The first Phase of Mock COP26 saw over 330 youth delegates convene from 140 countries to amplify their voices as a result of the postponement of COP26, underlining 6 pivotal themes on; climate education, climate justice, climate-resilient livelihoods, physical and mental health, nationally determined contributions, and biodiversity. Powerful statements were shared and bold efforts were showcased as the young leaders penned the Mock COP26 declaration/treaty. With it, the treaty holds 18 solid, ambitious, yet realistic and applicable policies. The cross-cutting sentiment from across the globe still stands at: action must be taken before it is too late!
The time has come to now hit the ground running. We have entered Phase 2 of Mock COP26, meaning the time for agenda-setting is complete and the execution has officially begun. One of our principal focus is running domestic campaigns to implement parts of the whole Mock COP26 treaty.
The delivery plan commences with mapping out countries and governments that have the potential to implement the treaty following their level of progressiveness. Equipping delegates with influencing skills is a key priority to give them an upper hand while interacting and engaging government officials. As MC26 is a global campaign, it goes without saying that there are translations of the treaty in different languages for purposes of universal inclusivity.
Moreover, building on the six MC26 themes, there are plans for 6 youth-led series to target policy-makers, as well as blog posts and social media posts to reach more people across the globe. Climate education has emerged as one of the main themes that Mock COP26 is seeking to collaborate with stakeholders to make climate action a ‘feel good’ outcome of the conference.
Call To Action:
We, the young people of the world are doing all we can to get this treaty implemented; its execution is essential for the future. This treaty conveys our sentiments, our voices, and our work, our re-emphasis on urgent action in the midst of a climate and a health crisis. This is a plea for change and it deserves to be heard, especially coming from our childhood experiences living in this. Moving forward, we want better for the future!
Our call to action is directed to the elected officials who still hold the power to make the right kind of change in the coming COP26 and beyond. Our treaty is foolproof and needs to be executed for a promising future of this planet.