We are at COP29

When: 15 November,  8:00-9:10am CET

Where: Online

Registration: TBC

Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC) and World’s Youth for Climate Justice (WYCJ) organise a session on how to strengthen legal arguments regarding the consequences of internationally wrongful acts that harm the climate system. By addressing restrictive arguments emerging during the comments period of the International Court of Justice advisory proceedings, the session seeks to reinforce ambitious legal approaches that prioritise climate justice, particularly for vulnerable States and communities impacted by the climate crisis.

Panel:

Joie Chowdhury (Sr Attorney, Climate & Energy Program, Center for Int’l Envtl Law), Samira Ben Ali (Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, WYCJ), Siosiua Veikune (Campaigner, PISFCC), Neshan Gunasekera (International Lawyer and Educationist, World Future Council)

When: 15 November

Where: TBC

Registration: TBC

Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), PISFCC, and WYCJ organise the #AOLetsGO Action Day at COP29! On 29 March 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution requesting the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to issue an Advisory Opinion (AO) on States’ obligations in respect of climate change. The ICJ has now, for the first time in history, the mandate to address the legal obligations of States with regard to climate change. The significance of this ICJ AO process cannot be overstated. An unprecedented number of States have participated. The written proceedings are now complete, and the oral hearings are scheduled to start on 2 December 2024. This is a critical moment in the process. COP29 happens right before and is a crucial space to mobilise and raise awareness around the importance of this process.

When: 16 November, 16:35-17:20 UTC+4

Where: Children & Youth Pavilion

Registration: TBC

UKYCC and WYCJ organise an event to explore the role of the incoming Advisory Opinions from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on protecting the rights of future generations from adverse impacts of climate change. The panelists will discuss the role of youth as precursors to the advisory opinion and the rationale of intergenerational justice as a key element of the movement.

When: 15 November, 18:30-20:30 UTC+4

Where: Moana Pavilion

Registration: TBC

The remarkable story of law students from the South Pacific who are taking their fight against climate change to the world’s highest court. With Opening Remarks by Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, the Special Envoy for Climate Change and Environment of the Republic of Vanuatu.

When: 19 November, 12:00-12:50 PM UTC+4

Where: Moana Pavilion

Registration: TBC

As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, the intersection of environmental degradation and human rights has become increasingly critical. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently considering an advisory opinion regarding the responsibilities of states in relation to climate change and human rights, a landmark moment spearheaded by Vanuatu and Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change. They, together with over 1500 civil society organisations, have mobilised the world.

This advisory opinion presents a unique opportunity to amplify the voices of those most affected—youth and First Nations communities—who are often the least heard in international dialogues and are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. COP29 provides the last potential opportunity for states to listen to a loud chorus of people who are asking to centre the voices of young people and climate-vulnerable communities during the hearings that will be held at the Hague from 2 December 2024. This event is organised by WYCJ, PISFCC and Greenpeace Pacific.

Jule Schnakenberg is a member of the Core-Team of the World’s Youth for Climate Justice (WYCJ), and has an interest in using (international) law to further progress on climate justice and intergenerational equity.

Originally from Hamburg (Germany) she now live in The Hague and manages our finances, fundraising and donor relations. Jule is also studying for a Masters in International Human Rights Law at Oxford University.

Email: jule@wy4cj.org

She is currently a law student passionate about international environmental law. She has been an activist since 2018, when she presented a legislative proposal for the regulation of single-use plastics in her home state. She co-founded with other Mexican activists “Escazu Ahora Mexico” with the purpose of accelerating Mexico’s ratification of the Escazu Agreement and its entry into force in the region. Mariana has been part of the United Nations Career for Climate Action Programme and other courses of environmental and human rights law.

Email: mariana@wy4cj.org

Mert Kumru is the former UN Youth Representative on Human Rights and Security for the Netherlands. He combines his Human Rights background with a variety of climate related themes.

In his work and activism he focusses especially on Human Rights violations that take place due to the climate crisis. Mert is currently doing a Public International Law LLM at the University of Leiden.

Email: mert@wy4cj.org

Samira is Master’s Degree student specialised in Environmental Diplomacy and Rights of Future Generations at the Institute of Political Studies of Rennes (Sciences Po Rennes). She takes part in the WYCJ campaign as the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator. She is particularly interested by environmental geopolitics, the protection of marine biodiversity and climate justice . She believes that it is only through an ambitious and effective implementation of international law that we will be able to protect the rights of the most vulnerable communities and future generations.

Email: samira@wy4cj.org