COP 28: 30 November – 12 December 2023
Expo City, Dubai, UAE

Our Voice. Our Future.
What YMCA expects from COP 28

YMCA delegates
set clear priorities
for the 28th annual
United Nations
climate meetingwww.ymca.int

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World YMCA

Table ofContents

03

Introduction

04

YMCA at COP

05

Goals: Fossil fuels; Just Transition; Youth Voices

06

YMCA Vision 2030

7-9

Goal #1: Phasing out fossil fuels

10-11

Goal #2: Ensuring a Just Transition

12

Goal #3: Youth voices

13

Our projects

14

Meet our delegatesPage 03

World YMCA

Introduction

The global YMCA Movement spans 120 countries and12,000 local associations. It employs around 90,000 staff
and is supported by 920,000 volunteers.

Its vision is a world where every person lives in harmony with self,society and creation. Its mission is to empower young people andcommunities worldwide to build a just, sustainable, equitable andinclusive world where every person can thrive in body, mind andspirit. We empower young people and communities to be and tolead the change they want to be.

By the numbers

Its quest for a Sustainable Planet is the third of four Pillars of YMCA
Vision 2030. Approximately 70 National YMCAs worldwide are
currently working on environment-related issues. Though we are
updating our data, pre-Covid YMCA worldwide ran an estimated:

Environment-related
programmes

2,400

Climate youth-led solutions
projects in 2021-22

232K
People reached

3536K
People reachedPage 04

World YMCA

YMCA at COP
Why is the YMCA attending?

YMCA is advocating for:

As one of the oldest andlargest youth organisations in
the world, the YMCA raises thevoice of young people locally,nationally and globally.

1. Reducing dependence on
fossil fuel and all
greenhouse gases,embracing renewables
while enhancing energy
efficiency, and broadening
global energy access.
2. Promoting a just andinclusive transition into acleaner and greener
economy for marginalised
or at-risk communities.
3. Promoting youth visibility
and decision-making powerat regional, national, andinternational levels,
advocating for the voice offuture generations of earth.

The YMCA has been at the last
seven COPs. COP is the global
platform at which it will say, on
behalf of all young people, thatclimate change is an existential
threat to the future of young
people worldwide.

The YMCA plans to:
1. Increase awareness among policymakers andbusiness leaders of our advocacy goals.
2. Develop and cultivate new relationships withpotential partners, stakeholders and funders.
3. Collaborate with our partners offering leadership
opportunities leading up to and at COP 28.

YMCA does green
things, and at
COP, it uses its
voice to call onothers to dogreen things, too.

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World YMCA

YMCA goalsfor COP

The YMCA delegates from six continents head to Dubai withnumerous defined objectives. YMCA wishes to see COP:

12

3

Send a clear message for the phased
elimination of fossil fuels and all greenhousegases by no later than 2050, including thephased halving of fossil fuel use by 2030,
with higher-income nations leading the way
and establishing ambitious targets forrenewables, energy efficiency andexpanded energy access.

decisions for the Global Goal on
4 TakeAdaptation, as outlined during COP 27.

5

6 Ensure that all financial flows are aligned

Secure agreement to launch a successful
global ‘stocktake’, which can clear the pathfor immediate implementation of current
Nationally Determined Contributions throughsector-specific policies and measures,
particularly within the domains of energy,
nature, and food systems.
Reinforce a Loss and Damage Fund,
securing commitments for new funding andadvances in alternative resource streams.

Secure commitment to increasing publicfinancial support from developed nations
beyond the USD 100 billion annual
threshold, aligning with the financial
requirements of developing countries.

with the overarching objectives ofaddressing climate change.

7Propose a clear plan of action for the JustTransition to a green economy, ensuringthat no one is left behind as communities
adopt climate-neutral policies.

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World YMCA

YMCA Vision 2030
In July 2022 the YMCA made history. At the 20th World Council, YMCAs
across the globe voted to adopt YMCA Vision 2030 — our first-evershared strategy and plan.
Vision 2030 serves as a roadmap for every YMCA’s strategic goals.
Closely aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Vision 2030
empowers communities and young people worldwide to build a just,sustainable, equitable and inclusive world. Under the ‘Sustainable Planet’
Pillar of Vision 2030, our three strategic goals are:Locally

Community-wide

The YMCA will takesteps towards becominga climate-neutral
Movement, building aroadmap that will allow
all YMCAs to makemeasurable & meaningfulprogress in their policies
and practices based on
local realities.

