Participants trained in climate science, finance and negotiations before handing recommendations to officials as the low-lying Maldives seeks stronger youth input on resilience, green skills and climate diplomacy.
Two young Maldivians have been selected to travel with the country’s official delegation to the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) after more than 40 young people developed a set of climate priorities through a youth-led policy process.
Yania Hussain Ishan and Lasan Sabah were named youth delegates under the “Youth Track to COP31” programme, according to the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy.
They will travel to Antalya, Türkiye, to carry the perspectives and priorities of Maldivian children and young people to the international climate conference.
Their selection followed a three-day Youth Track to COP31 programme held from September 1 to 3, where participants received training on climate science, adaptation and mitigation, climate finance and international climate negotiations.
Youth priorities for COP31
More than 40 young Maldivians took part in the programme and developed recommendations focusing on environmental protection, climate resilience and meaningful youth participation in national policymaking.
The recommendations were formally handed over to the head of the Maldivian delegation for consideration ahead of COP31.
The programme also included an intergenerational dialogue on green skills and a just transition, along with a simulated COP negotiation designed to give participants practical experience in climate diplomacy.
The initiative was jointly organised by the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy and UNICEF Maldives, with additional support from Islamic Relief Australia and UNICEF Australia. It was the sixth edition of the programme.
Climate risks drive youth engagement
Youth participation in climate policymaking is particularly significant for the Maldives, a low-lying island nation facing growing risks from sea-level rise, coastal erosion and extreme weather.
These threats are affecting communities and putting increasing pressure on health, education and economic stability.
Sixteen-year-old participant Aminath Ajna Imran said climate change was already part of young people’s everyday lives.
“Climate change and its impacts are not far off scenarios for us; they are our everyday reality,” she said, stressing the importance of enabling young people to understand climate issues and raise their voices at national and global levels.
Bangladesh envoy joins programme
Bangladesh Ambassador to the Maldives Dr Md Nazmul Islam participated in the Youth Track to COP31 programme as a key guest, while Maldivian Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef attended as the chief guest.
Dr Islam said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm, creativity and leadership demonstrated by the participating youth.
Alongside Minister Shareef, he presented certificates to participants in recognition of their involvement in the programme and encouraged them to continue raising their voices and advancing climate initiatives.
He also stressed the importance of youth energy, ideas and leadership in building a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
Youth participation must continue
UNICEF Representative to the Maldives a.i. Kenanao Keemenao Motlhoiwa said youth engagement in climate action should continue beyond individual programmes.
“As we close this Youth Track to COP, we are reminded that meaningful youth participation cannot begin and end with a single event,” she said.
She called for continued opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in climate discussions and decision-making processes as the world moves towards COP31.
Earlier this year, UNICEF supported a consultation workshop under the Local Conference of Youth Maldives 2026, enabling young people from across the country to develop the inaugural Maldives National Youth Statement on Climate Change.
The statement will contribute to the YOUNGO Global Youth Statement to be presented at COP31.
COP31 is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026. The two selected youth delegates will take the priorities developed through the Maldives’ youth consultation process into the international climate discussions.
