he 29th Conference of Parties is under way in Baku, Azerbaijan. This year’s COP is expected to focus on finance, even though every COP for the Global South has had a finance focus. With the inclusion of New Collective Quantified Goals and trillion-dollar amounts in the discussion, along with early achievements, there is hope that this COP, like the ones held in Egypt and the UAE will lead to meaningful outcomes. The collaboration between these three countries for a successful conference is a positive sign in today’s polarised world of multilateral negotiations that are often seen as a slow-moving process. Yet, a process is precisely what’s needed.

In Baku, The News on Sunday spoke to four young people who had gathered at the 29th attempt by the UN to address the changing climate. With the theme this year being In Solidarity with a Green World, we asked these young individuals about their expectations from this year’s COP. Here is what they had to say.

“This is my first COP. I’m attending with the Youth Negotiator Academy, connecting with over 60 young negotiators worldwide,” said Cynthy Sandrina Hosea from Vanuatu. Hosea hoped for a better outcome from COP29 than earlier conferences.

“I urge every young person to remember that our actions impact our ability to keep the 1.5 degree Celsius goal alive. I would like COP29 to establish itself as the conference that finally delivers concrete measures to ensure we stay within this critical limit.”

“For me, the word ‘solidarity’ is reminiscent of the need for an intersectional approach to climate action; that is, action that not only listens to but crucially acts upon marginalised voices at every stage of negotiations,” said Maya Farmer from Australia.

“Gender equality, racial justice, dismantling the systemic exclusion of various communities and accessibility should be at the heart of any progress,” she added. “To achieve a ‘green world,’ I expect that outcomes are ambitious and science-backed. Climate action must include clear, actionable goals that empower countries to work towards and achieve these ambitious commitments.”

“Given the urgency of the climate crisis, COP29 must move beyond promises to clear commitments, with enforceable timelines,” said Didar Ali, who hails from Gilgit-Baltistan. “One of my hopes is to see more concrete mechanisms for financing adaptation, loss and damage, particularly for nations like ours.”

“This year should ideally mark a shift toward accountability, with wealthier nations reaffirming and acting on their funding commitments. I also expect COP29 to facilitate better representation of indigenous voices, which are key in the fight for climate resilience. Indigenous knowledge, often sidelined, can offer sustainable, community-centred solutions.”

“At COP29, I sense urgency in the air. The clock is ticking, and people demand swift action,” said Manisha Arya, a young delegate from India. Climate justice requires immediate attention, she said.

“I look forward to significant progress on climate finance, loss and damage funding and adaptation strategies. Enhanced ambition and implementation of the nationally determined contributions will be crucial.”

“Collective action will prevail. COP29 will mark a turning point in our fight against climate change. It should bridge the gap between global and grassroots endeavours so that this collective call to action being built at COP reimagines our planet. This, so that children and young people can enjoy and live on this planet in its natural form as their basic right.”

As COP29 unfolds in Baku, young voices reflect both the urgency and the determination of a generation concerned about the impacts of a changing climate. Their hopes echo a call for solidarity, equity and meaningful action, underscoring the need for a climate agenda that goes beyond promises. Whether through increased climate finance, enhanced adaptation measures, or inclusion of marginalised voices, they demand a future where environmental justice and climate resilience are within reach for all.

The writer is the co-founder of Climate Forward Pakistan and has been dedicated to youth climate advocacy since 2017. He has represented Pakistan’s youth on national and global platforms, driving initiatives that promote sustainability and environmental justice