As world leaders converge in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change also known as the 28 session of the Conference of Parties (COP28), Child rights organisation, Save the Children International (SCI), is calling on stakeholders to engage with children on climate advocacy.

The COP28 Climate Summit will run from Nov. 30 to 12 December.

Amanuel Mamo, Save the Children Director of Advocacy Campaigns, Media and Communications who spoke at the SCI Climate Action Assembly (COP28 Simulation) in Abuja on Thursday, frowned at the negative effects of environmental degradation and other climate change issues on children.

He expressed worry that children who are the least cause of these climate crisis bear the huge burnt of it, with their future threatened and rights eroded.

He stressed that the inclusion of children in climate change decision making process would amplify their voices, choices and perspectives on the issues and how it affects them.

Children speaking at the SCI Climate Action Assembly (COP28 Simulation)

“I will like to call upon states and governments who are meeting in Dubai to really listen to the voice of children, what they are saying, what they are demanding from governments all over the world”, he said.

Mamo stated that, “Climate crisis is the biggest challenge of our time. It is a grave threat to children and their rights. “Child rights” might not even survive a global climate catastrophe. We have created a huge environmental debt to our children and the future generation. Children have contributed the least to the climate crisis, and yet we know that they are paying the highest price”.

Save the Children however charges the public to develop a culture of responsible behaviour in preserving a liveable planet earth for the next generation.

A child participant and climate change ambassador from Borno State, Kubra Ali Kanandi said climate change crisis deprives children access to quality education, restricts their fundamental rights and exposes them to violation.

She urged the Nigerian government to invest in addressing issues of climate change for the safety of the Nigerian child.

A Redeemed Christian Church of God pastor, Niyi Adegboye said to promote a healthy environment, religious leaders must sensitise their members on the proper way to dispose waste.

He called on governments at all levels to develop and enforce policies on waste management across the country.

Representative of UNICEF (Adolescent Development and Participation), Muhammed Zainab Pelemoh stressed the importance of collaboration in safeguarding the future of children and the planet they live in.

She assured of UNICEF’s commitment to continue to work with Save the Children in tackling climate change crisis around the globe.

Nigerian president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Wednesday depart Abuja for Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to attend the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP28).

At the World Leaders’ Summit, which takes place on December 1 and 2, 2023, under the theme “Unite, Act, and Deliver,” President Tinubu will deliver a national statement, highlighting Nigeria’s stance on various thematic issues, including renewable energy and climate financing. 

This was revealed by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale in a statement in Abuja.

With the conciousness of the severe impact of climate change on Nigeria, such as desertification, flooding, erosion, drought, and national security risks, Ngelale, said President Tinubu will maximize the opportunity afforded by the platform to advocate increased financial and technical support for developing nations while reminding developed countries of their public pledge to provide $100 billion annually for support to localized initiatives to address climate change-related challenges. 

According to the statement, the president’s message will also focus on holding businesses and institutions accountable, reflecting Nigeria’s dedication to sustainable and responsible practices.

It said, “The Nigerian delegation to COP28 will actively explore establishing new and deeper bilateral partnerships to implement Nigeria’s Energy Transition, Article 6 Projects, Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), Technology Transfer, Capacity Building, and Methane Mitigation.

“While in Dubai, President Tinubu will actively participate in key sideline events, which will further support the advancement of his avowed commitment to aggressively attract foreign direct investment for enhanced wealth creation and revenue expansion in the country, in addition to other events hosted by the Nigerian delegation.”