COP and the experiences of children and youth: considering the rights of children and youth in global climate governance
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Published Version
Date
2025-09-24
Authors
Paz Landeira, Florencia
O’Sullivan, Alicia
Daly, Aoife
Reid, Katie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Brill
Published Version
Abstract
This article examines how children and youth exercise political agency – and confront its limits – within global climate governance processes linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (<jats:sc>unfccc</jats:sc>). It draws on 20 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with climate advocates aged 11 to 29 who have attended (or attempted to attend) <jats:sc>unfccc</jats:sc> Conferences of the Parties (<jats:sc>cop </jats:sc>s). Using an intersectional, rights-based framework informed by postpaternalist theory, we analyse the motivations, barriers, enablers and perceived impacts of child and youth participation. Findings show that peer mentoring and organisational support foster transnational advocacy, while adult-centrism, tokenism and material constraints continue to limit meaningful influence – particularly for participants under 18. Despite these challenges, young advocates adopt creative strategies such as informal lobbying, collective protests and digital campaigns. In doing this they assert their human rights and demand stronger climate action, including on fossil fuel phase-out and finance. We reflect on reforms necessary to strengthen the democratic legitimacy of global climate governance through the rights of children and youth.
Description
Keywords
Children’s rights , Youth climate action , Political agency , Participation , UNFCCC , Global climate governance , Postpaternalism
Citation
Paz Landeira, F., O’Sullivan, A., Daly, A. and Reid, K. (2025) 'COP and the experiences of children and youth: considering the rights of children and youth in global climate governance', International Journal of Children's Rights, 33(3), pp. 733-767. https://doi.org/10.1163/15718182-33030005