The YMCA inspires its
members, volunteers,staff and community
stakeholders tochampion environmental
responsibility, while also
integrating climate
education components
for young people andcommunities worldwide.

To meetthese goals,
the YMCA
must:

Increase its capacity towardsdecarbonization
Connect and build resources withstakeholders and partners to help
with a net zero strategy
Enhance programmes to include
climate education components

Globally
The YMCA will champion
global solutions andpolicies to support a Just
Transition to a Green
Economy, making surethat no one is left behind
as we work together
towards theregeneration andprotection of our planet.

Stay up to date on scientific andpolicy information directly
relevant towards climate
education and green jobs
Advocate to ensure nobody isleft behind as we work towards
the regeneration of our planet.

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Goal #1

Phase out
fossil fuels

YMCA advocacy priorities for COP 28
We call on leaders to agree on a just and equitable transition awayfrom fossil fuels, embracing renewables while elevating energy
efficiency and broadening global energy access.
I. Why we are calling for change
The world is experiencing accelerating climate change,marked by soaring temperatures, extreme weather
patterns, and irreparable ecological change. This is
primarily due to greenhouse gas emissions from fossil
fuels, methane, and other gases. The toll of extracting andburning these fuels is stark, manifesting as air, land, andwater pollution, habitat destruction, and ecosystemdegradation, with far-reaching consequences for all.
Young people will be disproportionately impacted by climate-related decisions,and marginalised communities will continue to bear the brunt of these impacts,underscoring a moral imperative to rectify these injustices and safeguard therights and dignity of all, especially the most vulnerable. Reconceptualizing ourrelationship with energy is vital for the prosperity and success of all peoples
and ecosystems across the planet. The best time for advocacy on this issue
was decades ago. The second-best time for advocacy on this issue is now.

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World YMCA

Phase out fossil fuels(continued)

II. Phasing out fossil fuels
We call for the immediate establishment of ambitious, science-basedtargets to phase out the use of fossil fuels globally. This includes gradual
but accelerated transitioning away from coal, oil, and eventually natural
gas as primary energy sources, with phase-out approaches starting in
high-income countries before low-to-medium-income countries.
We ask for an end to all subsidies for fossil fuels and the redirection ofsuch funds towards clean energy initiatives and social programmes that
support affected workers and communities.
We believe that a responsible transition must invest in retraining and job
placement for workers in the fossil fuel industry, ensuring that no one isleft behind and ensuring that Rare Earth Metal (REM) mining does not
duplicate or exacerbate harm across communities and ecosystems.

III. Accelerating the use of renewable energy
We ask for greater investment in research, development, andimplementation of renewable energy solutions which is required to makeclean energy more affordable and accessible to all.
We call for the modernization and integration of energy grids worldwide,
making them more resilient, efficient, and capable of integrating
renewable sources seamlessly.

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World YMCA

Fossil fuels(continued)

IV. Affordability and access
We firmly believe that the transition torenewable energy will create jobs, spur
economic growth, and reduce energy costs
for consumers. A sustainable future is also
an economically vibrant one.
We call for international cooperation in thesharing of renewable energy technologiesand best practices, ensuring that no nationis left behind in this transition.
We state that access to clean & affordable
energy is a fundamental human right. We
advocate that nations with higher GDPs
should extend access to renewable energy
towards marginalised communities globally.

Conclusion
At this critical moment for the future of our planet's history, we need bold,decisive action. By committing to phasing-out fossil fuels and associatedsubsidies, accompanied by ambitious targets for renewable energy, we canmitigate the worst impacts of climate change, protect our environment, andcreate a more equitable and sustainable world for future generations.
We urge leaders, policymakers, and citizens worldwide to endorse andimplement the principles outlined in this manifesto. Together, we can forge apath to a brighter, more sustainable future for all. Our commitment to thiscause is unwavering, and we stand united in our resolve to make it a reality.

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Goal #2

Ensuring aJust Transition

The YMCA believes that we should all commit and take action forthe protection and regeneration of our planet, preparing for a Just
Transition to a world where humans live in full harmony with nature
Why a Just Transition?
Addressing the critical issues of climate change andenvironmental degradation is pivotal due to theirdirect impact on reduced productivity, job losses, andinequality. We stress the disproportionate impact
these challenges have on the most vulnerable andmarginalised segments of society, including our young
people. The Covid-19 pandemic further exacerbatedthese issues. Policies that aim to mitigate and adapt
to climate change must bear in mind the frontline andmarginalised populations that are disproportionately
impacted, as well as communities that rely on fossil
fuels as they transition to a green economy.
Furthermore, by being proactive in ensuring that
nobody is left behind in our global transition to a
Green Economy, we have better chances of having
these policies stand the test of time.

