P R E A M B L E

Y20 INDIA 2023

COMMUNIQUÉ

Varanasi, India
17-20 August, 2023

We, the Delegates of Youth 20 (Y20), met in Varanasi, India on 17-20th August
under India’s G20 Presidency’s theme, “One Earth, One Family, One Future” to
advocate for the inclusion of young people's perspectives on critical policy
matters and promote meaningful, inclusive and effective engagement of
youth in decisions that directly concern them. We hope that the Y20
Communiqué will be taken into consideration at the G20 Summit.

We met at a time marked by unprecedented multidimensional crises and

challenges that are profoundly shaping the world and the well-being of
current and future generations, ranging from climate and environmental
crisis, persistent inequalities, shifting realities of work and cost of living
pressures to deteriorating health and well-being conditions, which have
been further compounded by the geopolitical challenges.

Recognizing the disproportionate impact of these challenges on young

people, we, as “One Earth” resolve to address them, leaving no one behind.
We acknowledge that there are various pathways to reach the outcomes we
desire as youth.

As the youth representatives of the G20, and the anchor of our “One Family”,
we call on leaders to assess the short and long-term impact of their
decisions, and to utilize the recommendations outlined in the communiqué
to shape policy for a safe, resilient, peaceful, just, inclusive, equitable and
sustainable “One Future”. Our recommendations focus on five themes that
have implications across all G20 workstreams: 1) Health, Wellbeing and
Sports: Agenda for Youth, 2) Peace-Building and Reconciliation: Ushering In
An Era Of No War, 3) Future Of Work: Industry 4.0, Innovation And 21st Century
Skills, 4) Shared Future: Youth In Governance, and 5) Climate Change &
Disaster Risk Reduction: Making Sustainability A Way Of Life.
 CROSS-CUTTING PROPOSALS

We call on G20 members and observers to:

1. Extend support for a full membership of the G20 to the African Union,
recalling the proposal by the Government of India.

2. Establish a mechanism to ensure permanent representation of the Y20

in the G20 Sherpa & Finance tracks to ensure Y20 policy
recommendations are considered in the policy-making processes
allowing for cooperation and knowledge-sharing between the Y20 and
all relevant G20 working groups.

3. Mandate that climate education is incorporated in all school and higher

education curricula, all the while fostering formal and non-formal
channels for environmental education and alternative channels for
environmental and impact management education, thus allowing the
future workforce to acquire the skills needed to adapt to climate change,
through re/up-skilling and continuous training to drive sustainable
jobs.

4. Ensure G20 countries uphold the importance of human security and the
right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, as there is a
distinct interconnection between conflict and climate change which
results in significant negative and uncertain impacts on our society and
environment.

5. Hold a national climate assembly in each G20 member for a pool of their
citizens to learn about the climate and environmental crises from
independent experts and deliberate on the effects of these on their lives
so they can provide effective climate policy recommendations, to be
adopted by their government, and more broadly foster democratic
spaces for citizen participation.

6. Noting UN Resolution 1514 (XV), we recognise the continued

implementation of this resolution and the progress to meet its aims, on
a case-by-case basis1. The above, reaffirming the respect for the
sovereign equality of all States and the obligation of all States for the
settlement of disputes by peaceful means.

7. Affirm the vital empowerment of Indigenous communities to govern

their own affairs according to their aspirations. We strongly advocate for
the establishment of local and global governance mechanisms to grant
Indigenous people autonomy and freedom in co-leading with
1 The UK, France and Germany do not support this provision and refer to the positions of their respective governments.
 decision-makers concerning their wellbeing, lands, and waters.

8. Promote the protection of the basic human rights of young advocates

and journalists voicing their opinions.

9. Develop nationwide plans to recognize internet access as a basic right

and advocate for its effective enforcement by expanding territorial
coverage, digital infrastructure and accessibility to all segments of
society. Recognize the potential of catalyzing education, innovation, and
global connectivity toward an inclusive and prosperous future.

10. Promote youth into leading positions in government entities and in

boards of directors as drivers of the decision-making process and
policies to ensure fairness across generations and promote long-term
equitable solutions for the future.

11. Develop mechanisms to prevent, monitor and prosecute sexual and

gender2-based violence against women and young people and to
promote tailored care resources for victim survivors.

