Blog
"Exploring the Voices of Children in Climate Justice": My Experience
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YCJ Young Advisor Thube shares her experience after attending a conference for children and youth on children's rights and climate justice hosted by the Centre for Child Law, University of Pretoria and the Youth Climate Justice project at University College Cork.
Written by Thube (YCJ Young Advisor)
In November I had the chance to attend the conference ‘The State of Children’s Rights in Climate Justice’ at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, organised by the Centre for Child Law , University of Pretoria, and the Youth Climate Justice Project, University College Cork. I was invited to attend as I am a member of youth advisory team of the Youth Climate Justice Project, which researches children's climate leadership. As I walked into the conference room, I couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety, excitement, and curiosity all at once. The topic of the day was "Exploring the Voices of Children in Climate Justice" and as someone who is passionate about climate justice, I was eager to learn more about the different perspectives and experiences we young people have on this critical issue.
The conference was filled with presentations, discussions, and activities that showcased the voices and perspectives of children from diverse backgrounds and age groups. From passionate speeches to heartfelt poems, our message as children was clear: we are deeply concerned about the future of the planet, and we want to be part of the solution. We demand a seat at the table when it comes to climate justice because our future is also at risk.
Now I must admit, although I’ve always been involved in the fight for climate justice, it wasn't until I saw the impact it had on my family in KZN, a province in South Africa, that I truly understood what was at stake. Seeing the destruction and chaos that climate change can cause and knowing that it's only going to get worse if we don't do something, was a wake-up call for me. It made me realise that climate justice is not just some abstract concept - it's about people's lives, and it's about the future of our planet.
Throughout the conference, I was inspired by the passion and creativity of the young people who spoke about their experiences with climate change. From the devastating impacts of droughts and floods to the innovative solutions that young people are developing to address these challenges, it was clear that the youth are already leading the way on climate action. We all spoke about the impact of climate change on our communities, our families, and our own lives, and we shared our fears, hopes, and dreams for the future. Everyone's words were a powerful reminder that climate change is not just an environmental issue, but a human rights issue that affects us all.
It was inspiring to hear from one of the 16 children, Ayakha Melithafa, who filed a complaint to the United Nations Committee for failing to properly address the climate crisis. Hearing her experiences with climate activism and what got her started in her fight for climate justice was really motivating.
Although I'm experienced in public speaking, the thought of sharing my thoughts and opinions on such an important topic with a room full of distinguished people made me nervous. I found myself overthinking every single one of my answers, worried that I would say something wrong or that my climate activism wouldn't be taken seriously. But all these nerves became non-existent when I started talking and getting to know everyone. I tried my best to focus on the conversations and to share my thoughts and opinions in a way that was clear and respectful. And it was so worth it to be able to contribute to the discussion and to learn from the other participants.
One of the most striking aspects of the conference was the way in which the adults were genuinely interested in listening to the opinions and perspectives of young people. It's not often that we get to see adults taking the time to truly listen to what we have to say, and it was refreshing to see that the adults at the conference were not only willing to listen but also eager to incorporate our ideas into their efforts to address climate change. They all asked thoughtful and probing questions, took notes and asked for our input on various initiatives and projects. It was clear that they valued our opinions and were committed to working with us to create a better future.
Another moment that I really appreciated was when we all took a 15-minute break to lie down at 12pm in support of the national shutdown for the femicide in South Africa to honour the 15 women murdered every day, which is a cause dear to my heart as a young woman living in South Africa. The fact that I could be next is a constant fear that I live with, and it makes the issue even more personal. It was a powerful moment of solidarity and a reminder that our struggles are interconnected and that we are not just fighting for climate justice, but also for social justice and human rights.
The conference was a unique and eye-opening opportunity for young people from South Africa and around the world to share their perspectives and experiences on climate change. As a representative of the Youth Climate Justice Project, I was proud to be part of a global movement that is working to amplify the voices of young people and ensure that our concerns are heard by decision-makers. I enjoyed every single aspect of the conference, and I’m very thankful for the opportunity!