Youth Engagement

Presidency Youth Climate Champion

Ms Sally Higgins is the Presidency Youth Climate Champion (PYCC) for COP31.

Sally is a farmer from Allora, a small town in Queensland's Darling Downs.

Five years ago, she and her partner started their own mixed cattle and cropping farm. Farming is central to who she is – she loves the connection to the land, the industry, and her local community.

As Youth Climate Champion, Sally is working with young people across the globe to bring youth voices to the table at COP31.

Read more: Meet Sally Higgins – Youth Climate Champion for COP31

Youth Ocean Advocate

Kal Glanznig, a 25-year old surfer, local councillor and environmental leader from Cronulla, New South Wales, is Australia’s Youth Ocean Advocate for COP31.

Kal has witnessed firsthand the impact of plastic pollution and understands the vital role healthy oceans play in regulating our climate.

A strong focus for Kal is helping more people, especially young people, take part in climate action in their schools, communities and workplaces. As Youth Ocean Advocate for COP31, Kal is working to elevate diverse youth voices and put the ocean front and centre of the global climate agenda.

Read more: Australia appoints COP31 Youth Ocean Advocate

PYCC Work Plan

The COP31 Presidency Youth Climate Champion Work Plan sets out ways to mobilise the talent, leadership and creativity of children and young people in service of climate action.

Vision

Children and young people are valued as climate action leaders, innovators and implementation partners. 

Areas of focus

Enhance the inclusion, participation and representation of children and youth in climate policy and action through advocacy and awareness-raising. 

Empower young people to usefully contribute to decision-making on climate through capacity-building and education opportunities. 

Elevate and amplify the voices of children and youth on climate policy within the COP Presidency, UNFCCC process and beyond. 

 Catalyse action by leveraging the COP to advance, resource and monitor youth-led climate action. 

How to get involved

There are many ways to engage with and support the work of the Presidency Youth Climate Champion, including through funding partnerships and collaborations with organisations, institutions, and individuals.


Read the Work Plan to find out more and get in touch.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, the Indigenous Peoples throughout the Pacific and globally, and their roles in caring for lands, seas and skies. We respect and recognise Indigenous Peoples’ contributions in the fight against climate change.