The fierce urgency of now: integrating the youth voice at <scp>COP</scp>

In 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered one of his most enduring speeches. His words ring true nearly 60 years later. The “fierce urgency now”, with “…no time to engage in the luxury cooling off or take tranquilizing drug gradualism”, is more applicable than ever a climate-change crisis emerging as humanity's greatest challenge. engagement diverse voices central pushing governments toward ambitious commitments reduce global warming. From rise youth activists like Greta Thunberg and emergence social justice movements Black Lives Matter, today's are insistently calling for climate solutions. Here, we faculty civil society observers United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference Parties (COP) reflect rapid changes participation, their struggle find voice within chaos COP. Why there an urgent need integrate voice? Each year, COP convenes 194 countries review, negotiate, conclude (if consensus reached) negotiations. Given role moving levers international diplomacy cooperation change, it crucial that youth, custodians future, be heard. not experienced equitably around globe consistently rate this top concern. Youth, First peoples, people color, persons disability, women, LGBTIQ+ communities bear brunt extreme events, yet these same remain underrepresented among COP's scientists decision makers. unique pathway develop future leaders governance, intercultural liaison, intergovernmental policy, career-defining collaborations. Yet, challenging navigate students alike. It noisy chaotic, innumerable stakeholders place all at once. Being delegate akin entering crowded three-ring circus (Parson 2022) where each has purpose controls its own agenda; importantly, attendees may have access only some rings, time. multiple performers (envoys, observers, corporations), disparate interests (Figure 1). Access limited from another through complex ticketing system known badges. While president (who hails year hosting country) striking similarities ringmaster, power content Negotiations ring. sets agenda, assigns speakers, communications decisions. Other events range plenaries, informals, even “informal informals”; doors closed members media enable private conversations negotiators, simply because room capacity. surrounding zones, Pavilion Civil Society rings free-flowing performance many observer acts side shows. physically largest space, occupying real estate. Countries, UN entities, non-governmental organizations, often partnering businesses, build pavilions they control narrative prime objective telling stories. These spaces can operate fascinating global, multicultural, interdisciplinary, cross-sectorial classrooms. encompasses multidimensional array participants affiliated over 3000 accredited ranging green fossil-fuel proponents faith-based groups. typically focus pressing action advocacy, including home, while reporting negotiations, sharing knowledge informational sessions exhibits, taking actions such protests. Understanding annual meeting structure essential knowing which “room” get into when speaking effective (and allowed). Clear vision how operates, badges obtained, function itself provides navigational puzzle, difficult first-time attendees. When first explored potential expanding participation (Bowser et al. 2020), highlighted importance delegates understanding multicultural policy context We better understand now fully participate, early career scientists, especially those developed nations, skillsets participate processes asked, “So, did [as observers] influence any actual negotiations COP?” influenced millions tiny nudges applied before, during, after So, no specific instance prove impact concerns increasingly invoked negotiation sessions. argue every interaction between party enlightens both. One example Youth Environmental Alliance Higher Education (YEAH), multi-institution student-centered research coordination network funded by US National Science Foundation facilitates student COPs (YEAH 2023). At COP27 organized highlighting voices, art exhibit (Connaughton 2023) Pavilion, press conferences, programs presentations. Within ring, were heard led impromptu discussions senators well key negotiators. briefings Observers, met John Kerry, Special Presidential Envoy Climate, discuss country's loss damage Students also self-organized YEAH, mobilizing create peer help become performers. How do seat table? education play training capacity building leaders. As senior researchers, faculty, participants, equip issues effectively contribute (Whipple 2021). To “in room” means having science communication skills promoting curriculum trains, supports, encourages campuses (Caprini 2020; Zhu-Maguire 2022). For example, Leaders Academy (hosted Vanderbilt University partnership YEAH) developing both our borders community. goals YEAH align Action Empowerment (ACE) plan (part 2015 Paris Agreement), focuses improving establishing dialogue stakeholder groups (ACE institutions amplify stage equipping tools necessary perform spaces. combined crises change inequity demand diversify ranks incoming environmental Practically, must students’ science, justice, diplomacy. This requires broader educational tailored curricula networked opportunities fora. call “Climate Justice Now!” echoes Jr.'s “Fierce Urgency Now”. rights should “Ring throughout halls…” higher education.