
On 11th January 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, a dynamic Global Youth Climate Governance and Federalist Simulation of the United World Federation Senate took place at Strathmore University. The Strathmore Environmental Sustainability Community (SESC) and Young World Federalists (YWF) co-organised the simulated world senate.
Participants deliberated on the proposed resolution on "Climate Debt Reconciliation – Towards Global Climate Justice and Accountability." The event was part of YWF East Africa's ongoing commitment to fostering global awareness and providing African youth with the opportunity to engage with crucial international issues. The session attracted active participation from the delegates, with a diverse representation of global perspectives.
Resolution for Climate Justice

The simulation was structured around a central resolution aimed at the historical responsibility of developed nations in contributing to the climate crisis and the disproportionate burden faced by developing and vulnerable countries. The proposal called for the formal recognition of the concept of Climate Debt and the establishment of a Global Climate Reparations Fund, alongside the promotion of debt-for-climate swaps, and a reformation of climate finance mechanisms.
Participants were divided into ten regional blocs - Central Asia Union, Pacific Union, Middle East Union, European Union, African Union, Caribbean Union, Latin American Union, East Asia Union, South Asia Union and North Atlantic Union. Each bloc represented a multitude of member states from the named region. The participants engaged in discussions that touched on key areas of the resolution:
1. Acknowledgment of Climate Debt: The proposal urged for the formal acknowledgement of the financial obligations owed by developed countries to developing nations due to the historical contributions to greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Establishment of a Global Climate Reparations Fund: The creation of an independent body to manage this fund, drawing contributions from developed countries, international corporations, and other major polluters, was met with broad support.
3. Debt-for-Climate Swaps and Debt Relief: A significant portion of the debate focused on the suggestion to implement debt-for-climate swaps to redirect funds from debt repayment to climate adaptation and mitigation projects in vulnerable countries.
4. Climate Finance and Prioritization for Vulnerable Nations: The session also called for developed countries to fulfill their commitment to mobilize $100 billion annually for climate finance, ensuring that vulnerable nations have direct access without excessive bureaucratic barriers.
5. Inclusion of Marginalized Groups: A critical point was raised regarding the inclusion of youth, women, and Indigenous communities in climate policy negotiations, ensuring their voices shape future global climate policies.
6. Multilateral Action and Equity: A consensus emerged on the need for multilateral cooperation to address climate change equitably, with a shared responsibility for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The resolution received strong support from several of the simulated regional unions. This support underscores the growing recognition of the need for global accountability in climate justice with a particular emphasis on ensuring that the most vulnerable nations receive adequate support for adaptation and resilience-building. The voting results are as follows:
Yes: Central Asia Union, Pacific Union, Middle East Union, European Union, African Union, Caribbean Union, Latin American Union
No: East Asia Union
Abstain: South Asia Union, North Atlantic Union
Key Takeaways from the Simulation
The Global Youth Climate Governance and Federalist Simulation provided an invaluable platform for youth participants to actively engage in discussions on global climate justice. Participating in the simulation provided youth with a deeper understanding of:
Global Cooperation: The simulation highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing the climate crisis, emphasizing multilateral action.
Role of Youth and Marginalized Communities: The inclusion of youth, women, and Indigenous communities in the policy-making process was a significant point of discussion, demonstrating the Senate's commitment to inclusive climate justice.
Accountability in Climate Finance: Ensuring transparency and accountability in the distribution and usage of climate funds was recognized as a critical aspect of the resolution’s success.
Debt Relief and Climate Action: The adoption of debt-for-climate swaps as a method to free up financial resources for sustainable development projects in vulnerable countries was widely supported.
The interactive simulation allowed participants to understand the complexities of international climate negotiations and to acquire skills and resources to advocate for global cooperation and world federalism. Federalist ideals were integrated into the simulation by educating participants on how federalism can apply to multilateral environmental agreements and global governance in general. The event highlighted the urgent need for effective and equitable solutions to address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on developing nations and was a testament to the power of dialogue and the importance of youth involvement in shaping a sustainable future.
Event Photos
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This event was supported with funds generated from the YWF membership program. If you would like to support events like this around the world, become a member today.