12. Create a digitally empowered society and promote evidence-based civic

dialogue, by creating equal access to digital infrastructure and literacy
training, and equipping young people with digital critical-thinking skills
to combat misinformation - all of this promoting human and planetary
health.

13. Further incorporate and refine climate and health related indicators in
an international network of existing early disaster warning systems to
monitor and respond to conflict and subsequent refugee flows.

14. Address issues of food waste, food insecurity, and provide access to
nutritious and healthy food in all educational institutions by funding
sustainable, equitable, and just food programs and delivering food
literacy education.

15. Encourage resilience of our healthcare systems by enhancing the skills,

knowledge, and well-being of the healthcare workforce, especially
recognizing the significant contributions of youth and women.
Leveraging healthcare expertise and advocating for global workforce
exchanges, we seek to enhance global cooperation and capacity-sharing
during crises.

16. Call upon G20 leaders to develop national environmental health

policies, including strategies around addressing mental health issues
(eco-anxiety). This ensures that crucial social and environmental
determinants of health and risk factors are actively addressed.
2 In accordance with each country's customs, cultures, and legal frameworks.
       

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We recognize the significant role of youth in promoting
a culture of peace and non-violence, in particular future
generations, and the importance of the full, effective,
constructive participation of youth in the prevention
and resolution of conflict, peacebuilding and
reintegration. To this end, we call on G20 members and
observers to:

Facilitating Global Consensus on Conflict Prevention

& Peacebuilding

1. Declare that peacebuilding is a process that

involves addressing the root causes of conflict,
promoting harmony and equality. Reconciliation
involves healing the wounds of the past, promoting
forgiveness, understanding and building bridges
between communities.

2. Implement frameworks that eradicate prejudices

towards young generations and enable youth to
assume leadership roles in the decision-making
process within global multilateral institutions such
as the Antarctic Treaty System. This can be
accomplished through secondments, learning
exchanges, Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
competencies, peer mentorship, collaborative
research, open governance models, implementation
of United Nations (UN) Resolution 2250.
Additionally, urge the UN to establish a Youth
Advisory Group on Peace and Security and expand
UN Volunteers (UNV) .

3. Ensure proper implementation of Women, Peace and

Security principles (integration, inclusiveness, and
integrity) to have women-led processes in conflict
prevention, peace negotiations, peacekeeping, and
post-conflict reconstruction efforts. Adopt
repatriation and resettlement, rehabilitation,
reintegration, and post-conflict reconstruction
strategies that are culturally sensitive and reflect
the needs, realities, and perspectives of women and
girls. Implement reporting mechanisms in addition
to the formal justice system for survivors of sexual
and gender-based violence.
4. Recognize that war and violence have a massive
economic impact on livelihoods, productivity, and
basic necessities. Engage in diplomatic efforts to
deliver essential food supplies to affected countries
and societies in order to ensure food security.
5. Urge all parties to recommit to universal and
non-discriminatory disarmament of nuclear
weapons. Promote nuclear risk reduction measures
and participatory research forums on nuclear safety
culture and security.

6. Facilitate meaningful participation of developing

countries in global decision-making processes,
structures and institutions around funding matters.
Promote, strengthen and expand existing and future
transparent multilateral, bilateral and national
funds, and respective training for local, national,
and international-driven peacebuilding initiatives
and networks. Increase funding and enhance
efficiency of the delivery of quality education during
crises and in post-crisis transitions of
humanitarian conflicts.

7. Ensure the use of outer space is for peaceful

purposes for the interest of all states. Encourage
and support space exploration, research on space
sustainability and debris limitation.

8. Develop inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI) in

collaboration with civil society, institutions and
governments in order to regulate AI, educate on its
uses and protect humanity.

9. Integrate topics including female empowerment

(SDG 5), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), climate
action (SDG 13), peace, justice and strong
institutions (SDG 16), and indigenous knowledge
systems into school curricula and non-formal
education to promote the interconnectedness and
understanding of global issues.

10. Enhance access to international exchanges,

volunteering and civic engagement opportunities,
as well as visibility of digital platforms to both
amplify underrepresented views and encourage
interdisciplinary discussions on global challenges.
11. Recognize the importance of inner development for
sustainable peace, and integrate holistic
approaches to self-awareness, emotional and
mental well-being.

