G'day COP31!
G'day COP31 is a podcast for those who want to know more about the ‘COP31’ (almost) being hosted in Australia in 2026.
Your hosts are Heidi Dumesich and Jack Whelan.
Jack is a boomer and started his career in sustainability before it was considered 'cool'. His experience stretches from the earliest COPs - across business and industry, government, development agencies, NGOs, and the UN. He worked with the International Chamber of Commerce and World Business Council on Sustainable Development, in the AsiaPac region with the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility and the major donor agencies like the Asian Development Bank and World Bank. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade nominated him to the design team which established the IRIS initiative to promote climate and disaster resilient infrastructure in the Small Island Developing States..
Heidi Dumesich is a millennial with a degree in Environmental Science focusing on implementing practical solutions. Heidi is the seasoned podcaster with her sustainability focused podcast called Life on Planet A. She is currently working as a Sustainability Manager at Ventia, leading a road project’s Infrastructure Sustainability Council rating.
The aim of this podcast is to dive into the ins and outs of what really happens at a COP — from all of the different stakeholders and planning to the politics, people, and purpose behind it all. Through candid conversations with stakeholders across government, industry, civil society, and community groups, we unpack how everyone is impacted, involved, and inspired by climate diplomacy at this scale.
Whether you're a policymaker, business leader, activist, or just COP-curious, this is your space to learn how to get the most out of any COP — wherever it’s held.
Tune in, get engaged, and say G’day COP31!
G'day COP31!
Episode 'D' for Darwin - Youth Voices in Climate Policy with Diksha Duggal
In this episode, Diksha Duggal reflects on her path into the YOUNGO constituency and explores the critical role of youth in climate negotiations. She discusses the push for greater inclusivity, YOUNGO’s preparations for COP 30 and COP 31, and the importance of grassroots movements in shaping climate policy.
Takeaways
- Diksha's journey into the Youngo constituency began with her passion for sustainability.
- Youngo serves as the collective voice for youth in climate negotiations.
- Inclusivity and youth engagement are crucial in climate discussions.
- Diksha emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements in climate activism.
- The upcoming COP 30 and COP 31 are pivotal for youth engagement.
- Every voice matters in the fight against climate change.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Youngo and Diksha's Journey
03:02 Understanding Youngo's Role in Climate Action
06:05 Preparing for COP 30: Strategies and Collaborations
08:11 Youth Engagement and Inclusivity in Climate Discussions
12:31 Addressing Key Issues Raised at SB 62
21:12 How do people get involved in YOUNGOs/ COP process
24:40 Mascot for COP30 - Curupira
26:12 Capacity Building for Youth Participation
28:00 Blueprint for Future COPs
LINKS
UNFCC YOUNGO website: https://unfccc.int/topics/action-for-climate-empowerment-children-and-youth/youth/youngo
Links to become a YOUNGO member:
- https://docs.google.com/document/d/18eatDBTHPKJLCzBS9lsE17tzi8mPys5MiXmsGPTNdlA/edit?tab=t.0
- https://forms.gle/SmLx8n3dezbtMWaC8
YOUNGO Unveils Strategic Policy Position at SB62: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/youngo-strategic-policy-position-youngo-unfccc-zgprc/
Conference of Youth (COY): https://unfccc.int/topics/education-and-youth/youngo/coy