Blog
Young Kenyan Climate Advocate Takes on COP29
At 12 years old, Alana, young Kenyan climate advocate and member of our Young Advisory Team, takes on her second COP and shares insights, tips and inspiring words for young people to remind them they belong in these types of spaces.
If someone had told me years ago that I would find myself at the centre of global climate talks, I probably would have laughed and said, “Me? A 12-year-old from Kenya? At COP?” But there I was, standing in the busy halls of COP29, soaking in the electric energy of people from all over the world and albeit the cold weather, each one looked determined to fight for our planet’s future. For me, a young advocate from Kenya, this was a global stage to amplify the voices of children whose lives are being shaped by the harsh realities of climate change.
My journey started when I was 5, watching a heartbreaking news story about a family devastated by drought. They were thin, frail, and surrounded by flies—a haunting image that stuck with me. Fast forward to COP28, where I found myself surrounded by walls of jargon and technical buzzwords that made climate solutions feel distant and inaccessible. It was so overwhelming that when I came back, I decided to start my own podcast, Climate Gumzo with Alana, to simplify these conversations for others. But that’s a story for another day.
By COP29, I had levelled up. I knew where to go, who to talk to, and how to ensure I wasn’t just another kid in the room but someone people listened to. I came with a clearer purpose: to remind the world that behind every climate statistic, there’s a child whose rights to education, health, and safety are being stripped away by floods, droughts, and displacement. I had several opportunities to speak, but one moment stands out—the Road to the First COP for Children: Mainstreaming Children's Rights into Climate Action event. The room was alive with energy as children and adults from different regions shared their stories. They spoke with clarity and purpose, showing the world, we’re not waiting for change—we’re demanding it now. We explored how to embed children’s rights into climate decisions, and for the first time, I felt the weight of what it means to be a changemaker.
Sitting on that panel, I spoke with conviction about how climate change isn’t just an environmental crisis; it’s a child’s rights crisis. It steals childhoods, leaving kids without the chance to go to school, to feel safe, or even to dream about their future. I know these stories by heart because they are the reality for so many children in Kenya. Seeing heads nodding in agreement and hearing questions from decision-makers gave me hope that our stories were resonating beyond the walls of that pavilion. There I was, paving the way for future generations of kids to lead with boldness and courage.
But let me tell you, COP isn’t all smooth sailing. COP28 taught me that this work requires precision and focus. The event is enormous, with countless sessions happening simultaneously, and without a plan, it’s easy to get lost. I learned quickly that you need a plan—a solid, hour-to-hour strategy. Otherwise, you’ll end up exhausted and overwhelmed, trying to be everywhere at once. I had to prioritize my time, deciding which sessions to attend and which conversations to engage in. This strategy allowed me to speak with purpose and connect with people who could amplify our message. I also learned the importance of leaning on others—mentors who guided me, peers who encouraged me, and organizations that made sure my voice was heard.
One thing that struck me at that moment is how much more can be done to prepare children for these spaces. Pre-training programs are crucial to help children understand the structure of these events, and funding support can ensure that more young voices, especially from grassroots and indigenous communities, are represented. Imagine the power of a child from a remote village, standing before world leaders, confidently sharing their story and making clear demands for their future. This firsthand experience would not only empower them but also bring a fresh, unfiltered perspective to climate discussions. We must make this a priority if we truly want inclusive climate action.
Representing vulnerable children on a global platform is both a privilege and a responsibility. At COP29, I carried the stories of children who may never have the chance to stand where I stood but whose realities demand action. I emphasized the need for inclusive policies that reach even the most remote communities, ensuring that no child’s voice goes unheard.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken from COP29 is that young people like me belong in these spaces. We’re not just participants; we’re leaders. Our voices might be smaller, but our impact is undeniable. And yet, I know there’s so much more to do. We need to ensure grassroots kids have a platform to share their stories. They may never step foot in a COP venue, but their voices should echo in every policy decision made.
Was it exhausting? Absolutely. Did I feel out of place at times? Sure. But leaving COP29, I felt something else too: hope. Hope that the world is beginning to realize that the future isn’t just about us—it’s ours to shape. I was reminded that change is never instant, but every conversation, every story shared, and every decision influenced brings us closer to a future where children’s rights are protected.
If you’re a young person reading this, know that your voice matters. If you’re an adult, step aside and let us lead. And if you’re wondering what’s next for me? Well, I’m just getting started. Let me just say—the fight continues, and I’m here for it.