The Global Youth Climate Summit 2025, scheduled from April 2-5 at UFMG, will assemble 200 young climate leaders from 39 countries, with another 300 online. Organized by the Global Youth Leadership Center, the summit aims to enhance youth voices in climate discussions ahead of COP30. Key figures from government, academia, and corporate sectors will participate, culminating in the Belo Horizonte Youth Climate Declaration to influence climate negotiations.
From April 2 to 5, the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) will host 200 young climate leaders from 39 countries and an additional 300 participants online for the Global Youth Climate Summit 2025. This event is poised to become one of Brazil’s most significant gatherings focused on youth and climate action, coinciding with the global attention on COP30 negotiations.
Organized by the Global Youth Leadership Center (GYLC) in partnership with UFMG, the summit aims to amplify the voices of those most affected by climate change, particularly in the Global South. As highlighted by Ejaj Ahmad, CEO of GYLC, the summit represents a crucial opportunity for young leaders from climate-vulnerable regions to contribute to discussions on climate solutions.
The four-day summit will feature a blend of government officials, academic leaders, corporate executives, and youth activists. Notable participants include Professor Mateus Simões de Almeida, the Vice Governor of Minas Gerais, and high-level officials from Brazil’s national government, such as Dr. Euzebio Jorge Silveira de Sousa and Dr. Rita de Cássia Mesquita.
Corporate representation will include CEMIG CEO Reynaldo Passanezi Filho and executives from FIEMG. The academic community will be represented by UFMG’s Rector Dr. Sandra Regina Goulart Almeida and others, while former NASA scientist Peter Fiekowsky will contribute scientific insights.
Youth climate activists will be at the forefront, with individuals like Rayane Xipaya, an Indigenous leader from the Amazon, sharing vital perspectives on forest protection. Youth leaders from countries worldwide, including Japan, Kenya, and Ghana, will bring their diverse experiences to enrich the discussions.
The summit aims not only to inspire but also to produce tangible outcomes, such as the Belo Horizonte Youth Climate Declaration, which will inform COP30 negotiations in Belém later this year. Additionally, ten youth climate champions will receive $1,000 grants to support community-based climate initiatives.
This ambitious gathering is made possible through partnerships, with UFMG’s Knowledge Center for Biodiversity and other institutions providing support. GYLC’s history of training and empowering youth in the Global South positions them well to lead this significant summit.
As the global climate crisis worsens, the insights from young leaders are increasingly crucial. April’s summit in Belo Horizonte will showcase the innovation and energy of these youth leaders, setting the stage for their contributions to COP30 negotiations later this year.
In summary, the Global Youth Climate Summit 2025 at UFMG from April 2-5 promises to elevate youth perspectives in climate action. With participation from diverse stakeholders, including government officials, academics, and corporate leaders, the event aims to produce impactful outcomes such as the Belo Horizonte Youth Climate Declaration. This gathering will also provide vital support to youth-led initiatives, further emphasizing the critical role of young voices in shaping global climate negotiations ahead of COP30.
Original Source: www.tbsnews.net
