By Dr. Syed M. Saqib, Department of Mass Communication, Forman Christian College University, Member of the MediaClimate Network
From April 20th to 23rd, 2025, I had the privilege of participating as a Master Trainer at the Diplomats’ Training Program in Baku, Azerbaijan. Organized by Teaching Pakistan, this event brought together a vibrant, diverse group of participants from around the world, creating a unique platform for youth-led dialogue, climate action planning, and diplomacy skill-building.
The training program hosted participants representing a variety of fields — including academia, the corporate sector, finance, data analysis, and civil society — and featured young leaders from Pakistan, India, Albania, Costa Rica, Canada, Zambia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Azerbaijan, and several other countries. This diversity of backgrounds and regions enriched the learning environment, enabling cross-cultural collaboration and the exchange of ideas on a truly global scale.
My session, titled “Youth and Climate Diplomacy: From Awareness to Action,” focused on empowering participants to step into leadership roles within the climate action space. We explored the critical role of youth in climate diplomacy, the forms that activism can take beyond traditional protests, and how youth leadership can directly influence climate policy, advocacy, and sustainable innovation.
The session was structured to emphasize interaction and participation. We began with an engaging activity called Climate Action Bingo, where participants moved around the room connecting with each other to discover their prior contributions to climate action — from volunteering at clean-up drives to signing climate petitions. This not only helped break the ice but also immediately connected participants’ personal experiences with the broader global movement. 
Building on this energy, I facilitated discussions on how activism translates into diplomacy, and introduced the concept of multi-stakeholder negotiation frameworks, particularly in the context of climate agreements like the Paris Accord and the COP process. We emphasized that diplomacy is no longer the sole domain of governments — young leaders, grassroots organizations, and even social entrepreneurs now play a crucial role in shaping environmental futures.
One of the highlights of the training was the Environmental Diplomacy Simulation Exercise. Participants were divided into teams and assigned topics related to pressing climate challenges. Each team prepared a proposal that they would pitch before a simulated forum of stakeholders — including NGOs, investors, media representatives, and government officials (roles played by other participants). The goal was to experience real-world negotiation dynamics, defending ideas under critical questioning while maintaining focus on climate goals.
Participants proposed a series of impressive projects during this simulation, including:
• Mandatory Climate Education Policy: Advocating for the integration of climate education into national curricula at schools and universities, and proposing partnerships with ministries, NGOs, and media for effective implementation.
• Global Plastic Ban Campaign: Proposing a phased timeline to eliminate single-use plastics worldwide, backed by real-world alternatives and youth-led monitoring mechanisms.
• Green Jobs and Youth Entrepreneurship Program: Developing skill-building and funding pathways for youth in areas like renewable energy technology, sustainable agriculture, and EV maintenance.
• Eco-Anxiety and Climate Mental Health Campaign: Designing awareness campaigns and support systems to address the mental health impacts of the climate crisis on young people, with NGO and university partnerships.
• Climate Journalism and Disinformation Toolkit: Crafting media literacy campaigns and digital toolkits to combat climate misinformation and promote science-based reporting among communities.
These project presentations demonstrated a powerful combination of creativity, strategic thinking, and diplomatic negotiation skills. It was deeply inspiring to witness how participants critically assessed societal needs, framed solutions, and defended their proposals against critical stakeholder questioning — skills vital for real-world climate leadership.
Reflecting on my role, I am grateful to have contributed by designing and facilitating activities that helped participants:
• Strengthen their understanding of climate diplomacy and multi-sector collaboration
• Develop teamwork, critical questioning, and public speaking skills
• Experience the negotiation and advocacy dynamics of global environmental processes
Being part of this platform reaffirmed my belief in the transformative potential of youth leadership in climate action. It also highlighted the importance of creating spaces where young voices are not only heard but actively shape policies and solutions that impact our shared future.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to Teaching Pakistan for organizing this impactful event and to all the passionate participants who made the training such a dynamic and enriching experience. I am proud to represent the Media Climate Network in contributing to this global effort, and I look forward to continuing to work with young leaders worldwide to build a more just, sustainable, and resilient future.
