The adverse impacts of climate change are profound and growing. Children are disproportionately affected due to their unique physiological and developmental characteristics. However, these heightened effects of climate change on children have been largely neglected, underreported and underestimated. Countries’ climate change responses also provide inadequate attention to the needs of children. 

In this context, Parties at COP28 requested the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) to hold an expert dialogue on children and climate change at its 60th session to discuss the disproportionate impacts of climate change on children and relevant policy solutions in this regard engaging relevant United Nations entities, international organizations and non-governmental organizations in this effort (Decision 1/CMA.5, para. 182). 

UNICEF strongly encourages Parties to use this opportunity to advance specific and actionable recommendations on how climate policies and action at all levels can be informed by, and address, the disproportionate impacts of climate change on children and uphold children’s right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.   

For the sake of the world’s 2.4 billion children and future generations, it is essential to maintain focus and momentum, the sharing of good practices and capacity building of Parties on the integration of children's distinct needs and perspectives in climate policies, actions, and finance. 

Policy Briefing: SB60 & The Expert Dialogue On Children And Climate Change