"The climate crisis is first and foremost a crisis of children's rights, as children are disproportionately affected by climate change - both because of their unique physiology and the fact that extreme weather events are increasing as global temperatures rise." This was stated by Reneta Koleva, Deputy Minister of Environment and Water, at an event on climate action and children.

The event was organized by UNICEF as a high-level meeting on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to identify concrete steps countries can take to achieve solutions to address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on children in climate policies, actions, and funding.

Reneta Koleva noted that we are all aware of the challenges we face and of the importance of expert dialogue on children and climate, which is a crucial step towards addressing the gaps and developing policies that not only protect children from climate impacts, but also fully involve them in the decision-making processes.

"At the national level, we have supported the implementation of educational programmes and projects aimed at changing the behaviour of children and young people, provoking public interest and curiosity about climate challenges. Most of the projects aim to make schools a driving force in reducing their carbon footprint and engaging in local climate and energy goals in collaboration with local authorities," explained Deputy Minister Koleva.

Within the framework of COP29, the MOEW and Deputy Minister Reneta Koleva will host an event on Women and Fair Climate Finance on 14 November, featuring global leaders from different spheres of public life committed to women's empowerment and climate finance. The panel discussion focuses on women's roles as mothers, entrepreneurs, working women, and change agents in civil society in the area of climate initiatives and climate finance.