At just 15 years old, Zunaira has already become a powerful advocate for climate action. As a climate advocate for UNICEF, she firmly believes that children’s voices and concerns should be at the forefront of every country’s climate planning. In her eyes, children are not just statistics, but real people who will bear the brunt of the consequences of climate change. And it is high time that their voices are heard and their concerns are taken seriously.
Zunaira’s passion for climate action stems from her deep understanding of the impact that climate change has on children. Growing up in a developing country, she has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, on children and their families. She has seen children forced to leave their homes, schools, and communities due to the destruction caused by natural disasters. She has also seen the toll that climate change takes on children’s health, education, and overall well-being.
But instead of feeling helpless, Zunaira has chosen to use her voice to bring about change. As a climate advocate for UNICEF, she has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about the urgent need for climate action and to ensure that children’s voices are integrated into countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). NDCs are the commitments made by countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Zunaira firmly believes that children’s voices and concerns should be at the heart of NDCs. After all, it is their future that is at stake. Children are the ones who will inherit the world that we leave behind, and they have every right to be involved in shaping it. As Zunaira puts it, “Children are not just the future, they are the present. And their voices need to be heard now.”
But unfortunately, children’s voices are often overlooked in climate planning. They are not seen as important stakeholders, and their perspectives are not given the weight they deserve. This needs to change. Children are not just passive victims of climate change; they are also agents of change. They have unique insights and ideas that can contribute to effective and sustainable solutions. By involving children in climate planning, we can ensure that their needs and concerns are addressed, and their ideas are taken into account.
Zunaira’s call for children’s voices to be integrated into NDCs is not just a noble idea; it is also a practical one. Children are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and their participation in climate planning can lead to more effective and equitable solutions. By involving children, we can also educate and empower them to become climate leaders in their own right. As Zunaira says, “Children are not just victims; they are also change-makers.”
UNICEF has been working closely with Zunaira to amplify children’s voices in climate action. Through various initiatives, such as the Youth Climate Summit and the Children’s Climate Conference, UNICEF has been providing platforms for children to share their perspectives and ideas on climate change. These events have not only given children a voice but have also shown the world that children are capable of understanding and contributing to complex issues like climate change.
Zunaira’s message is clear: children are not just a statistic, they are real people with real concerns. And it is our responsibility to listen to them and involve them in shaping their future. As we work towards a more sustainable and resilient world, let us not forget the most important stakeholders – our children. Let us heed Zunaira’s call and ensure that their voices are front and center of climate planning. After all, it is their future that we are fighting for.
