This event is open to individuals with access to the COP29 Blue Zone. It will be held in the Mediterranean Pavilion - Blue Zone, Area E, F1B

The UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP) has served as a vital platform for addressing global climate crises since its inception. Each year, COP gatherings provide critical opportunities for nations to reaffirm and advance commitments to curb climate change impacts under the Paris Agreement. COP29 in Baku comes at a time when the West Asia and North Africa region (WANA) is increasingly affected by climate-related risks, including rising temperatures, water scarcity, and heightened economic instability due to conflict and displacement. As the WANA region grapples with these challenges, securing sustainable climate finance is essential to foster resilience and equity in national and regional climate responses.

Amid evolving global priorities, ARI recognizes the need for tailored, transparent funding mechanisms that reflect the complex realities faced by WANA countries, especially those grappling with high debt levels, fragile infrastructure, and marginalized communities. With a central focus on climate finance, ARI’s participation at COP29 will emphasize the need for adaptable financing models that prioritize the WANA region’s unique challenges and ensure the inclusion of historically underrepresented groups.

As the climate crisis deepens, it is crucial that the perspectives of those most affected, particularly youth—are integrated into climate finance and policy discussions. Youth advocates are powerful voices in the global climate movement, demanding ambitious actions for climate justice and sustainability. ARI’s participation in COP 29 provides a critical opportunity to engage with these young leaders, integrate their perspectives into discussions on just environmental transitions. ARI aims to support youth from the WANA region to attend COP 29, providing them with a platform to participate in discussions and share their demands on climate finance, loss and damage, and just environmental transition.

This panel will feature youth voices and researchers to share their perspectives on climate financing, just transition, and loss and damage. Key discussion points include:

Amplifying youth voices and local leadership in climate finance: Ensuring that young leaders and marginalized communities are central to climate finance decisions.

Advocating climate justice policies that prioritize equity, transparency, and community-led projects, highlighting how civil society organizations in the WANA region have successfully influenced local and national climate justice policies and pushed back/advocated against initiatives where the needs of local communities are not reflected equitably.

Centering Vulnerable Communities: Prioritizing groups historically excluded from decision-making, such as refugees, migrant workers, and low-income communities, ensuring their rights and resilience are core to transition strategies.

Addressing Environmental Destruction in Conflict Zones: Recognizing that natural environments are often "silent victims" in conflicts, ARI advocates for post-conflict environmental reparations as part of peacebuilding efforts.

Accountability and Justice: Holding accountable those who contribute to environmental degradation, whether through corporate activities or cross-border projects like dams—while establishing regenerative, community-driven economies that ensure sustainable livelihoods.