British Council organised a "Youth Forum on Climate Finance" conference in early September at the 2010 Shanghai Expo. This conference brought together young people who are taking part in British Council Climate Change projects in different countries around the world. The Youth Forum gave the participants the opportunity to voice their opinion about economic and financial solutions/approaches to tackling climate change, and form a declaration at the end of the session, which will be submitted to negotiators from all participating countries before or at COP16. The following is a report by the Finnish Climate Advocates (Juha-Pekka, Laura, Elina and Maria) that took part in the Youth Forum.

At the exclusive buffet, where the climate issues are served to the world leaders, does the climate overfeeding escalate into a serious constipation, when funding is required?

In Shanghai the expertise of young people was truly believed in. The task was modest and simple, such a piece of cake: you have five days to work on a declaration, which states how the money will be gathered to tackle climate change, and how this substantial amount of US dollars will be channeled through rapid action.

A new generation is entering the negotiation tables. There were 33 of us from 16 different countries and our team spirit higher than the Co2 up in the sky. Understanding of the historical responsibility for emission reductions and the need for an equitable reform of energy production reached a consensus, or a constructive debate, when we were not restricted by existing global political power relations. No pointing fingers, no slammed doors.

We Finnish participants also wanted the youth involvement to be promoted in the declaration. From now on each country is challenged to nominate a young advocate in the official delegation to UN climate negotiations. Voice of youth and young professionalism has to be at the forefront when decisions are made about the living environment of future generations.

Five days of hectic work aptly symbolised the urgency of climate change mitigation. Time is running out and decisions have to be made. Declaration was completed literally “just on time” when on the last day we drove to the press conference. If us young people, whose hands are not tied by governmental mandates, find it challenging to reach a consensus on the activities and financial instruments, it is then no wonder how disappointing the previous COPs have been.

The final phase of our work kicked off at the World Expo, in the sauna of the Finnish pavilion, the Giant’s Kettle. Sauna steam and sauna related traditions were an unforgettable way to continue the negotiations. Ironically true, as sauna used to be the key arena for political decision making back in the old days in Finland. Indeed we feel our declaration includes the most important actions to be taken – so who claimed sauna to be so passé , an old school patriarchy for international dialogue?

The declaration ends with a mature statement: Stop the blame game, countries must move away from national interests and have a global view. Age and maturity don't invalidate one another.

At the World Expo, surrounded by tons of plastic, flashy lights and pollution fog, it was obvious: lack of money is due to lack of political will - global political will to unite for collective interest. While countries and trade blocs remain obedient slaves for economic growth , the GHG emissions increase and everyone acts indifferent, feels disempowered.

But we felt empowered and involved, and the result of the forum makes us proud. The Youth Declaration on Climate Finance is made by young experts from across the planet with confidence in the future. The voice of young people is really heard, but is anyone listening?

International Youth Forum on Climate Finance Declaration

Finnish Climate Advocate Team in Shanghai:

Juha-Pekka Hokkanen
Laura Vanhanen
Maria Vuorelma
Elina Virtanen