Regional Youth Parliament

REGIONAL YOUTH PARLIAMENT ON CLIMATE ACTION

Regional Youth Parliament on Climate Action (RYPCA)

The Asia-Pacific region, a geographical area increasingly defined by its vulnerability to the harsh realities of climate change, is home to over 1.1 billion young people aged 15 to 29, accounting for more than 25% of its population. This young demographic finds itself on the frontline of the climatic upheaval, amplifying the urgency for innovative and inclusive climate governance.

The Regional Youth Parliament on Climate Action (RYPCA) acknowledges this urgency and recognizes the pivotal role young people can play in climate governance. In its pilot in 2024-2025, RYPCA is hosting 15 youth leaders, from 12 countries in Asia and the Pacific, with close ties to decision-making spaces including young members of parliament, state assembly or government agency; climate negotiators; members of national or subnational youth parliaments/councils; members of consultative or advisory panels with government entities, and more.

RYPCA enables young leaders to strategize, identify specific avenues, and strive for youth-inclusive climate governance in their countries. RYPCA is also an attempt to highlight the lived experiences of young leaders tackling barriers while navigating the Climate Governance sphere in the Asia-Pacific region and creating strong cases for recognizing and supporting youth leadership in formulating and implementing climate strategies.

How is RYPCA solving the problem?

By empowering RYPCA members to develop and implement country-specific strategies to enhance meaningful youth engagement in climate decision-making, ensuring it aligns with both national priorities and international best practices.

By proactively identifying and establishing new pathways to implement stronger ambitions in regional, national, and sub-national climate policy frameworks in collaboration with senior parliamentarians, ministers, and regional entities.

By actively elevating youth contributions in climate activities and disseminating best practices of effective youth engagement strategies in climate governance.

How are RYPCA youth shaping climate governance?

Innovative Governance Models

Proposing inclusive, participatory governance structures to enhance accountability and transparency in climate finance and policy making.

Equity

Ensuring climate governance frameworks reflect intergenerational and intersectional equity, bridging the gap between diverse stakeholders and policymakers.

Underrepresented Voices

Elevating the voices of Indigenous, rural, and marginalized youth in climate governance, making policies more inclusive.

Guiding Themes

Climate Policy

Development and

Regulatory Frameworks

Creating, implementing, and enhancing climate policies, including international agreements, national commitments such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), MRV, and regulatory standards for greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable Energy, Green

and Blue Infrastructure,

and Sustainable Urban Development Policy

Developing policies and regulatory frameworks to promote the adoption of low-carbon energy systems, support sustainable city planning and infrastructure development, implement green building standards, advance public transportation initiatives, and enhance the resilience of energy and built environments to climate change.

Integrated Ecosystem Management, Environmental Compliance, and Water Governance Policy

Establishing and providing insights on robust legal frameworks and policies that promote habitat restoration, biodiversity protection, sustainable land use, water security, and protection of environmental human rights defenders.

Climate Financing Mechanisms and

Economic Policy

Dealing with policy frameworks for mobilizing climate finance, including green bonds, climate funds, public-private partnerships, and financial instruments for

de-risking investments.

Disaster Risk Reduction

and Climate Resilience Policy

Centering on policies for disaster preparedness, risk reduction strategies, resilience planning, and integrating climate risks into national development plans.

Youth Development and Meaningful Engagement in Climate Governance

Creating opportunities for youth leadership and ensuring that climate actions are inclusive and equitable.

“With just five years left to achieve Agenda 2030, many young people remain excluded from climate governance. COP must be more inclusive, accessible, and meaningful for youth from diverse backgrounds, giving them a key role at the negotiation table.”

— Fithtriyyah, Indonesia

Youth Rising for Climate Governance in Papua New Guinea

Explore the inspiring journey of Duncan Wohwiehembe, a member of the Regional Youth Parliament on Climate Action (RYPCA), in his latest blog published on Young Influx. Duncan highlights how young changemakers in Sumkar District are revolutionizing climate governance through grassroots solutions like reforestation initiatives and climate-resilient farming practices. These efforts exemplify the transformative power of youth when empowered to lead.

Read The Full Blog

For any inquiries regarding the Regional Youth Parliament on Climate Action (RYPCA), please contact Joshua Belayan (joshua.belayan@undp.org) and Mridul Upadhyay (mridul.upadhyay@undp.org).