Equitable Collaboration of the Global North and

Global South

1. Facilitate more equitable participation of Global

North and Global South countries in global
decision-making economic processes, structures
and institutions that are committed to economic
self-empowerment and resilience. Encourage a more
responsible approach and improved coordination in
monetary policy decisions, considering the potential
adverse impacts of monetary policy adjustments of
the Global North on the Global South, particularly
through international capital flows.

2. Establish a better balance in locations of major

multilateral organizations and agencies between
the Global North and the Global South. This
approach ensures a heightened level of fairness in
knowledge production, greater reliability in data
compilation and diverse leadership.

3. Provide for the welfare of migrants and refugees by

securing migration routes, and ensuring their
essential requirements are met, as long as the root
causes of their forced displacement remain
unresolved.

4. Address the emerging challenges of geo-economic

fragmentation and unsustainable debt burdens.
Recommit to the principles of the open multilateral
trading system and ensure an effective World Trade
Organization (WTO) that aligns with current needs
by explicitly prohibiting any form of formal or
informal weaponization of trade, and establishing a
fully operational trade dispute settlement system.
Reform the voting mechanisms within the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank,
to amplify the voices of the Global South and ensure
equity and a better balance within the international
economic architecture.
5. Reform the UN Security Council to make it more
inclusive, representative, transparent, accountable
and to reflect contemporary realities. Also reform the
UN to ensure equitable geographic representation
and pursue the reform of the current UN Regional
Groups. We urge cooperation, dialogue and consent
among P5 members for the success of the reform.

Preventing Violence by Non-State Actors Through

Concerted Efforts

1. Deem all acts of terrorism as unjustified regardless

of their motivation and perpetrator, and reject any
double standards between terrorist organizations.

2. Strengthen counter-terrorism efforts, firstly by

addressing terror financing and state support for
terrorist actions, secondly by ensuring
accountability and timeliness within counter-terror
multilateral mechanisms, and thirdly by countering
threats from emerging technologies that terrorist
groups exploit. Urge nations to collaborate on
mechanisms that enhance counter-terrorism
measures by sharing best practices, intelligence,
and operational strategies.

3. Strengthen digital resilience with efforts such as

monitoring and removing violent content,
promoting digital literacy, and collaborating with
social media platforms. Empower the youth with
media and information literacy, enabling them to
counter extremism and cultivate a balanced
perspective.

4. Encourage intercultural dialogue that fosters

mutual respect and an appreciation for the strength
of diversity. Develop a framework for engaging in
conversations with empathy, enabling honest
discussions about inter-ethnic and interfaith
interactions.

5. Empower and recognise youth as catalysts for global

harmony by enhancing the role of youth in the
Alliance of Civilizations and dialogue.
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We recognize the role of Industry 4.0, artificial
intelligence (AI) and data, and other disruptive forces
and technologies, alongside the need to reduce
inequality and discrimination within the shifting
realities of work. We will address the importance of
sustainability, accessibility, diversity, inclusivity, and
promote workers’ protection and human-centric
approaches to work.

We call on G20 members and observers to:

Preparing the Workforce Through the Principle of

Unlearn, Relearn & Reskill

1. Empower Lifelong Learning: Provide access to

continuous learning opportunities and training that
adapt to emerging demands and challenges of
disruptive technologies, including AI and Web3.

2. Prepare The Global Workforce For Global Challenges:

Develop and enhance curricula, alternative
education channels and continuous training that
prioritise soft and hard skills aimed at building a
workforce able to address the critical global social
and environmental issues.

3. Support Workplace Mental Health: Implement

human-centric approaches in the workplace to
encourage employers to have well-defined mental
health policies and guidelines, integrating mental
health training into workforce reskilling programs to
equip employers and employees with the necessary
knowledge and skills.

4. Empower Rural and Under-Represented

Communities: Empower rural and
under-represented communities for a sustainable
workforce through encouraging skills provision for
employment and entrepreneurship, as well as
access to technologies, in accordance with each
country’s legal frameworks, culture and customs.

5. Promote Digital Literacy: Recalling the G20 Toolkit

for Measuring Digital Skills and Digital Literacy,
adopt and align benchmarks to periodically
measure and promote Digital Literacy Skills across
 G20 countries.

Cross-Border Innovation and Growth through

Collaboration

1. Strengthen International Research Collaboration:

Encourage international collaborative research under
shared and differentiated responsibilities, such as
triangular cooperation, to promote the voice and
involvement of all nations through forming a centre
of excellence as a medium for research collaboration.

