It is easy to despair. Decisions about major issues of the day are taken far beyond the reach of children and youth. What can a young person do in the face of powers that run our world? I, for one, do not believe that young people are totally powerless.

At the 26th UN Climate Change Conference, or the COP26, in the UK, I had a unique opportunity to connect with young people from across the world. As I talked to them, one thing became apparent to me – no matter their background, nationality or age, they all had the hope and the conviction to act.

A few days back, I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Amanda, a young Brazilian girl. When asked what was on her to-do list for the conference, she had a powerful response: “As a young black girl, I am here to speak on behalf of the Global South and empower the Brazilian people.” Later in the discussion, David, another panelist, highlighted that indigenous peoples, even though they make less than 5 percent of the earth’s population, are protecting 80 percent of its biodiversity.

Hope changes everything. It is a fundamental force. When we show determination, everything begins to move in the right direction. Hope, in this sense, is a decision, and the most important one we make. It is the force that enables us to take action to realise our dreams.

Government bodies like the Ministry of Climate Change need to acknowledge the youth as the central stakeholder.

Greta Thunberg is now considered the poster child for youth and climate protests. But many more are leading the climate movement in their communities and countries. They include Xiye Bastida from Mexico, Tahsin from Bangladesh, Brianna from Samoa, and Emaan Danish from Pakistan. These young people are tackling the climate crisis head on, with courage and hope.

It is high time that the young take their rightful place at the table, not for a hollow show of inclusiveness but to be genuinely empowered. Government bodies like the Ministry of Climate Change need to acknowledge young people and children as the central stakeholder. Their policy decisions will have the most impact on today’s generation of Pakistan. Otherwise the youth will be left to deal with the inaction and neglect of the “adults”.

No one took me seriously when, as a 19-year-old, I spoke on urgent action and how young people and children will be most vulnerable to the disastrous effects of climate change. Now, young people across the world have mobilised against the selfishness and greed of their elders who exercise power. We can no longer be dismissed. Our demands for a just and green world for future generations must be heard.

What can I as a reader do, you might ask? Well, talk to your representatives. Ask what they have done to support the climate? Educate yourself, and learn what you can do to reduce your climate footprint. Support your local activists. They need your help. And as my good colleagues from Plant-for-the-Planet say, stop talking and start planting.

The author is a Climate Justice Ambassador, and a member of the global board 20/21 of the Plant-for-the-Planet Initiative. He is also part of the Global Shaper and Climate Reality   Community.