Virtual coffee explores mountain priorities ahead of COP30

In lead up to COP30 Mountain Partnership member Mountain Sentinels, hosted a virtual coffee and discussion ‘The Mountain Agenda and COP30: A coordinated global policy for mountains and youth voices’, featuring insights from the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, the Mountain Youth Hub and ClimaTalk on efforts to bring mountains and youth into global policy discussions. The virtual event was moderated by Julia Klein, Mountain Sentinels.

Speakers shared insights, achievements and ideas for engaging youth in climate action. Online participants also had an opportunity to exchange experiences and reflections on how to strengthen the mountain voice in climate processes. 

Fabio Parisi, MPS, outlined the Mountain Partnership Secretariat’s ongoing work to address pressing challenges in mountain regions, highlighting both progress achieved to date and the key international frameworks guiding these efforts. He detailed the Mountain Partnership’s role at COP30, explaining the background, objectives and mechanisms of the mountain agenda under the UNFCCC. He emphasized the vital role of academia in advancing the agenda, particularly in linking scientific knowledge to policy through dialogue and active engagement at COP30. 

Marycielo Valdez Sanchez, MYH, introduced the MYH and its mission to mobilize young professionals in mountain advocacy. She outlined the MYH’s goal to raising awareness about mountains, their ecosystems, communities, their youth and their fundamental role in advancing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Marycielo also presented the Youth Call to Action, through which the MYH emerged in 2023. The Youth Call to Action seeks to transform the global narrative around mountains—from neglect to proactive engagement—by placing mountain youth at the center of sustainable mountain development.    

Theodora De Pasquale, ClimaTalk, presented the organization’s work and participation in global advocacy events, as well as emphasizing how youth can advance the mountain agenda and strengthening the science-policy nexus in international negotiations.

The event concluded with an open discussion with speakers and participants  around the importance of collaboration among scientists, policymakers and youth organizations, and to ensure mountain perspectives remain central in future climate processes.