2. Enable Equitable Algorithms: In order to reduce the

maker-user gap in global AI deployment, promote the
sharing of representative datasets amongst G20
nations.

Gig Economy: The New Age Industry

1. Promote Universal Gig Worker Rights: Develop an

inclusive gig economy framework to promote
universal gig worker rights which include worker
protections, migrant accessibility pathways, and
consultations, in accordance with each country’s
legal frameworks, culture and customs.

Catalysing the Startup Ecosystem

1. Implement Accessible Sustainable Financing and

Mentoring: Mobilise sustainable financing and
ensure equitable access to stimulate youth-run
start-up ecosystems and MSMEs and fully utilise
enhanced entrepreneurship incubators that provide
mentoring and promote cross-disciplinary
collaboration.

2. Encourage Data Protection and Access: Reaffirm the

importance of open, fair, secure, and equitable
access to data as a tool for innovation and market
competition with stringent data protection
measures, anonymization protocols, and robust
consent mechanisms to prevent data exploitation
and ensure privacy and data sovereignty.
      

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We commit to building more resilient, sustainable,
inclusive, accessible, culturally, and socially sensitive
health systems towards facilitating achievement of
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring holistic
mental and physical health and wellbeing for all,
especially for women and vulnerable groups.

To this end, we call on G20 members and observers to:

Promoting digital health infrastructure

1. Promote digital health solutions to deliver

diagnostics, procedures and awareness, and reach
all population groups, particularly vulnerable
populations and youth to bridge healthcare delivery,
data and other gaps. This should be done through
PPP mechanism, active engagement of local
communities, civil society organisations and other
stakeholders.

2. Strengthen national health ecosystems by

digitising patient records, creating hospital registry,
and smooth Electronic Health Records (EHR)
creation to promote Universal Health Coverage
(UHC). Implement Continuum of Care digital
interventions for continuous care across primary,
secondary, and tertiary facilities. Respecting
national legal framework and risk assessments,
establish an interoperable national digital health
network, enabling seamless information exchange
across stakeholders while ensuring access and
privacy of data to the patients.

3. National task force should be created to promote

and scale youth-led innovations focused on digital
health services through startups, enterprise and
community organisations. Incubation, funding and
training facilities should be established to
commercialise youth-led R&D.

Complete Well-Being - Physical & Mental Health

1. We urge the G20 to create a task force towards the

preparation of a multi-stakeholder G20 digital
wellbeing charter as advocated in the Y20 Indonesia
communique. The charter should focus on fostering
 digital wellbeing by limiting access to pornographic
content for minors, preventing cyberbullying,
creating safe digital spaces, and preventing
addiction to social media platforms.

2. We call upon G20 leaders to push for the

development of national strategies for UHC in
mental health, to ensure access to affordable
mental health services while addressing social
determinants and unidentifiable risk factors,
encouraging creation of localised solutions and
adopt patient-centred strategies for prevention,
diagnosis, early intervention and research.

3. Acknowledge alternative medicine and practices as

a valuable source of healthcare. Leverage successful
models from indigenous communities to integrate
cultural approaches in health promotion and
prevention initiatives and foster entrepreneurship
in the traditional medicine sector. Create a network
of research institutes at national levels to promote
safe and effective use of these medicines. This is
along the lines of WHO Traditional Medicine Global
Summit, August 2023.

Sexual and reproductive health

1. Promote sexual and reproductive health through

adequate access to affordable and quality
contraceptives and culturally sensitive education.

2. Promote awareness around menstrual hygiene and

tackle period poverty by delivering safe and
sustainable hygienic sanitary products and
education to all, with focus on educational
institutes and public places.

3. Bridge health gap across women and vulnerable

groups: training healthcare professionals,
sustainable funding towards gender-diversified3
research (subject to cultural and social norms) and
institutions, destigmatizing and investing research
into female-specific health issues, sufficient sex

3 vulnerable groups/people'': The definition of vulnerable groups has not been universally agreed upon
and remains open to interpretation. In accordance with each country’s customs, cultures, laws, and
legal frameworks, it may include underrepresented or systematically excluded people due to, but not
limited to: cultural beliefs, values, ethnicity, religion, race, gender, and/or others
 education, evaluate health data, and overcome
racial and gender biases in the healthcare system.

