The Anglican Communion’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jack Palmer-White, is calling on young Anglicans to participate in “Youth 4 Climate: Driving Ambition”, a global environmental event taking place ahead of this year’s COP26 climate change meeting. The youth event will take place in Milan, Italy, between 28 September and 2 October.

“Too often, international meetings of global leaders deprive young people of a voice on issues that will impact their generation”, Jack Palmer-White said. “The inclusion of ‘Youth 4 Climate: Driving Ambition’ as a key event ahead of COP26 is therefore a really welcome opportunity for young voices to respond to the climate crisis and shape the global response.”

Amplifying young voices in the Communion is a key priority for the Anglican Communion’s Working Group for COP26. Jack Palmer-White noted that “young Anglicans all around the Communion are at the forefront of local and national efforts to tackle climate change and other environmental emergencies. They are speaking prophetically and responding practically.”

Organisers of the event are inviting applicants to demonstrate understanding of the main challenges relating to climate change. They are also looking for examples of how innovation can accelerate progress for climate action. Applications should also have experience in youth climate work. They are looking for climate activists who are addressing these issues in their own communities, and who has ideas of how to do more globally.

Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 29. Selected delegates would be expected to attend the meeting either in person, or virtually, depending on Covid-19 restrictions. Organisers are particularly inviting applications from south east Asia, and small island developing states.

The Italian government, who are co-hosts of this year’s COP26 alongside the UK, will pay for travel and accommodation expenses. The main COP26 meeting will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, in November. COP, or Conference of the Parties, is an annual meeting of nations who are signed up to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Applications must be made by 1 March at un.submittable.com/submit/162028/youth4climate-driving-ambition