27th November

Change the Law, Protect the Planet:
The Global Movement to Make Ecocide a Fifth International Crime

Time: 11:00-11:45 AM GST
Location: Room A – “Abu Dhabi”, Conference Connect Center, ExpoCity, Dubai, UAE

This provided a high-level introduction to the movement to make 'ecocide' a fifth international crime at the ICC, and the Youth for Ecocide Law network that represents a youth constituency within the Stop Ecocide movement. Topics included: what it means to make ecocide a crime; the legal definition of ecocide; progress, advocacy and resources; how youth advocates can use this concept to support their existing work; and more!

Youthtopia and Y4EL COP28 Expectations

Time: 09:00
Location: Instagram Live

Panel Discussion by Debbie Buyaki, Youth for Ecocide Law.

Getting Serious on Environmental Crimes -
Latest Developments on Ecocide Legislation & Frameworks

Time: 12:00 - 13:30
Location: Parliamentary Pavilion, Thematic Area 3-365, Zone B7 Bldg 88, Blue Zone, COP28 Dubai Expo City

Co-hosted by GLOBE & Stop Ecocide International.

Climate Finance and Law

Time: 15:00 - 16:00
Location: Uganda Pavilion

Keynote Address by Reagan Eriga, Youth for Ecocide Law Africa.

2nd December

Land Rights and Fossil Fuels in the Ground to Protect the Amazon Rainforest and Indigenous Peoples

Time: 16:45 - 18:15
Location: SE Room 1, Blue Zone, Expo City Dubai

Co-hosted by: Amazon Sacred Headwaters, Planète Amazone, The King Leopold III Fund & Stop Ecocide International.

“Ecocide in Our Eyes”:
Stories from the Canadian oil sands

Time: 17:05 - 17:22
Location: Child and Youth Pavilion

Youth for Ecocide Law (Y4EL) is campaigning for an international law to stop mass destruction of our environment. One of our projects includes a book with stories, poetry, and art by youth from around the world. This session will give insight into one of the stories from the “Ecocide in Our Eyes” book. The session will start with Y4EL co-lead Amalie reading a poem about her first-hand experience witnessing the devastation caused by the Canadian oil sands. Following this Amalie will dive into how ecocide law and rights for nature can offer a solution to the loss and damages caused by the fossil fuel industry and how we must make the destruction of our future illegal.

3rd December

Official Side Event:
From Climate Crisis to Planetary Security:
The Role of International Law

Time: 16:45 - 18:15
Location: Side Event Room 2
Watch this event

Examining the power of international law to frame the roadmap for a safe planetary future - by deterring severe climate harm, protecting vital biodiversity and its guardians, accelerating fulfilment of Paris Agreement targets and guiding just transition.

Speakers: Ralph Regenvanu, Célia Xakriabá, Taliria Petrone, Jojo Mehta, Tzeporah Berman, Vanessa Nakate, Marie Toussaint & Inge Relph.
Moderator: Henry Neufeldt.

In association with: Republic of Vanuatu, Stop Ecocide Foundation, Global Greens, Global Choices, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, Youth for Ecocide Law.

4th December

Human rights and Climate Justice

Time: 12:30 - 13:30
Location: Climate Live Pavilion

Panel Discussion by Amalie Wilkinson, Youth for Ecocide Law Co-lead.

Global Choices and Y4EL COP28 Breakdown

Time: 20:30
Location: Instagram Live

Panel Discussion by Amalie Wilkinson and Debbie Buyaki, Youth for Ecocide Law.

5th December

Adapting to Changing Climate

Time: 15:00 – 16:30
Location: Botswana Pavilion

Panel Discussion by Reagan Eriga, Youth for Ecocide Law Africa.

Amazônia: The Heart of Mother Earth
Protecting Indigenous Lands and Recognizing Ecocide

Time: 18:30
Location: Extreme Hangout

Weaving together sacred wisdom, law & activism with the personal story and teaser for stunning upcoming impact documentary from Princess Esmeralda of Belgium & Gert-Peter Bruch.