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World YMCA

Our asks topolicymakers

Just Transition definition
Ensure the definition of a just transition includes nature positivity andimplementation plans in partnership with local communities and indigenouspeoples.
World Leaders must swiftly agree and implement local frameworks which
include indigenous perspectives to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
Governments should recognize the interconnected challenges of biodiversity
loss and climate change, crafting policies that address both issues.
Having a worldwide objective focused on achieving a net-positive result fornature by 2030 is essential to ensure a future where humanity lives in harmony
with our planet's ecological limits, promoting a nature-positive future.

Climate finance
A 2023 solidarity package must include new and additional resources for theLoss and Damage Fund created at COP27. We hope to see a doubling ofresources for adaptation and funds for early warning systems.
The Just Transition Work Programme should provide guidance to national
governments on how to design such pathways in a just and equitable manner,with the full participation of all stakeholders and enhanced internationalcooperation.

Reskilling and green skills
Green Skills must be at the heart of young people's education, prioritisingdevelopment capacity towards green jobs and sectors.
Inclusive reskilling schemes with a human-centric approach should be
developed for communities dependent on fossil fuels transitioning to greener
economies, ensuring that the local economy can thrive after the transition. For
those who cannot be reskilled appropriate subsidies should be offered.
Capacity and development for current and future workforces must be inclusive
and must prioritise the needs of vulnerable groups, as mentioned by theInternational Labour Organization (ILO).

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Goal #3

Youth voice anddecision making
Why youth-led solutions (YSL)?
Young people have many skills and answers to meet today’s challenges.
Rather than being told what to do; they must be empowered to bring
their own solutions where the world's leaders have often failed them.
YMCA associations are deeply rooted and trusted by their communities,empowering the most marginalised young people and encouraging
them to lead the charge for change. The YMCA offers an
unprecedented ability to 'scale up' initiatives in multiple countries,regions, and communities.

Our asks to policymakers:

Invest in YSLPrioritise youth-led solutions andput critical resources, such as
seed funding, directly into thehands of young leaders.

+ Empower young people
Allocate resources to convene
youth representatives and give
special attention to mobilisingfunding that ensures equitable
representation of delegates.

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Our projects
around sustainability

The YMCA of the Rockies launched a plastic wrap initiative.

In the past three years, YMCAs across the globe have taken
action to safeguard our environment through numerous
programmes and initiatives. Here’s a look at just a few:
Feature films
In early 2022, we released six films featuring YMCA
youth-led solutions around climate action. The stories
show the ideas, initiatives and young leaders whocreated solutions to address the climate crisis in theircommunities. Learn more.
Case studies
The plastic wrap initiative at the YMCA of the Rockies inthe USA began as a staff grassroots effort. They
identified the YMCA wasted a lot of plastic and money
each year by wrapping the towels in single-use plastic
to take them to the lodging units. See their solution.
Projects
In September 2023, for instance, the Y-Urban
Environment Club of the YMCA Madagascar made theircommunity a better place on World Cleanup Day.

The Y-Urban Environment
Club recently cleaned up
the area around a localhospital.

Page 14World YMCA

Meet the team
Our delegates include a mix of COP veterans and firsttimers and will represent the voices of young people
worldwide at COP 28.

Mair Kelly

YMCA Ireland

Dibora Tameru
YMCA Ethiopia

Tudor Rus

YMCA Romania

Shakil Karim

Head Delegate

Marie Jeanne
Ndew Diouf

Amy Wolf

Yura Rhee

Lester Dellosa

YMCA USAYMCA Senegal

Ylli Alija

Sofia Canessa

Killian Abellon
YMCA Canada

YMCA Asia Pacific

Krystal Leung

Marion Bonnet

SebastianGomez RecioXinyan Liu

YMCA Kosovo

YMCA of HongKongAuthors
Members of theYMCA GreenAdvocacy Coalition
2023

YMCA Uruguay

YMCA Canada

YMCA Colombia

Shakil Karim, World YMCA
Stefanie Tornow, YMCA Germany
Mair Kelly, YMCA Ireland
Claire Warmels, YMCA Canada
Tudor Rus, YMCA Romania

YMCA China

YMCA Philippines

Zaina Rafidi
East Jerusalem
YMCA

For more information
climateadvocacy@ymca.int
www.ymca.int