Help me take Aotearoa youth voices to COP31 🌏

Kia ora! I’m Aditi, a youth and climate advocate and community organiser from Porirua, and this November I’m working towards attending COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.

For me, this is about much more than attending a conference. My mahi has centred on creating spaces for young people, particularly those from migrant, refugee and diverse communities, to have their voices heard in decisions that affect them.

Recently, I participated in Aotearoa Youth COP, listening to rangatahi share their priorities, concerns and hopes for our climate future. As Vice Curator of the Global Shapers Wellington Hub and Regional Liaison for Polynesia and Micronesia with the Oceania-Caribbean Climate Alliance, I also have opportunities to carry these conversations into wider regional and global spaces. COP31 is the next step.

The climate crisis isn't something we're waiting for anymore; communities are experiencing it now. I want to use this opportunity to learn from young people and climate leaders from around the world, contribute perspectives from Aotearoa and the Pacific, and bring those learnings and connections home.

I’m fundraising $7,000 towards making the journey possible. When I return, I plan to share what I learn through workshops, presentations and kōrero with rangatahi and communities here in Aotearoa.

I never imagined that my journey as a young migrant from Porirua would take me to a space like COP. If you can contribute or simply share this page, I’d be incredibly grateful💚