UNICEF recognizes that children and young people often experience the most serious consequences from climate and environmental hazards, shocks and stresses. It also recognizes government-led climate policies can influence and direct local, regional and national finance and action. Thus, it recently conducted a child-sensitivity study of a sub-set of national climate plans: Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submissions from countries party to the Paris Agreement. NDCs detail their commitments to meeting the targets of the agreement.

The study findings highlight that governments are making progress to incorporate more child-sensitive commitments in their NDCs, including in countries where children are exposed to high levels of climate risk. However, critically, it points out that the funding for such commitments is often lacking. This research brief elaborates on this and other study findings. It also provides examples and opportunities for greater attention including through sector-based programming, youth-driven campaigns, UNICEF partnerships, and stories of how young people are raising climate awareness and participating in advocacy platforms.

The research brief also shares details about an innovation platform in partnership with Climate Watch that allows users to visualize up-to-date data from the child-sensitivity study, such as on child-sensitive sectoral commitments. Governments, funders and stakeholders can use the platform to identify potential gaps and opportunities in NDCs that can be supported and improved.