Prevention of alcohol and substance use

1. Set up a G20 Task Force that addresses substance

(mis)use and addiction to generate awareness on
substance (mis)use, implement evidence-based
national prevention programs or enhance
implementation of existing programs and facilitate
establishment of localised rehabilitation centres in
collaboration with NGOs, civil society organisations
and educational institutions, involving people with
lived experience.

2. Design and implement preventive and harm

reduction measures to address substance use
disorders, especially vapes, e-cigarettes, alcohol and
opioids, in partnership with people with lived
experience.

Sports and physical activity as part of lifestyle

1. Foster inclusive sports infrastructure (including

indigenous sports/activities, where relevant) and
training programs for athletes, especially those with
disabilities, those under-served and those from
indigenous backgrounds, by allocating dedicated
funding, promoting cultural awareness, and
collaborating with community organisations, sports
associations, and educational institutions.

2. Encourage states to invest in the construction and

maintenance of safe (physically, mentally,
culturally, socially and spiritually) and accessible
public spaces for physical activity such as parks
and sports facilities, particularly in low-income
areas and rural communities.
      

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We call on G20 members and observers to:

Transition to a Sustainable Living

1. Establish a global standard by 2025 to protect eco-

logically important ecosystems, including 100% of
irrecoverable carbon4 areas.

2. Foster sufficiency5 measures as defined by the IPCC

through structural, dimensional and usage sobriety
and promoting the sharing of spaces and equip-
ment, and through consumer sobriety and local food
systems.

3. Ensure and mandate phasing out single use plas-

tics wherever possible, with precise & ambitious
targets and supplemented with governed plastic
credits where recycling infrastructure is not present.

4. Encourage a circular economy by (a) promoting and

investing in sustainable waste management collec-
tion (b) consider a well-governed Extended Producer
Responsibility scheme that equitably includes con-
sultation from producers, (c) promoting re-use,
repair and recycling practices; (d) regulating the
export of recyclables.

5. Ensure protection of 50% of the world’s oceans by

2030 by regulating and enforcing stricter penalties
for polluters. Foster international cooperation for the
establishment of Marine Protected Areas in the Ant-
arctic Sea proposed by the CCAMLR, such as the Ant-
arctic Peninsula.

6. Ensure all G20 countries protect primary and

old-growth forest by 2025, whilst protecting endan-
gered species, through increasing international
funding for such forestry and fostering deforesta-
tion-free markets6.

4 'Irrecoverable carbon' is defined as carbon that (1) can be influenced by direct and local human action,
(2) is vulnerable to loss during a land-use conversion and (3), if lost, could not be recovered within a
timeframe relevant to avoiding dangerous climate impacts
5 A set of measures and daily practices that avoid demand for energy, materials, land and water while
delivering human well-being for all within planetary boundaries
6 The conservation of primary and old-growth forestry and regeneration of ecosystems that enables
natural carbon capital ability and the growth of biodiversity'
7. Promote carbon neutral cities7 by increasing density
via inclusive zoning policies towards mixed use
neighborhoods and social housing, all the while,
improving and providing more access to public
transport and fostering active mobility8.

Mitigating Disaster Risks

1. Adopt national heat adaptation plans which:

A. set safe working temperatures;
B. implement extreme heat awareness and proce-
dures; and
C. update building codes to ensure all buildings
and critical infrastructure are heat resilient.

2. Implement disaster prevention strategies aligned

with the Sendai framework (2015-2030).

3. Foster multinational and bilateral partnerships to

address disaster prevention as a global agenda
transcending borders.

4. Create disaster mitigation strategies that equally

combine scientific knowledge with traditional,
Indigenous and local knowledge and practices.

5. Develop contemporary forecasting and early warn-

ing systems to protect everyone on Earth by 2027,
backed by responsive and failsafe communication
with information technology support.

Accelerating Transition to Sustainable and Cleaner

Energy Systems

1. Commit to hold the increase in the global average

temperature to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels in
line with the Paris Agreement with every country to
bring forward their current pledges to achieve
carbon neutrality, by (i) creating more progressive
NDC plans (ii) considering adoption of the Fossil
Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty by 20309 and (iii) facili-

7 Carbon neutral refers to the idea of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by balancing those
emissions so they are equal
8 Establishing policies to reduce car dependency such as congestion charging.
9 Saudi Arabia does not agree with point (ii). The position of the Russian Federation in this regard is in
disagreement since this proposal contradicts the Russian Federation’s energy policy.
 tating evidence-based mutual learning through the
OECD's IFCMA and others.

