Thirty-seven young people from across the Maldives gathered in Malé to call for urgent action on climate change at the recent ‘Youth Track to COP30’ event. Organised by UNICEF Maldives in collaboration with the President’s Office and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the event provided a platform for youth to voice their concerns and ideas ahead of the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil.
Participants urged national and global leaders to take stronger steps to safeguard children and young people from the escalating impacts of climate change, emphasising that the crisis is not just environmental, but one that affects education, health, safety, and future opportunities. As one of the world’s lowest-lying countries, the Maldives remains highly vulnerable to sea level rise, wave surges, and coastal erosion.
The event included technical sessions, a simulation of COP negotiations, and the development of youth-led recommendations. These were formally presented to the head of the Maldivian delegation to COP30. Two participants were also selected to represent Maldivian youth at the global conference, scheduled to take place from 10 to 21 November in Brazil.
A new feature this year was the showcasing of youth-led climate solutions from imaGen Ventures workshops held on three islands. These projects highlighted the potential of young Maldivians to innovate and take action on local climate challenges.
The initiative, now in its fifth year, reflects a broader commitment to youth inclusion in national climate policy. This year, the Maldives became one of the first countries in South Asia to finalise its Third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), incorporating feedback from children and young people. This was a direct outcome of last year’s Youth Track recommendations.
UNICEF, along with government partners, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that youth engagement translates into real action. Officials praised the leadership and energy demonstrated by the participants. Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim noted that the government remains committed to supporting platforms that empower young people in climate action.
The event serves as a reminder that Maldivian youth are not waiting to inherit climate challenges. They are already shaping the conversation and demanding a role in the solutions.
