Abdul Basit Mushtaq Urges Simple, Youth Focused Climate Education at COP30

Belém: Speaking at the COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil, a youth representative highlighted a critical global challenge: climate information is often too complex for young people to understand, especially in developing countries where they are among the most affected.

The speaker emphasized that countries like Pakistan, ranked among the world’s top 10 most climate-vulnerable nations, face an even greater need for clear, simple climate education. With a large youth population, Pakistan must bridge the communication gap so young people can engage meaningfully in climate discussions and policymaking.

He stressed that complicated scientific terms and technical jargon make climate conversations inaccessible. Young people learn better, he said, when information is shared through relatable stories, real-life examples, and familiar cultural tools.

At COP30, he underscored the importance of using Pakistan’s rich cultural traditions—such as storytelling, theatre, and involvement of local intellectuals—to explain climate change in ways that resonate with communities. Performance arts, he noted, can help people emotionally connect with the crisis, even in areas with limited formal climate programs. “When people feel the problem instead of just hearing numbers, they are more likely to act,” he said.

YOUNGO Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Leadership

During the conference, YOUNGO—the official youth constituency of the UNFCCC—renewed its commitment to empowering young people in climate decision-making. The organization aims to ensure youth voices are taken seriously and that young leaders receive accessible knowledge, support, and platforms to participate meaningfully in global climate processes.

Youth Engagement Linked to COP30 Action Agenda

The COP30 program focused on key areas including energy, transport, water, cities, agriculture, forests, biodiversity, human development, and cross-cutting issues like finance, transparency, and gender. While these subjects may sound technical, the speaker stressed that they directly affect daily life—food, health, jobs, and access to clean water.

He emphasized that young people can contribute creative, community-driven solutions in each area, but only if the information is presented in simple language and made accessible through methods everyone can understand.

A Call for Inclusive Climate Action

Delivering a strong message, he said that real climate progress depends on involving young people as equal partners. Governments, educators, and climate organizations must equip youth with knowledge and opportunities. “Young people are not just students of climate change; they are leaders who can drive meaningful action,” he said.

He concluded that climate solutions must connect with ordinary people. By simplifying climate education and using culture and storytelling to engage youth, the world can build a stronger, inclusive climate movement that brings communities together to face the challenges ahead.