2. Ensure energy access for all by 2030 in line with SDG

7, accelerating the pace of electrification and clean
cooking deployment through community-led initia-
tives and by improving the availability and quality of
open-source data based on households and facili-
ties surveys to assess consumers’ needs.

3. Ensure energy security through the promotion of

diverse energy systems by investing in regional
energy connectivity and power grid sharing.

4. Ensure a fair, circular and more sustainable supply

of critical minerals for the energy transition, by
including local communities10 in all processes,
respecting territorial sovereignty, implementing
more sustainable extraction methods - such as
direct lithium extraction (DLE) - assuring that the
benefits stay in the communities.

5. Harmonize and accelerate carbon neutral energy

strategies, by (i) developing a clear taxonomy (ii)
tackling grid connection delays by streamlining
environmental audits, (iii) reducing all sectors’
emissions through a diverse set of technologies
that abate, avoid, and remove GHG emissions (iv)
conducting LCA for low-carbon energy.

6. Alleviate energy poverty and increase energy

efficiency in the industrial and residential sector, by
promoting retrofit policies, renewable energy
systems installations, and nature based infrastruc-
ture solutions.

7. Promote energy decentralization through energy

communities by identifying best practices and by
providing technical assistance and networking
opportunities to local stakeholders, especially in
rural areas.

10 In line with the principles of the UNRMS and other similar internationally-accepted initiatives.
Climate Finance and Climate Action Targets

1. Provide differentiated subsidies and credits for

developed and developing countries that incentivize
the transition to carbon neutrality, whilst encourag-
ing the equitable phasing out of inefficient fossil
fuel subsidies by the end of 2025 or sooner, in line
with a just transition.

2. Adopt carbon taxation approaches, embedded by

the principle of equitability, and use income gener-
ated from carbon taxation to support the global
green transition or other similar mechanisms that
meet the objectives.

3. Commit to funding and accessibility of redistribu-

tion mechanisms, such as the UNFCCC Loss and
Damage Fund and the Global Climate Fund, to deliv-
er reparations, infrastructure and capacity-building,
particularly for nations and communities most
vulnerable to the climate crisis.

4. Encourage G20 nations to achieve carbon neutrality

by 206011, by mandating businesses and corpora-
tions to publish sustainability reports, implement
green just transition with best practices, and stop
greenwashing claims on the environmental merits
of their products and services.

5. Adopt standardized environmental impact regula-

tions to ensure that such information is labeled and
verified for accountability purposes on all products
(including financial investments).

6. Fund workforce and entrepreneurial skills acquisi-

tion to transfer employability from declining and
environmentally detrimental sectors to those of
sustainable growth, through re- and up-skilling
initiatives12.

7. Endorse mechanisms to (a) extend the Common

Framework debt restructuring programme to middle
income countries; (b) ensure all countries can loan
finance at affordable interest rates; and (c) insert

11 In light of different national circumstances.

12 Initiatives such as the UNEP Green Jobs for Youth Pact
 natural disaster clauses into all loan mechanisms,
such as the Bridgetown Initiative.

Action for Climate Empowerment

1. Promote a just transition by (a) amplifying the voices

and perspectives of communities vulnerable to climate
change, including those in the Global South, LDCs,
LLDCs, and SIDS; and (b) implementing strong regula-
tions for private entities to combat the disproportion-
ate impacts of climate change.

2. Recognise, validate, and accredit (a) climate, sustaina-

ble development (ESD) education; and (b) green
non-formal, informal and formal education, to further
research and informed decision-making on climate
action.
3. Embed the principles of the UN Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous People in all climate policies,
ensuring the need for free, prior, and informed consent.

4. Recognising the role of all underserved communities13,

to ensure all are empowered to actively participate in
and shape the sustainable climate future, and inte-
grate differential impacts in national climate strate-
gies.

5. Ensure climate information is accessible, available

and accurate by (a) translating key climate resources
into various languages, (b) encourage knowledge
exchange between scientific bodies, (c) creating a cen-
tralised climate data portal, (d) increasing availability
and collection of data on climate migration.

