The Global Youth Climate Summit 2025 will be held from April 2-5 at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, featuring 200 in-person participants from 39 countries and an additional 300 participants joining online. Organized by GYLC, the summit aims to empower youth voices ahead of COP30, providing a platform for collaboration on climate solutions, development of a declaration, and grants for youth climate projects.
From April 2 to April 5, the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in Brazil will host up to 500 youth climate leaders, both in-person and virtually, marking a significant event focused on climate action. The Global Youth Climate Summit 2025, organized by the Global Youth Leadership Center (GYLC) in conjunction with UFMG, serves as an important platform amid intensifying climate challenges faced by the Global South.
As the summit convenes, young leaders from 39 countries will collaborate on innovative solutions and perspectives essential to addressing the climate crisis. Ejaj Ahmad, the CEO of GYLC, emphasizes the necessity of these voices, stating the summit provides a crucial opportunity for them to influence the global climate agenda prior to the COP30 climate negotiations.
The event will also feature a coalition of diverse representatives, including government officials, corporate leaders, and academic experts. Notable attendees include Professor Mateus Simões de Almeida, the Vice Governor of Minas Gerais, Dr. Euzebio Jorge Silveira de Sousa of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Dr. Rita de Cássia Mesquita from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Corporate insights will be offered by CEMIG CEO Reynaldo Passanezi Filho, among others.
Youth activists will play a pivotal role during the summit, with Indigenous leader Rayane Xipaya discussing issues around forest protection and Indigenous rights. Participants from various countries, including Japan, Kenya, and Peru, will share their unique climate experiences and solutions throughout the proceedings.
Besides discussions, tangible outcomes will emerge from the summit, including the formulation of the Belo Horizonte Youth Climate Declaration. This declaration aims to directly influence COP30 negotiations occurring in November in Belém. Additionally, grants totaling $10,000 will be awarded to ten distinguished youth champions for their community-based climate initiatives.
The summit’s success hinges on collaborative relationships, with UFMG’s Knowledge Center for Biodiversity and Institute of Biological Sciences serving as knowledge partners. CEMIG and FIEMG provide sponsorship support, contributing to the summit’s ambitious goals.
With 16 years of expertise from its previous organization, the Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center, GYLC is equipped to enhance youth-led climate initiatives. As the urgency of the climate crisis escalates, the summit in Belo Horizonte promises to galvanize youth engagement and leadership in the forthcoming pivotal COP30 discussions.
The Global Youth Climate Summit 2025, taking place at UFMG, represents a significant moment for the global youth climate movement. By convening diverse youth leaders and influential stakeholders, the summit aims to amplify the voices of those most affected by climate change. As participants develop the Belo Horizonte Youth Climate Declaration, their innovative solutions are set to impact the essential COP30 negotiations, reinforcing the critical role of youth in addressing climate challenges.
Original Source: www.tbsnews.net
