11.11.2026 17:13
Within the scope of COP31 held in Antalya, at the Turkey Children and Youth Pavilion, UNICEF Türkiye Goodwill Ambassador Tuba Büyüküstün and UNICEF Türkiye Representative Paolo Marchi came together with children and young people. Speaking at the meeting where the effects of the climate crisis on children were addressed, Büyüküstün said, "I observe that children have really started to worry. They are absolutely right. First of all, I want children and young people to be listened to."
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Türkiye Goodwill Ambassador and actress Tuba Büyüküstün and UNICEF Türkiye Representative Paolo Marchi met with children and young people at the Türkiye Children and Youth Pavilion in the Blue Zone as part of COP31 events. At the event, where the effects of climate change on children's lives were discussed, the role of young people in combating the climate crisis and their participation in decision-making processes were evaluated. At the meeting, where participants' questions were also answered, it was emphasized that the views of children and young people must be taken into account.
'A CRITICAL POINT HAS BEEN REACHED ON CLIMATE CHANGE' Tuba Büyüküstün, a mother of two, expressed her concerns about the effects of the climate crisis on children's future. Noting that a critical point has now been reached regarding climate change, Büyüküstün said that talks must turn into concrete decisions and actions. Drawing attention to the fact that the process can no longer be postponed, Büyüküstün said, "Because we are at a critical point now. I don't know how much longer we can stretch this out or how much time we have. Now, what needs to be said must be said, and decisions must be made."
Stating that she observes children becoming increasingly worried in the face of the climate crisis, Büyüküstün said, "I observe that children are truly starting to worry. They are absolutely right on this issue. First of all, I definitely want children and young people to be listened to."
CHILDREN AT RISK UNICEF Türkiye Representative Paolo Marchi, meanwhile, drew attention to the effects of the climate crisis on children worldwide. Noting that approximately 1.1 billion children worldwide face extremely high climate risk, Marchi stated that children are born into a world where the climate crisis is happening. Drawing attention to young people's determination for change and their willingness to produce solutions, Marchi emphasized that children and young people should not be seen merely as individuals affected by the climate crisis. Marchi expressed the importance of young people's ideas, proposed solutions, and demands being reflected in decision-making processes.
At the event, a question-and-answer environment was created where children and young people could share their thoughts on climate change, while the message was given that young people must take an active role in combating the climate crisis. At the meeting, it was emphasized that children are not only individuals affected by the consequences of the climate crisis but also actors with a say in developing solutions.