Leyla Hasanova is the 24-year-old Youth Climate Champion of the COP29 Presidency. Photo: COP29 Presidency
“At the heart of the climate movement, there’s a spark driven by youth,” says Leyla Hasanova, the Youth Climate Champion of the COP29 Presidency. Leyla is a 24-year-old environmental enthusiast from Azerbaijan – the host of COP29 – where thousands of global leaders, activists and experts will convene to negotiate the next steps in the global efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
Like many of her peers, Leyla has been part of a global movement of young people that are demanding urgent action on climate change, often being the catalyst behind critical progress on awareness and mobilization. Her personal journey into environmental advocacy began with a strong connection to nature and the realization that her generation’s wellbeing and prosperity depends on a sustainable future. Since being appointed the Youth Climate Champion of the COP29 Presidency, she’s been working to advance youth-led initiatives and to amplify young voices in climate policy, aiming to make COP29 a milestone in youth inclusion.
With COP29 starting next week, we saw it timely to have a conversation with Leyla about her vision for young people’s involvement in climate action, the demands they have for global leaders, and her personal role in the fight for a liveable future.
What sparked your interest in climate change and environmental action?
With my background in environmental science, I have a deep connection to nature and a growing awareness of the urgent challenges our planet faces. From extreme weather patterns to environmental degradation, I have come to realize that the future of our planet is at risk. As a young citizen of the world, I am deeply aware that, without our voice in this battle, much of the growing risk will fall on our generation as we grow up. This understanding, and seeing the passion of young people and the sparks in their eyes, drove me to dedicate myself more fully to climate action.
As the COP Presidency’s Youth Climate Champion, Leyla supports the active inclusion of children and young people in climate decision-making. Photos: COP29 Presidency
What does it mean to be the Presidency’s Youth Climate Champion for COP29?
The role of the COP Presidency’s Youth Climate Champion (PYCC) was established during COP28 to support the active inclusion of children and young people in climate decision-making. We are a bridge between children and young people and the presidency. Our mission and focus is empowering young people through education and capacity-building, advocating for their inclusion in COP processes and climate policy in general, amplifying their voices within global forums, and driving youth-led climate action.
What does this role entail? How do you work with young people to amplify climate action?
I enjoy my role a lot because it enables me to bring together the perspectives, energy and ideas of today and tomorrow’s generations, helping ensure that they are heard, amplified and acted upon on time. We organize events, conferences and trainings all focused on enhancing young people’s needs and perspectives in tackling the climate crisis. We hold monthly consultations with various regions and countries around the world to hear from all corners of the planet and ensure representation in our operations on youth inclusion. For example, earlier this year, I attended the “Generation Nexus: Youth Empowerment and Engagement for the Future” workshop in Podgorica, Montenegro, where young leaders from 18 countries across Europe and Central Asia gathered to shape a vision for sustainable change. This workshop, organized with UNDP’s support, reinforced a powerful message: everyone, regardless of age, can contribute to the fight against climate change.
What is your vision for the role of young people in tackling climate change?
We are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the changemakers of today. Younger generations bring more creativity, fresh perspectives and a sense of urgency that drive immediate, effective action and meaningful participation. I see young people as being at the forefront of innovation. With the help of technologies and effective communication tools, we can stay connected with young leaders worldwide, united in our fight for climate action. We have the power to reshape the narrative, pressing for more inclusive and just climate decision-making that reflects what the Earth needs and the demands of its citizens.
Leyla's journey into environmental advocacy began with the realization that her generation’s wellbeing and prosperity depends on a sustainable future. Photos: COP29 Presidency
Why is it crucial to have young people involved in the COP negotiations?
This is very important and the reason why my role exists. As PYCC, I hold the responsibility of representing young people’s voices in these critical conversations. Children and young people are among the most vulnerable groups affected by climate change, so it’s crucial that their perspectives are heard in these negotiations. The future belongs to them, and that’s why we must take action to promote sustainability with their voices at the forefront. Young people need a seat at the table in shaping the future they will inherit.
What are some of the demands and expectations young people have from COP29?
Our mandate is to limit global warming at 1.5°C by focusing on impactful emissions reductions and ensuring a just transition in the fight against climate change. Our demands focus on transparency, responsibility and accountability, with an emphasis on measurable results and tangible progress in addressing climate change. We are also calling for meaningful youth inclusion in decision-making, ensuring that young voices are actively engaged in shaping climate policies. We hope that COP29 will serve as a key moment where promises translate into action, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone, irrespective of age.
Leyla’s efforts to elevate youth voices and ensure their presence at decision-making tables hold the promise of a more inclusive and just approach to climate governance. With her drive and vision, Leyla’s work reminds us that young leaders aren’t just waiting for a future they deserve, they’re actively shaping it, creating a movement that bridges generations and unites diverse communities in a shared mission for climate justice.