Mauritius engages youth in preparations for COP31

The National Conference of the Parties (COP31) Youth Consultation was held, on Saturday 12 September 2026, at the Helvetia Youth Centre in Saint Pierre, as part of preparations for the 31st session of the COP31, scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 09 to 20 November 2026. The Consultation sought to ensure that Mauritius’ national position for COP31 takes into account the views, priorities and aspirations of its youth.

The Junior Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mrs Karen Foo Kune-Bacha; and other personalities were present.

Around 65 participants from youth organisations and the wider youth expert community took part in the Consultation. The initiative provided a platform for young people to contribute to discussions on climate change and on the priorities Mauritius should advance at COP31.

As a Small Island Developing State, Mauritius will use COP31 to advocate for stronger international partnerships, greater access to climate finance, nature-based solutions and accelerated action towards low-carbon, sustainable and climate-resilient development.

In her address, Junior Minister Foo Kune-Bacha emphasised the importance of youth participation in shaping Mauritius’ national position for COP31, noting that decisions taken today on climate change will have lasting implications for future generations. She underlined the need for Mauritius to continue advocating for adaptation, climate finance, loss and damage, technology transfer, capacity building, climate justice and intergenerational justice.

She further encouraged young people to put forward practical solutions and take an active role in addressing climate change. She stressed that the transition towards a low-carbon and sustainable economy should also open up opportunities for young entrepreneurs, researchers, technicians and innovators, enabling them to contribute to Mauritius’ climate resilience and sustainable development.

14 September 2026

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Topics: Environment