Children from 27 countries contributed to Climate Champions Innovation Challenge with more than 800 ideas on how to save our planet, facing climate urgency Climate Champions Innovation Challenge. On 21 September 2022, the EU Delegation co-organized with Child Rights International Network (CRIN) and the Permanent Missions of Germany and Slovenia an exhibition to showcase the winners of the Innovation Challenge. The exhibition features a selection of the most creative and inspirational entries that were brought to life by expert illustrators and 3D graphic artists. The collaborative project shows that children’s input should be actively sought and listed to on matters that affect their present lives and their future, particularly on the climate and other environmental issues.

“As we speak, the world continues to get warmer at an alarming rate, putting almost every child at risk. According to the UNICEF data, over 1 billion children are already at extremely high risk of severe and destructive climate hazards. Their basic human rights are gravely undermined or violated.  At the same time, we are increasingly aware that there is no solution to climate change without the involvement not only of young people - as is well established now - but of children as well.  Their force and action can be one of powerful tools for the much-needed change.”

Ambassador Anita Pipan, Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the UN in Geneva on behalf of the co-organisers: EU, Germany and Slovenia

The human rights based approach to climate action requires us to hear their voices. It requires us to recognize that they are active citizens and agents of change. As recognized by the 2030 Agenda, children are crucial to the transition towards equitable, sustainable and fossil free future. For this reason, the EU has developed a special Strategy on the Rights of the Child, to which an amazing number of over 10,000 children, in and outside of the EU, contributed. We actively engage with children on climate change through specific consultations on future initiatives, and by this create space for children to become active participants of the European Climate Pact, through pledges, or by becoming Pact Ambassadors. We involve schools in sustainable climate, energy and environment education.

With many more initiative on EU as well as national levels, we aim to follow the example of our little inventors and enhance ambition and momentum to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.