Plenary Insights

Our opening plenary sessions underscored the urgent need for transformative approaches in climate justice. Elisa Morgera, the UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights, called for radical, immediate changes in our systems, arguing that incremental adjustments are no longer enough. Discussions led by Gerry Liston, a climate lawyer with the Global Legal Action Network, highlighted the strategic importance of cases like Duarte Agostinho and Others v. Portugal and 32 Other States, which advocates for keeping global warming under 1.5 degrees as a human rights imperative.

 

Young Voices in Action

Young climate activists from across Europe, including Martim Agostinho and Cláudia Duarte from Portugal and Oskar Bonte and Benjamin Van Bunderen Robberechts from Belgium, shared personal stories of resilience. Cláudia recounted her drive to act following the devastating 2017 forest fires in Portugal, while Martim expressed the profound impact of witnessing nature’s destruction firsthand. Their message was clear: young people are not merely bystanders but essential voices in the fight for climate justice. They called on adults to “trust us, see us as partners,” stressing that their generation has the passion and drive to lead.

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Workshops with Schoolchildren

A standout session brought local schoolchildren and young activists together in an interactive workshop. The children, inspired by the insights shared, voiced a sense of solidarity, remarking, “It’s nice to feel we’re not alone in this fight.” The session underscored the value of peer-led learning and highlighted how engaging children directly can nurture a sense of community and action.

 

Key Themes

• Inclusive Participation: Leaders such as Marie-Cécile Rouillon (European Commission) and Regina Jensdottir (Council of Europe) championed child participation as a core right, highlighting structures like the EU Children’s Participation Council.

• Support for Marginalised Groups: Astrid Podsiadlowski of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights stressed the need to support marginalised children facing heightened climate impacts, while Sophie Shields from the Institute for Inspiring Children’s Futures advocated for inclusive, creative participation platforms, such as art and play.

• Mental Health and Activism: In the post-screening discussion of Planet B, young activist Bo Vanhoorickx shared her journey balancing activism with personal well-being, highlighting the emotional toll activism can take on youth.