Youth Delegation Represents Bermuda At COP28
The Bermuda Youth Delegation attended COP28 in Dubai, marking Bermudas first-ever youth delegate representation at the 28th United Nations Conference of the Parties [COP28].
Historic Participation in Global Climate Dialogue
A spokesperson said, “In a groundbreaking development, the Youth Delegation of Bermuda, led by Noelle Young, marked Bermudas first-ever youth delegate representation at the 28th United Nations Conference of the Parties [COP28]. This historic participation underscores the growing importance of youth involvement in national and global environmental discussions. Noelle, a notable 2023 YOUNGA Youth Delegate, BUEI Youth Climate Summit Host, and Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme Associate, was instrumental in facilitating the formation of the delegation.
Experiencing the Diversity of COP28
“COP28 in Dubai, a hub of 84,000 attendees, was a melting pot of cultures and ideas, pushing the boundaries of diversity in climate discussions. The Bermudian Youth Delegation, an independently funded ‘solutionist group’ engaged with various stakeholders, from policymakers to farmers, contributing to and learning from the rich tapestry of global perspectives. Their experience was an eye-opener to the intersectional nature of global environmental transformation and its links with peace, justice, race, gender, and various abilities.The 2023 Bermudian Youth Delegation members: Noelle Young [Primary], Zayne Sinclair, Malachi Symonds, Olly Cherry, William Campbell, and Isaiah Fraser “were quickly reminded several times that our responsibility extended beyond Bermuda, we were viewed as representatives of the Commonwealth and small island states as a whole,” said a spokesperson, encapsulating the expanded scope of their advocacy.
Overcoming Challenges and Amplifying Voices
“Despite not having official designations, the Bermudian delegation actively participated in several crucial discussions and proposals. Their contributions, particularly in shared youth organization documents, highlighted the need for UNFCCC to reform international youth policy input processes. The delegation’s efforts emphasize the importance of inclusive representation in national and global decision-making dialogues.”
COP28 marked a significant shift towards meaningful youth engagement, with initiatives like the Youth Climate Champion role and the International Youth Climate Delegate Program. These programs, particularly the first-ever Youth Stocktake event, deeply resonated with the Bermudian delegates. “Equitable climate action calls for youth to be heard, given access and enabled to contribute to decision-making. The COP28 International Youth Climate Delegate Program recognizes that youth have a pivotal role to play,” said COP28 Youth Climate Champion Al Mazrui who holds the title of youngest government minister in the world.
The spokesperson said, “The First Cohort of the International Youth Climate Delegate Program was selected during this years COP. Malachi Symonds of Just A Farmer expressed regret that Bermudian youth were not represented during this inaugural event. The group aims for Bermuda to provide at least on official duly registered youth delegate to attend next year’s COP29, ensuring direct representation with ‘accredited status’. The program’s goal is to empower youth in climate policy-making, enhance their knowledge and networks, and promote equitable inclusion.
Bridging the Information Gap
“A spokesperson expressed concerns about the limited representation of youth in global and national discussions. “COP represents such a small fraction of humanity.
“Without our presence at COP as a fact-finding mission, the youth of Bermuda might have remained unaware of the vast opportunities and information shared at such platforms,”. This highlights the delegation’s crucial role in disseminating knowledge and opportunities back home.
“The spokesperson also noted that while invitations from event organizers and other delegates were plentiful, their lack of Blue Zone passes and Bermudian status limited their physical attendance at many decision-making events. However, this did not impede their involvement, as youth delegates from other countries used their Blue Zone statuses to propose the Bermudian group’s written recommendations in key discussions. Subsequently, they were briefed on the outcomes. Youth championing youth has become common practice at COP events. The Bermudian delegates actively contributed to shared proposals and documents from youth organizations like YOUNGO, YOUNGA, The Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network, The Global Futurist Initiative and COY.
Integrating Family and Advocacy
“Expanding on the theme of intergenerational collaboration, Noelle Young’s participation in Dubai was a unique family affair, as she was accompanied not only by her young son but also by her father, proud Papa, Gino Brangman. This presence of three generations of a Bermudian family at the conference underscored their collective commitment to environmental advocacy, symbolizing the shared responsibility across ages in addressing global climate challenges.”
“Noelle brought her son to the Youth and Children’s Pavilion on December 8th, the thematic Youth, Children, and Education Day, as did many other women with their children. “The issues at hand directly affect the health and welfare of my family. Bringing my child to COP28 was not a lesson in civic engagement; it was a necessity. I may be a Youth Delegate, but more importantly, I am a mother,” she said. Recognizing the challenges of childcare, particularly for mothers with young children, she valued her father’s assistance in caring for her child while in Dubai and COP28′s child-friendly and inclusive environment. Her son and father also joined the delegation for a few hours on December 9th, the Ocean-focused day, engaging in various STEM activities designed for children and touring the Sustainability Pavilion.
“Without my father’s support, I never would have been able to accept the YOUNGA Delegate opportunity to attend COP28, offered by BridgingTheGap Ventures,” said Ms Young. “The guys were incredibly supportive too; we had dinner together every night as one big Bermudian family. They often stole my toddler any time we were all together, some of them missing their own kids, while others miss their siblings or are aspiring to be future parents themselves. It has been a wonderful intergenerational experience of ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ – a male version that I have never witnessed before. Several of them also mentioned that my son served as a constant reminder of why we we’re all there and who we are paving the way for.”
Looking Ahead: Plans for Bermudian Youth
The spokesperson said, “The delegates are set on creating a non-profit organization to enable more Bermudian youth to attend global conferences and workshops, amplifying their potential and contributing to the island’s talent pool. They are also preparing a post-COP28 report which will offer wide-ranging recommendations for Bermuda’s development strategy, encompassing aspects from early childhood education to tourism and food security. Deputy Premier Walter Roban has expressed interest in a debrief, which the delegates hope signalsgovernmental collaboration for their initiatives.
Celebrating a Successful Mission
“Returning to Bermuda in time for the holidays, the delegation is set to share their experiences and learnings with friends, family, and the wider community. Their motto, “Ignite Change, Amplify Potential,” has been the guiding principle of their journey and will continue to inspire their future endeavors.
Contact Information
“For more information about the Bermudian Youth Delegation’s participation at COP28 and their upcoming projects, visit www.bermudayouthdelegates.com or email info@youthofbermuda.com.”
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