Speakers: HRH Princess Esmeralda of Belgium, Valdelice Veron, Gert-Peter Bruch, Apollinaire Oussou Lio & Jojo Mehta.

6th December

Port Vila Call to Action
for a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific

Time: 12:00 - 12:50
Location: Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion B3, Building 29

This event aimed to amplify the collective efforts of the Pacific nations in addressing the pressing issue of climate change. It will showcase the ambitious commitments of Pacific nations, spearheaded by Vanuatu and Tuvalu in charting a path towards a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Pacific.

Speakers: Hon. Steve Paeniu, Eslyn Garaebiti, Rev. James Bhagwan, Jojo Mehta & Dr. Sindra Sharma.

7th December

Youth in the Face of Global Ecocide

Time: 09:00h México / 10:00h Colombia, Perú / 11:00h Venezuela / 12:00h Argentina, Brasil, Chile / 16:00h España
Location: Online

8th December

Protecting future generations:
How international legal tools can achieve climate and ecological justice

Time: 12:00 - 13:00
Location: Green Zone Youth Hub

This youth-led dialogue explored two international legal avenues to address the climate and ecological crises: criminalising ecocide at the International Criminal Court and seeking an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice. This event convened a diverse group of young speakers to explore the need to adopt a rights-based approach in addressing the climate crisis and the need to utilize international legal mechanisms to clarify and develop international law in this area.

Youth Leadership in Climate Action

Time: 14:00 – 15:30
Location: Botswana Pavilion

Keynote Address by Debbie Buyaki, Youth for Ecocide Law Co-lead.

9th December

“Ecocide in Our Eyes”:
Ocean stories from the Youth for Ecocide Law book

Time: 17:05 - 17:12
Location: Child and Youth Pavilion

Youth for Ecocide Law (Y4EL) is curating a storytelling art book titled "Ecocide in Our Eyes," featuring stories and art created by passionate young voices worldwide. This Tedx-inspired talk gave insight into one of the stories of the “Ecocide in Our Eyes” book. The creative project was introduced by Léa Weimann, co-lead of Y4El, who read one of her poems and outlined the mission of uniting art and law to create lasting change. Léa introduced Dana Ahmed, an Arctic Angel and the visionary Founder of EcoSpectrum, a prominent advocate for ocean conservation and neurodivergent inclusivity in the UAE and Egypt.

10th December

End Ecocide, Raise Hope:
An exploration of legal tools to combat the climate crisis

Time: 12:00 - 13:00
Location: Extreme Hangout

This panel event featured superstars from around the globe who are working on important legal solutions to prevent environmental destruction. Each panelist began by telling a story about a case of severe environmental destruction that is important or close to them. These stories were grounded in the local contexts of each panelist. Each were then asked “What gives you hope?” The panelists spoke about how they remain hopeful in the face of environmental destruction, and how the push for ecocide law and other legal solutions fit into that vision for a hopeful future.

Voicing Hope:
Climate Creation and Communication Workshop

Time: 14:00 - 15:00
Location: Extreme Hangout - Workshop Area

In the run up to COP28, Youth for Ecocide Law launched a social media campaign called #40DaystoCOP. Every day, we released a video from an ally, network member, or core mobiliser in Youth for Ecocide Law. Contributors were invited to discuss their connection to the movement, an ongoing project related to ecocide law, or why they think bold climate solutions are urgent.

This workshop was a space to discuss people's stories and individual perspectives on the Stop Ecocide movement. It encouraged participants to unlock what they can bring to the table in environmental activism.

11th December

Criminalization of ecocide in
the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court 

Time: 11:00 - 11:50
Location: Moana Pacific Pavilion

Panel Discussion by Debbie Buyaki, Youth for Ecocide Law Co-lead.