Friday, 22 September 2023

We are shifting our daily news to Gutzy.Asia Support us there!

How old will you be in 2050?

Eleina

Eleina is a member of ECO Singapore, hoping to bring forward the gravity of the climate change issue in Copenhagen this December. The group is part of the International Youth Climate Movement (IYCM) at the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) .

There is a lot to be achieved through this year’s COP-15 to ensure we take concrete steps against climate change. We cannot sit back and do nothing or continue on empty promises, because this is our future. 50 years down the road, we have only ourselves to be answerable to- did we do anything to protect our earth, our survival?

As youth, a significant contribution is that we bring the future to the present. While leaders are hesitant on agreeing on midterm binding solutions, we must force them to realize that if they do not act NOW, it will be too late and their children will be the ones bearing the consequences. We are key stakeholders, and we need and want to be heard.

Through interacting with each other over the past two days during the Conference of Youth (COY), we gained better understanding of each other’s needs, national and cultural difference. But through these differences, we saw commonalities. We have a common vision towards sustainability and when it comes to the environment, we have to be in it together- because what one state does or did, will impact all eventually.

As such, we will bring our stand to the leaders here at COP-15. To ensure our stand is valid and concrete, the youth team will keep close track of policy developments and target specific issues while vocalizing comments.

Along with this, we aim to make climate change a more tangible issue. Showing how climate change is currently affecting and will affect us, we aim to humanize the issue. This to force leaders to view the policies they are negotiating beyond their short term goals and self interests.

We will also be voicing our opinions to delegates on a formal platform through which we will share the views of youth from various nations. While doing so, being a diverse group of youth, we will ensure that views, opinions and demands are not biased to only the developed world. Rather, we will ensure that the less represented and underdeveloped states are given an equally strong voice.

The youth movement is not limited within Copenhagen. This is a global cause and a global movement. We ALL have a say in the issue. Thus, another aim for us based here is to be the channel through which others can view their opinions, hopes and ideas.

But how far can the youth movement go? Very far indeed. But any change of value takes effort and sacrifices, and every step is a move forward. United as one global movement, leaders around the world will not be able to continue ignoring our demands.

As mentioned by Michael Zammit Cutajar Chair of the Ad-hoc Working Group on Long Term Cooperative Action, the space for youth has grown. We are increasingly being given an opportunity to voice up. We have to ensure that we focus our actions through understanding the political realities and push through our inputs.

Furthermore, none of us are alone; rather it depends on how far we will unite through understanding each other and our commonalities, and take the courage to continue fighting. COY has left me inspired and energized to push forth for this cause, and I am sure I am not alone. COP-15 this year will see an unprecedented energy among youth, and the leaders ought to be prepared for it.

This article was originally published at http://unfcccecosingapore.wordpress.com/

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Latest posts

Election surprises and certainties: Dissecting Tharman’s presidential win

47
In the 2023 Presidential Election, Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam secured a stunning 70.4% landslide victory, surprising many, including himself. Despite expectations that TKL would win the opposition votes, voters from both camps showed a preference for Tharman's charisma and perceived competency. As Singapore reflects on the outcome, questions arise about the election's fairness and the real implications of Tharman's dominant win.

Volunteer as a Polling and Counting Agent for Singapore’s 2023 Presidential Election

3
For the upcoming Singapore Presidential Election on 1st September, members of the civil society have spearheaded an initiative to strengthen our democratic fabric. We invite committed individuals to join us as Polling and Counting Agents, standing together for a transparent, fair, and just election. This vote counting exercise, organized by members of civil society, is not specifically in support of Mr Tan Kin Lian, a candidate in the upcoming Presidential Election. It's an exercise in active citizenry. Nonetheless, Mr Tan endorses this initiative, which hinges on his candidacy, championing transparency, and has given permission for the results to be shared publicly.

Reflections from the Centenary: The Legacy of LKY and Singapore’s Future

19
Gilbert Goh reflects on the LKY centenary event: an inspiring showcase of a leader's global legacy juxtaposed against current challenges, urging Singapore to continue its path of progress.

Lim Tean advocates for Tan Kin Lian: A visionary leader for Singapore’s Presidency

84
In his speech at Mr Tan Kin Lian's launch of his presidential bid, Mr Lim Tean passionately championed the need for a truly Independent President. Highlighting Mr Tan Kin Lian's unique credentials and genuine concern for the wellbeing of Singaporeans, the Peoples Voice leader emphasized the pressing challenges of rising living costs and job insecurities faced by the public. Mr Lim depicted Mr Tan Kin Lian as a beacon of hope for the nation, advocating for a leader who genuinely understands and represents the people’s aspirations.

Tan Jee Say endorses Tan Kin Lian for President: A courageous, genuine, and humble...

38
In advocating for a truly representative leader, Tan Jee Say underscored Tan Kin Lian's humility, courage, and genuine dedication. Highlighting the pressing need for restored public trust and effective independence, Tan Jee Say emphasized that Tan Kin Lian, as the 'People's President', would bring back hope to Singaporeans and champion true democracy

Tan Kin Lian’s pledge: Rekindling unity and charting a vigorous future for Singapore

17
In the press conference to announce his bid for the Singapore presidency, Tan Kin Lian emphasizes safeguarding Singapore's reserves and strengthening public service integrity. Drawing on his 30-year leadership at NTUC Income, he envisions a future with affordable living, accessible housing, and job stability, pledging collaboration with the government for a united nation.

Strengthening Singapore’s political foundations: A call to action by Leong Mun Wai on Singapore’s...

35
Leong Mun Wai urges Singaporeans to strengthen political checks and balances, emphasizing, 'The best is yet to be for Singapore if we dare to make the right decision in upcoming elections.

Trending posts