Metro Manila, Philippines - Young people’s voices are at the forefront of the Philippines’ efforts to ensure the inclusive and ambitious updating of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the country’s official climate pledge under the Paris Agreement. 

The NDC outlines the country’s plans and targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen resilience to the impacts of climate change. The country first submitted its NDC in 2021 where it committed to a 75% reduction in emissions by 2030, primarily conditional on international support and covering key sectors including energy, transport, agriculture, waste, and industry. The NDC is required to be updated every five years.

The Climate Change Commission (CCC), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and National Youth Commission (NYC), with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines, supported a series of youth consultations spanning six days across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. These engagements brought together youth-led and youth-serving organizations tackling climate change and NDC-related issues, as well as representatives from the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), Local Youth Development Offices (LYDOs), and Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP).

A total of 119 participants joined the interactive workshops, policy simulations, and consultative dialogues conducted in the cities of Manila, Iloilo, and Davao from 18-22 August 2025. The process resulted in the drafting of a Youth Pledge to Climate Action which unified recommendations and language intended to directly inform the drafting of inclusive and representative policies and measures (PAMs) and the forthcoming updated NDC text.

Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera of the CCC emphasized that the consultations carried out as part of the steps in updating the NDC were essential components of the Philippines’ commitment to address climate change. 

“Climate change is not a distant concern; it is a present-day challenge that disproportionately affects young Filipinos. As the generation that will inherit the impacts of our decisions today, your voices as youth leaders are indispensable in shaping effective and equitable climate policies,” she said.

Chairperson Joseph Francisco “Jeff” Ortega of the NYC expressed support for the youth leaders who participated in the week-long consultation process and urged fellow government leaders to treat the youth as co-creators of climate solutions. “Sa ating mga kabataan [To our youth], I commend you for crafting a unified Youth Pledge to Climate Action because this pledge is not just a symbol; it is a declaration of leadership, responsibility, and hope. Meaning to say, we are owning the problem and we’re trying to do something about it. Let us use this big responsibility, this voice, to make that change,” he said.

Meanwhile, Director Elenida DR. Basug of the Climate Change Service of DENR stressed how climate action is a shared responsibility where the youth’s insights would be invaluable. “The NDC represents our nation’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. It is our roadmap for a sustainable future, but they will only be effective if they reflect the needs, priorities, and innovative ideas of all Filipinos, especially the youth,” she said.

Similarly, Dr. Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Philippines Resident Representative, underscored that co-creating the NDC updates with the help of young people and gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) stakeholders and advocates guarantees that the country comes up with “truly inclusive climate commitments that not only ensure that no one is left behind but, most importantly, prioritize the voices of those who are furthest behind.”

By placing young voices at the heart of the NDC updating process, the Philippines is demonstrating that climate ambition and climate justice go hand in hand in the efforts to ensure that the country’s climate commitments reflect both urgency and inclusivity for present and future generations. 

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