the Australian government must push hard for children to be recognised as a priority group in climate finance, and support youth delegates from Pacific nations and right around the world to have real seats at the negotiating table, with the funding and support they need to participate meaningfully.
“It also means Australia needs to lead by example - phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and approvals, legislating a Duty of Care to protect children from climate harm, and delivering our fair share of climate finance to support Pacific adaptation and loss and damage.
“The world's children are still looking to Australia for leadership. We don't need the hosting rights to deliver it - we just need the courage to act.”
As the world’s leading child rights organisation, Save the Children works in more than 100 countries, tackling climate impacts across everything we do. Through broad collaboration and robust investment, we respond rapidly to climate-related crises and help build community resilience across the world.
Save the Children is actively collaborating with Australian and Pacific youth organisations and partners, who have developed comprehensive recommendations for child and youth engagement at COP31, including proposals for improved access, capacity building, and meaningful participation in negotiations.
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MEDIA CONTACT: media.team@savethechildren.org.au