Project Description
Climate change knows no borders. While local action is essential to addressing the problem, global agreements are also needed. We are convinced that young people should have a voice in international environmental policy. This is why SYFC has been continuously involved in the international negotiation process of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) since 2015 by participating in every COP (Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC—the world's largest climate change conference) and COY (Conference of Youth—a smaller conference that precedes COPs). We believe that the civil society, including both NGOs and ordinary citizens are fundamental actors of change. Our COP delegation collaborates with other civil society organizations to advocate for the sustainable society we aspire to.
As part of YOUNGO (YOUth Non-Governmental Organizations, an observer constituency of the UNFCCC) and CAN (Climate Action Network), we develop proposals and lobby national delegations. The exchanges between future leaders that these collaborations enable are key to ensuring that the climate debate remains focused and achieves the goals of the Paris Agreement. We believe that young people in Switzerland must contribute to this debate and that we have the potential to be an important player in it.
Furthermore, we believe it is essential that young people have a direct and peer-managed information channel to follow the progress of international debates. Because we will always be confronted anew with decisions that have differential impacts on the climate future. In order to make the best possible decisions for all our futures, we must be properly informed. That is why our delegation communicates its activities at each COP, which we relay to all of our members.
We rely on our members, and especially, you to spread the message in Switzerland and beyond! We must organize events before and during COP, but also build a receptive base, as well as publicize our actions through the media. Are you interested in putting together an event for COP or in being our reporter? Do you have media contacts or are you a social media fan? Contact us and bring your voice to the debate!