By Bashkooz Outhman
Attending COP29 in Azerbaijan was an experience that deeply inspired me, and I’ve come back with a stronger sense of urgency about the climate crisis. It became clear to me that the climate emergency is something that affects us all, and while governments and corporations have their role to play, the real power lies with individuals. Each of us has a responsibility to take action. What stood out to me at COP29 was the incredible energy and passion of young people all over the world. I saw young activists, entrepreneurs, and advocates pushing for change and coming up with new, creative solutions to tackle the climate crisis. Their energy was infectious and a powerful reminder of the important role youth can play in addressing global challenges. It was inspiring to see so many young people leading the charge, not just talking about climate change but actually doing something about it.
This made me think about the young generation in Kurdistan. Our youth have so much potential to make a difference regarding climate change. The Kurdistan region, with its natural beauty and resources, faces both challenges and opportunities when it comes to protecting the environment. Our young people have the passion, drive, and creativity to make a real impact, but it’s crucial that they get more involved in environmental issues.
It’s clear that Kurdistan’s youth have a huge opportunity to be part of this global movement. The region is growing fast, and with that comes a responsibility to think about the long-term future and how we want our environment, cities, and economy to look. That’s where the youth can come in. There’s so much potential for young people in Kurdistan to contribute to climate solutions, whether it’s through innovation, pushing for greener policies, or starting sustainable businesses.
One thing that particularly inspired me was the support I received, along with three other incredible young women working at the Kurdistan Region Presidency, to attend COP29. We were given the opportunity to actively contribute to the discussions and be a part of the change. This support is a powerful example of how our region’s leadership is encouraging youth involvement in global platforms. We weren’t just observers, we were there, actively bringing our voices to a critical global conversation, showing that women in Kurdistan are stepping up to be leaders in climate action.
However, to make this happen on a larger scale, we need to focus on engaging young people more actively. We need to invest in environmental education and create spaces where young voices can be heard. From organizing community projects to advocating for green energy, there’s so much we can do right now to start building a more sustainable future. I saw this firsthand at COP29, young people everywhere were leading the way, and I believe that Kurdistan’s youth can do the same.
Ultimately, what struck me most at COP29 is how much each of us can contribute to the fight against climate change. It starts with small actions: whether it’s reducing waste, using energy more responsibly, or supporting local, sustainable businesses. But it also means coming together to push for larger, systemic changes that protect our planet.
The fight against climate change is urgent, but it’s not too late. Young people, especially in Kurdistan, can be the driving force behind the change we need. If we come together and take action, we can create a better future for our generation and the ones that follow. Let’s get involved, let’s make our voices heard, and let’s act before it’s too late.