6. Anticipating the reality of climate migration, adopt

policies that support safe, orderly, and regular migra-
tion options specifically for climate-induced migrants,
including the creation of an international status for
climate refugees by the UN (or a similar international
body).

7. Consider future generations in the design and imple-

mentation of all climate policies.

13 The definition of underserved communities has not been universally agreed upon and remains
open to interpretation. In accordance with each country’s customs, cultures, laws, and legal
frameworks, it may include underrepresented or systematically excluded people due to, but not
limited to: cultural beliefs, values, ethnicity, religion, race, gender, and/or others
      

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We recognize cultural differences and the sensitivity of
the topics of this track. Hence, each of the below
mentioned proposals are to be implemented in
accordance with each country's customs, cultures, and
legal frameworks:

1. Ensure adequate representation and empowerment

of youth, particularly those who are marginalized14,
including indigenous communities and young
women through measures such as but not limited
to:

A. address structural entry barriers (financial,

social and cultural inequalities) in their access
to legislative institutions, political spaces and
parties.
B. empower them with self-led mentoring
programs and networking events, and provide
funding and resources by their respective
governments.
C. ensure that there are no laws, rules and
governing processes in place hindering them
from accessing governance and shaping policy
making.

2. Develop roadmaps towards lowering the voting age

to 16 years old and lower the age requirements for
young candidates wanting to contest elections,
where applicable.

3. Foster capacity building by introducing civic

education, political, digital and financial literacy in
all curriculum levels to equip youth for active
engagement in governance and policy making.

4. Prioritize the establishment, strengthening and

public funding of platforms across all levels, from
local to international, such as youth parliaments,
citizen assemblies, councils and forums which
would hold governance bodies accountable to
independent youth advising. Similar support can be

14 “Marginalized groups/people'': The definition of marginalized groups has not been universally agreed
upon and remains open to interpretation. In accordance with each country’s customs, cultures, laws,
and legal frameworks, that may include people who are underrepresented or systematically excluded
due to: cultural beliefs, values, ethnicity, religion, race, and gender.
 extended to the positions and running processes of
youth electoral candidates, as well as quorum
allocation for youth in local councils, considering
their socio-economic and personal circumstances.

5. Take measures to increase voter turnout amongst

the youth for elections at all tiers. Conduct
comprehensive voter education programs to spread
awareness on the impact of the young voter base in
shaping policies and electing more young
representatives, where applicable.

6. Encourage adopting formal strategies for youth

participation in governance and policymaking as
recommended by G20 Members and multilateral
bodies15, including the initiative of adopting Youth
Representatives for the Future across all levels of
governance to act as protectors of the global
commons and ombudspeople for future
generations.

7. Cultivate young social leadership through

citizen-driven communities to support state and
government functions by taking forward the welfare
initiatives nurturing self sustainable social
communities and promoting government aided
youth communities.

8. Governments should guarantee the right to Internet

connection at all times, for young people, to ensure
access to information through open source data and
governance to improve transparency in order to
enhance the youth’s ability to make informed
political decisions.

9. Promote e-governance for youth’s effective

participation and voicing through trusted digital
participatory tools underpinned by strong personal
data protection, digital infrastructure and data
sovereignty.

15 These include but are not limited to the OECD Recommendation on Creating Better Opportunities for
Youth and the OECD report on Youth at the Centre of Government Action in MENA, as it pertains to each
country’s adherence.
10. Acknowledge social media as a medium of youth
involvement, and encourage correct usage of social
media in governance. Develop relevant policies and
ground rules transparently through an international
community, to combat mis and dis information16.
Ensure human moderation to a certain extent for
context-sensitive decisions.

11. G20 countries should commit to the right to quality

education in every form for all above three years of
age and ensure a fair transition towards higher
education.

16 including but not limited to greenwashing, hate speech etc

 W A Y F O R W A R D

The G20 is the ideal forum to amplify the

voice of the youth, empowering young
leaders to shape policies, with a focus on
placing youth at the centre, and driving
meaningful change on a global scale. In
this regard, we, the youth representatives
of the G20, submit our recommendations
for consideration by the G20 Leaders. We
commit to building a safe, resilient,
peaceful, just, inclusive, equitable and
sustainable world where all young people
are supported, empowered, engaged and
equipped to realize their full potential. We
thank India for successfully steering the
Y20 and look forward to reconvening in
Brazil next year.
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