TakingITGlobal

1. MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION In a world where it feels like patronizing remarks are showered on us daily, we are now witnessing a brave uprising of young, bold change-makers. We, children and youth around the world, are redefining meaningful participation and action. We are claiming our right to actively and meaningfully engage in all matters that affect our lives. We are listening to different opinions and ideas. We are educating our communities about issues. We are applying our ideas and solutions to our own lives. "Meaningful participation will be achieved by having a seat at the real decision making table, not just as a consultative or 'special interest' representative at meetings." Damaris, 14, Cuba We are no longer on the periphery. We are central to the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of policies and programs that affect us. We, youth of the world, representing the voice of tens of thousands of our global peers under 18, believe that a shift towards 'Meaningful Youth Participation' is vital to the way each nation moves forward in the climate crisis. We - all citizens - must reach and encourage everyone equally. We can all contribute our unique voices, knowledge, and experiences to make a difference in this global fight "Meaningful participation should be more extensive than being climate literate. Meaningful participation is activities that impact your life, the attitude of your local community, and change the perspective of lawmakers for the better" Isaiah, 14, Trinidad and Tobago. Meaningful participation is going further than just being informed. Meaningful participation is much more than basic science taught in a single class. Young people need to be provided with full, science-based, culturally-integrated, age-appropriate information, that includes engaging and deliberative discussions, addresses misconceptions, and implements project-based and

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