Fifth Session of the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law: “Democracy and climate change: focusing on solutions”

The Fifth Session of the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 13-14 October 2025, gathered States, experts, civil society organizations, and youth representatives under the theme “Democracy and climate change: focusing on solutions.” The Forum reaffirmed that the climate crisis is not only an environmental emergency but also a profound challenge to democracy, governance, and the protection of human rights.

Opening the Forum, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stressed that human rights are the foundation for effective and sustainable climate action. He drew attention to the alarming number of environmental defenders killed in 2024 and urged governments to ensure that civic space remains open, that participation and accountability are guaranteed, and that climate responses are anchored in the rule of law.

Discussions throughout the Forum highlighted that democracy and climate justice must advance together. Participants stressed that addressing climate change requires open, transparent, and participatory governance that places people and communities at the center of policy-making. Combating disinformation, protecting scientific integrity, and ensuring access to reliable information were recognized as vital to upholding both democracy and the rule of law.
Youth and civil society voices played a central role in the dialogue, calling for meaningful engagement in shaping climate policies rather than symbolic consultation. They underlined that participation, equality, and accountability are key to ensuring that climate action truly reflects the needs of all, particularly the most vulnerable.

As IIMA and VIDES, we contributed to the Forum by bringing forward the perspectives of hundreds of young people from 33 countries, gathered through our a global consultation ahead of the session. Their priorities were clear: genuine participation, stronger accountability, access to education and information, protection for environmental defenders, and trust from institutions that act with integrity. Read more.
Moreover, a young speaker on behalf of IIMA and VIDES took the floor during the Forum. In her intervention, she emphasized that to move toward a climate-just world, States must ensure that youth participation is effective, active, and meaningful. Youth must be empowered to shape climate decisions, not merely comment on them. The solutions to the climate crisis will not come from closed rooms, but from open dialogue, shared power, and protected freedoms (text and video).

The Forum concluded with a shared understanding that protecting the planet and empowering people are inseparable goals. IIMA remains committed to promoting inclusive, rights-based, and democratic approaches to climate action, ensuring that young people and local communities everywhere can participate fully in shaping a sustainable and just future.

All texts and videos of the oral statements are available on the IIMA website.