By Ginaba Lino
South Sudanese children have called for climate justice and meaningful participation in climate decision-making, as government representatives pledged to prioritize children’s rights in climate policies ahead of the COP31 climate conference.
The call was made during the Children’s COP31 Declaration and Climate Call to Action dialogue organized by Save the Children under the theme, “From Commitments to Implementation,” bringing together children, government representatives and stakeholders to discuss climate challenges and practical solutions.
Save the Children leadership representative Eva Hegedus described climate change as a children’s rights crisis, warning that floods, droughts and extreme heat threaten children’s access to education, healthcare, clean water and nutritious food.
Hegedus said children already affected by conflict, displacement and poverty face even greater risks from climate-related disasters, which increasingly threaten their safety, protection and well-being.
She emphasized that children are not only among those most affected by climate change but also leaders and advocates capable of contributing to solutions.
“Children should not simply be consulted about their future. They should have a meaningful role in shaping it,” Hegedus said.
She urged governments, communities, civil society, humanitarian organizations and development partners to work collectively to translate climate commitments into practical action reaching vulnerable children and communities.
Hegedus said the dialogue should ensure children’s experiences and ideas meaningfully inform decisions shaping their future, beyond discussions and consultations.
Children’s Council member Siama Santino said climate change should be understood through its impact on children’s everyday lives rather than only scientific discussions about rising temperatures.
She said floods in Unity, Jonglei and other areas had destroyed homes and classrooms, leaving thousands of children unable to attend school for months. Meanwhile, droughts and crop failures had contributed to hunger and disrupted education.
Santino warned that climate-related hardship was also increasing pressure on families, with some resorting to early marriage involving girls as a survival strategy.
She described the Children’s COP31 dialogue as an opportunity to advance climate justice by allowing children to share their experiences and influence decisions.
“COP means their future, what they will live in, the kind of life that they are going to live when time comes,” Santino said.
She called on children to raise their voices, plant trees and participate in climate initiatives while demanding action on behalf of children unable to reach decision-makers.
Deputy Director for climate change Payai Manyok John, representing the Ministry of Environment and Forestry’s Undersecretary Joseph Apricano, said South Sudan recognizes climate change as a development, humanitarian and intergenerational justice issue.
John said children contribute least to global climate disruption but remain among the most affected by floods, droughts, displacement and food insecurity.
He outlined government commitments to prioritize children in climate policies, promote climate-resilient schools, strengthen early warning systems and improve access to healthcare, nutrition, sanitation and clean water.
He also pledged support for children’s participation in climate consultations, protection of displaced children, climate education and access to climate finance.
“The actions have to be accountable. Whatever we do has to be accountable,” John said, stressing that climate resources should be directed towards intended programmes.
He called for stronger partnerships, sustained investment and coordination across education, health, agriculture, water and disaster management sectors.
John said the government would consider children’s declaration in shaping national climate positions ahead of COP31, adding that climate commitments must translate into practical interventions protecting vulnerable communities.
The dialogue concluded with discussions on children’s climate priorities and the need to translate commitments into practical action ahead of COP31.