Accountability of NDCs, NAPs, and food systems:

The message is clear – we must limit global warming to 1.5 °C for the future of our planet and human wellbeing. All parties have been called to take responsibility for assessing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and communicating their ambitious National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) for adaptation strategies and mitigation of potential drivers of emissions at the national level. 

Despite contributing up to 30% of GHGs, up to 80% of biodiversity loss and use up to 70% of freshwater – food systems are rarely prioritized in climate policies and NDCs. In discussions, it has been a focused area in the negotiations (Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture), assessment (Enhanced Transparency Framework) and published NDCs. 

With climate promises already falling short of intended outcomes and commitments, and lack of prioritization of food systems, with increasing threats of extreme weather conditions which impact many livelihoods – young people are the most vulnerable, anxious, yet, helpless for their future.

Youth have been engaging under the aegis of observer organizations at COPs with little participation in policy making and implementation of agriculture decisions in NDCs and NAPs at the national level. Despite being half of the world’s population and a crucial stakeholder in the food systems, with clear demands and policy asks – young people are still excluded and not engaged at national levels.

To change this narrative, and build a vision on how we, as youth, can hold governments accountable with their commitments –  this plenary session has been put together to touch base on key limitations for youth engagement in policymaking and implementation while highlighting pathways to enhance meaningful youth participation in NDCs and NAPs with a firm stance on accountability demands from the national government.