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By Eliza Chaney, COP29 Fellow
In a world increasing shaped by wicked problems – from climate change to geopolitical tensions – engaging young people in policy and diplomacy is more important than ever. Having recently returned from Canberra for the pre-departure briefing ahead of the UNFCCC COP29 a few weeks ago as a part of the Global Voices Fellowship, I have been reflecting on what I took away from the experience. We were incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to engage with a range of leaders, diplomats, academics and government officials. The experience provided a profound insight into how young Australians can contribute meaningfully to policymaking. It also provided valuable lessons about the importance of being challenged on our ideas, beliefs and biases. It was great experience, offering insights not only into the mechanisms of government but into the essential role of young minds in shaping our future.
The Power of Being Challenged
One of the most valuable aspects of the fellowship was the continuous challenge posed to our ideas and assumptions. We were encouraged in our policy proposal workshops to critically evaluate the feasibility and impact of our ideas by our peers and the Global Voices volunteers. This process of constructive critique was instrumental in refining our proposals and thinking. We are shaped by our own experiences and worldviews which can often lead to unconscious biases and assumptions. Being in an environment where your preconceived ideas and assumptions about the world are questioned forces you to step outside of your comfort zone and consider alternative perspectives. In our workshopping sessions where we refined our policy proposals, it became evident that youthful idealism - while admirable - is not sufficient unto itself. Our ideas were scrutinised and each argument dissected as we confronted the weaknesses in our positions. What was glaringly obvious at the end however was how important it is to hear from diverse perspectives and from people with different life experiences to your own in order to truly test the efficacy and robustness of one’s policy ideas.
Diplomatic Insights: A Visit to the Embassies
One of the highlights of the fellowship was our visit to the Azerbaijani Embassy for a briefing ahead of COP29, which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan. This session not only provided insights into Azerbaijan’s history, culture and its priorities for COP29 but also underscored the global nature of policymaking. Climate change is a universal issue that transcends borders and the role of diplomacy in fostering cooperation among nations is vital. Understanding how different countries approach climate negotiations and environmental policy gave me a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities within global forums like COP.
Our visit to the US Embassy offered a different yet equally enriching experience. Hearing directly from diplomats about the complexities of international relations and the importance of soft power was incredible. Diplomacy, much like policymaking, requires the ability to negotiate, collaborate and find common ground— skills that are useful in any context. Furthermore, the US diplomats stressed the importance of framing in policymaking and diplomacy to transcend political barriers and national borders.
Learning from Leaders: Workshops with ANU and Nous Consulting
We were fortunate to meet with Howard Bamsey, a professor at the Australian National University (ANU) and a prominent figure in global climate diplomacy. His insights into the intersection of climate policy and international governance highlighted the importance of evidence-based policymaking. Professor Bamsey’s reflections on the history behind the UNFCCC COP was invaluable and will prove useful next month.
Our workshop with Nous Consulting emphasised the importance of strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement in policy development. The firm's approach to problem-solving reinforced the need to consider the broader ecosystem in which policies are implemented. Policymaking is not a linear process - it requires collaboration, compromise, a deep understanding of various stakeholders' needs and priorities and, most importantly, communication. This workshop helped solidify the idea that young people need to be equipped with both the analytical tools and the interpersonal skills necessary to navigate the policy landscape.
The Role of Youth in Policymaking
Perhaps the most resonant theme throughout the fellowship was the importance of having young people actually sitting at the decision-making table. The world we live in today is fundamentally different from the one experienced by previous generations and it is the younger generation that will inherit the long-term impacts of today’s policy decisions. This is particularly true regarding climate change, which not only is the key matter for our delegation to the UNFCCC COP29 but also what I believe to be the issue that defines my generation. Young people bring a fresh perspective and urgency to these issues that is essential for innovative and future-facing solutions.
Simply having a seat at the table is not enough however. Young people need to be empowered with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make our voices heard and then turn those perspectives into action. One of the key takeaways from the fellowship was the realisation that youth engagement in policy must go beyond just being present—it’s about being an informed, prepared and strategic contributor. Programs like Global Voices play a crucial role in providing young Australians with the tools to do just that.
Keeping momentum
Reflecting on my time in Canberra, I am convinced more than ever of the importance of young people in policy and diplomacy. The challenges we face as a global community are unprecedented and they require innovative solutions that only a diverse and inclusive policymaking process can produce. I believe it is my imperative to continue to push for greater youth involvement in these spaces, which I intend to do throughout the duration of the Fellowship.
Being challenged on my ideas and beliefs has been at times an uncomfortable but ultimately empowering experience, reminding me that growth often comes from discomfort. It has reminded me that young people cannot merely be the subjects of policy, they must be its architects. And it has instilled in me a sense of duty to ensure that, on these crucial issues, the voice of youth is not only heard but ultimately delivers impactful change.
The future depends on us not merely just having a seat at the table – we must be equipped to lead it.
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The views and opinions expressed by Global Voices Fellows do not necessarily reflect those of the organisation or its staff.