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Bula COP31!
Bula COP31 is a podcast for anyone wanting to understand what it means for Australia and the Türkiye to co-host COP31 in 2026, and why this moment is influential in the UNFCCC process. Australia will be putting the Pacific Islands at the forefront of the climate negotiations to ensure adaptation and infrastructure investments flow to the region.
Your hosts are Heidi Dumesich and Jack Whelan.
Jack is a proud boomer who started his sustainability career long before it was considered ‘cool’. His experience spans the earliest COPs and reaches across business, industry, government, development agencies, NGOs, and the UN. He’s worked with the International Chamber of Commerce and the World Business Council on Sustainable Development; and across Asia-Pacific with the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility, Asian Development Bank, and World Bank. Jack was nominated by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the design team that established the IRIS initiative, supporting climate- and disaster-resilient infrastructure in Small Island Developing States — work that sits at the heart of Pacific climate priorities.
Heidi Dumesich is a millennial environmental scientist focused on implementing practical solutions. She’s the seasoned podcaster behind Life on Planet A, and currently a Sustainability Manager at Ventia, leading an Infrastructure Sustainability Council rating for a major road project. Heidi brings a fresh, grounded perspective on climate action and how sustainability plays out across communities and sectors.
Bula COP31 explores what really happens behind the scenes of a COP — with a special focus on how Pacific leadership, values, and voices shape the global climate agenda. Through candid conversations with stakeholders across Pacific governments, Australian agencies, industry, civil society, youth, and community groups, we unpack how climate diplomacy in our region is driven by relationships, resilience, and shared responsibility.
Whether you're a policymaker, business leader, activist, Pacific climate champion, or simply COP-curious, this podcast is your guide to getting the most out of COP31 — and understanding how it can deliver for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Tune in, get engaged, and say Bula COP31!
Bula 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
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