Source: Save the Children New Zealand
Young people from across Aotearoa will come together in Auckland this Saturday, 19 September, for Aotearoa Youth COP 2026, a day of workshops, guest speakers, activities, and discussion focused on climate action and the issues young people want decision-makers to hear.
Hosted by Save the Children New Zealand as part of its Generation Hope youth programme, the event will bring together rangatahi aged 14 to 20 to learn more about climate change, connect with other young people, and explore how they can help shape the decisions affecting their future.
This year’s event will feature multiple workshops covering different areas of climate action, guest speakers sharing their experiences and expertise, and a range of stalls where participants can learn more about organisations, initiatives, and opportunities to get involved.
Throughout the day, young people will be encouraged to share their own experiences, priorities, and ideas, building their knowledge and developing skills in leadership, communication, collaboration, and advocacy.
A key focus of the event will be the development of an Aotearoa Youth Climate Statement, bring together the views and recommendations of young people taking part.
The statement will reflect the climate issues rangatahi want leaders to prioritise and will be formally handed over to the New Zealand Government ahead of COP31 in Türkiye, helping ensure young people’s perspectives are part of wider climate discussions.
Generation Hope Ambassador Betty, 18, says Youth COP gives young people an important opportunity to connect with others who care about climate action and have their views taken seriously.
“Having lived in weather event-prone areas all my life, climate change is something our generation is going to live with for the rest of our lives. We are the “now” that needs to be part of the conversations and decisions surrounding this issue.
“Youth COP is a platform to turn our concerns about climate issues into practical action along with other young people.”
Generation Hope Ambassador Brayden, 16, says the event will give rangatahi the chance to hear from a range of people working on climate issues while developing their own ideas about what needs to change.
“There are so many different parts to climate action, and it can sometimes be hard to know where you fit into it or how you can make a difference.
“Youth COP is a chance for young people to come together, hear different perspectives, ask questions and have our own voices heard. For me, it’s about becoming a more informed citizen and making sure those who make decisions on behalf of young people understand what matters most to our generation – because we are the ones who will have to live with the decisions being made today.”
Save the Children New Zealand Programme and Advocacy Director, Jacqui Southey, says meaningful youth participation is an important part of climate action, particularly because children and young people are already experiencing the impacts of the climate crisis.
“The climate crisis is already affecting children around the world, including their health, education, homes, food security, and safety, while many of the decisions being made today will shape the world young people inherit.
“Youth COP gives rangatahi a chance to deepen their understanding of climate issues, test their ideas, and work together on the issues that matter to them. Young people have a right to be heard on decisions that affect their lives, and they bring valuable perspectives and solutions to the table.”
About Save the Children NZ:
Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.