South Asain Youth Declaration on Climate Change

September 6 2009, Dhulikhel, Nepal 

We the youth of South Asia are deeply perturbed by the impacts and causes of climate change on human and natural systems

We reaffirm the fundamental relationship between human and natural systems

We firmly support upholding principles of equity and human and eco rights in all processes of decision making and implementation of policies, laws and programs on climate change.

We recognize the extreme vulnerability of South Asia to climate change and its low historical responsibility for the contribution of atmospheric greenhouse gases

We appreciate the shared cultural heritage, common histories, geographical proximity and calling for a strong concerted community based, local, regional, and global action

We seek effective governance and management of resources that aligns efforts to eradicate social injustices and combat disaster and displacement caused by climate change

We believe in effective participation and negotiation by all countries, especially those most vulnerable, at the global level towards concrete solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change

1. Forming a youth network that will unite grass-root and country level movements across South Asia.
2. Articulating and committing to a region wide and country level strategies that will address climate change.
3. Conducting follow up events that will review progress made, plan future events and provide a venue for sharing ideas and inspiring each other.
4. Playing a major role in sensitizing the society, youth in particular, and disseminating information on climate change issues and raising awareness.
5. Creating a generation of youth who will lead a low carbon life style ensuring sustainability for inter generational equity.

1. Agree to the MVC/AOSIS position that temperature increase should be limited to below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and CO2 concentrations should return to below 350 ppm. And ask Annex I parties that they commit to emission reduction by 45% by 2020 and 90% by 2050 with base year 1990 and emission peaking no later than 2015.
2. Remain cognizant of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and the need to take nationally appropriate mitigation measures but also lobby for advanced developing countries inter alia India and China to take mandatory mitigation targets as well.
3. NAMAs of developing countries financed and technologically supported by Annex I parties must not be counted towards the domestic reduction targets of developed countries and emissions must be controlled at the source.
4. Raise a unified voice for adaptation funding that is adequate, predictable, additional and sustainable to ODA and targeted to meet the adaptation needs of the most vulnerable groups and communities. Adaptation needs must be country driven and the funds must be governed under the UN processes.
5. Call on developed countries to fulfill the commitment made in Marrakesh, Morocco to fund the implementation of NAPAs.
6. Move towards a low carbon economy through the support of developed countries in terms of grants in financing and technology transfer
7. Develop a mechanism in which Annex I parties support appropriate technology development and diffusion to the developing countries; encourage technology transfer and sharing of indigenous skills between developing countries
8. Ensure that the policies and programs of international funding bodies fully appreciate the grave nature of climate change and are climate sensitive
9. Establish South Asian regional center that is fully funded by Annex I parties for research, scientific development and economic diversification thereby building climate resilient socio economic systems in the developing countries.
10. Include youths in all policy matters surrounding climate change and more specifically for the inclusion of youth representatives in the official delegation to climate change negotiation. We also call on our governments to endorse the inclusion of youth as a constituency to UNFCCC negotiations.