Stephen Long

While Parliament was underway this week, young people from Australia and the Pacific gathered in Canberra for the Australia Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue, urging tougher action to address climate change. This youth forum launched the 2025 National Child and Youth Statement on Climate Change, based on 27 sessions with more than 800 youth leaders in every Australian state and territory. Among other things, they want:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership embedded across all stages of climate policy along with meaningful Pacific partnerships.
  • Stronger action to reduce Australian emissions in line with the global 1.5°C target.
  • Youth-centred energy transition planning, with targeted education, green skills training, and job pathways.
  • Greater investment in climate resilient services and infrastructure across schools, hospitals, transport, and housing, particularly in regional and rural areas.

Supported by UNICEF, it’s part of a wider Global Youth Statement to be presented to the COP 30 presidency.