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Recognising the importance of youth involvement in climate policy and the transparency processes, PATPA was delighted to welcome three youth representants from India, Thailand and South Africa to the 12th Annual Partnership Retreat (APR), held from 28th of August to 2nd of September 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.The Annual Partnership Retreat serves as a space for open and trustful exchange on the implementation of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement. This year, it brought together transparency negotiators and Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) coordinators from nearly 40 developed and developing countries to share experiences from compiling their first BTRs, discuss technical challenges in applying the Modalities, Procedures and Guidelines (MPGs), and reflect on the possibility to address these in a future review of the MPGs. The youth’s perspectives and experiences offered a valuable lens on the discussions and underlined the essential role of young people in driving climate ambition and agendas. 

The youth representatives shared that the APR allowed them not only to observe first-hand how countries navigate transparency challenges, but also cultivated favourable conditions for exchanging ideas and identifying solutions. This opportunity developed and deepened their understanding of the effort and collaboration required to build robust reporting systems on different governance levels, such as globally and in their respective countries and subnationally.

“Hearing how countries overcame […] obstacles gave me a deeper appreciation for the effort invested in building trust and accountability through transparency.” 

– Mulisa M., Youth Representative, South Africa

“During the workshop there were countless moments, whether these were roundtables, discussion, or even the coffee break chat- stories were shared and ideas were made.” 

– Voraparth T., Youth Representative, Thailand

While the Biennial Transparency Report is a party-led process of technical nature, youth still can play an active role. The youth representatives saw opportunities to be included in supporting the collection and reporting of climate data, acting as internal reviewers or climate ambassadors, and advocate for youth-inclusive policy frameworks. Also, young people have the expertise and are therefore well-positioned to contribute through research, innovation, and the use of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence for policy modelling and supporting transparency mechanisms.

“I strongly believe that young people are not just the inheritors of the climate crisis, but powerful agents of change. Meaningful youth participation in climate transparency is essential for building trust, driving ambition, and achieving just and effective climate solutions. When equipped with the right skills, mentorship, and meaningful roles in decision-making, we, as youth, can become the catalysts for innovation, collaboration, and accountability that the world urgently needs.”
– Anchal G., Youth Representative, India

The youth representatives described their perception of the atmosphere at the APR and highlighted their next steps after returning home. 

“Overall, I returned from the retreat with practical insights and renewed motivation, […]. This experience has not only expanded my technical knowledge but also strengthened my commitment to contribute meaningfully to transparency processes in South Africa, the wider region, and globally. Most importantly, it reminded me that youth have an essential role to play in advancing transparency and ambition, and that our voices are critical in shaping a sustainable future.”
– Mulisa M., Youth Representative, South Africa

“I’ve been working on a project that aims to relate psychology with climate change, and with a more informed view, this will be stronger than ever. Before coming here, I truly did not anticipate this event to be such a warm and welcoming place. The environment is overwhelmingly supportive, and everyone is helping each other learn.”

– Voraparth T., Youth Representative, Thailand

"The APR had a very welcoming and collaborative atmosphere. I believe the semi-formal setting really encouraged everyone, from newcomers and youth to experts alike, to participate, ask questions, and even facilitate sessions. I felt genuinely empowered to engage and learn. Going forward, I believe we, as youth, should continue building and joining networks that help us learn from one another, strengthen our collective voices in advancing climate transparency through learning and contribution, and propose innovative ideas and solutions through research and meaningful collaboration wherever we can, always striving to grow, improve, and achieve our best."

– Anchal G.,Youth Representative, India

PATPA will continue to support and empower young people to participate meaningfully in transparency processes and enable peer to peer learning. Their active engagement and commitment will ensure that the future of climate transparency and accountability will be driven by intergenerational justice, and innovation.