A Youth-Led Perspective on COP29: Reflections with Juno Hassan from Our Youth 4 The Climate

As the world continues to grapple with the climate crisis, the outcomes of COP29 still shape our understanding of what’s being done; and what more needs to be done. In this article, I interview Juno Hassan, a dedicated member of Our Youth 4 The Climate (OY4C), to reflect on the key moments from COP29 and how the conference affected the global conversation about climate action. Through Juno’s insights, I explore both the progress made and the gaps that remain, especially for vulnerable communities and youth movements pushing for change.


The Outcome and Missed Opportunity at COP29

Juno views the Glasgow Climate Pact, signed during COP29, as one of the most significant outcomes of the conference. This pact committed nations to revising their 2030 emission targets in line with the 1.5°C global warming goal. However, Juno highlighted a major missed opportunity: the lack of clear mechanisms to ensure accountability and the failure to establish a Loss and Damage fund. This gap underscored the inequalities in addressing the impacts of climate change, particularly for those most affected.

I share Juno’s frustration. While the pact was a step forward, the absence of enforceable mechanisms to hold countries accountable is troubling. The climate crisis disproportionately impacts vulnerable countries, and without a system to ensure these nations receive the support they need, it’s hard to feel confident that progress will be made. The revisiting of the Loss and Damage fund is a hopeful sign, but it will take persistent pressure to ensure that this initiative becomes a reality.

How Well Did COP29 Address the Concerns of Vulnerable Countries?

In her reflections, Juno acknowledges the progress made at COP29, particularly the commitment to double adaptation finance by 2025. However, they also points out that the details around this commitment were vague, and there was a lack of enforceability. They also emphasized the disappointment of not establishing a dedicated Loss and Damage fund during the conference, which left a significant gap in addressing the needs of nations most impacted by climate change.

It’s clear to me that the global community is still failing to address the most urgent needs of vulnerable countries. While doubling adaptation finance is a positive step, without clear guidelines and enforceability, it risks becoming just another unfulfilled promise. For the nations bearing the brunt of climate change, the time for vague commitments is over. There needs to be a concrete plan that addresses the inequities head-on, providing both financial and technical support where it’s most needed.

Do Youth Movements Influence Real Policy Change?

Juno shared their belief that youth movements, while not always directly influencing policy change, have played a vital role in raising awareness and putting pressure on global leaders. Through mass mobilization and activism, figures like Greta Thunberg have brought attention to the urgency of climate action. However, translating this influence into tangible policies remains a challenge, requiring structural changes beyond public advocacy.

I completely agree with Juno’s assessment. Youth movements have certainly made an impact, amplifying the conversation around climate change. But as they noted, the transition from advocacy to actual policy change is complicated. The voices of young activists are powerful, but systemic barriers still prevent those voices from leading to enforceable policies. That’s why it’s essential for movements like ours to keep pushing and demanding real, transformative change—not just awareness, but action that holds leaders accountable.

Global Cooperation After COP29: Hopeful or Discouraged?

After COP29, Juno described herself as cautiously hopeful. The signing of the Glasgow Climate Pact and the commitment to revising 2030 targets signaled collective ambition, and the presence of young voices at the conference was an inspiring moment for global cooperation. Still, Juno recognized that the lack of decisive action left much to be desired. Despite this, the progress made in the years following the conference has been encouraging.

Juno’s perspective reminds me that hope doesn’t always mean immediate results—it’s about seeing small steps toward progress even when the larger picture feels daunting. It’s easy to feel discouraged when global cooperation doesn’t yield the results we need, but I share Juno’s cautious optimism. Each effort, whether it’s mobilizing youth or holding leaders accountable, contributes to a broader movement for change. The energy from COP29 might not have resulted in immediate, sweeping action, but it has undoubtedly set the stage for a growing momentum toward meaningful change.

Conclusion: The Role of Youth in the Climate Fight

Juno’s reflections on COP29 demonstrate the vital role youth movements play in the global fight against climate change. While COP29 did not deliver all the results we hoped for, it offered a glimpse of the potential for collective action. With youth-led movements continuing to demand change, there’s a renewed sense of urgency in the fight for climate justice.

Looking ahead, it’s clear that the work is far from over. There’s still much to be done to ensure that vulnerable nations receive the support they need, that the promises made at COP29 are followed through, and that youth movements continue to push for bold, transformative action. As we look toward future summits, it’s crucial to remember that while the road to real change is long, every voice and every step taken brings us closer to a more just and sustainable world.


Written by Neve Bonura-Learnard

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