Empowering Māori Youth: Delegation from Aotearoa Set to Represent at COP30 in Brazil

A group of young Māori, known as rangatahi Māori, is getting ready to attend COP30 in Brazil. This trip highlights the deep ties between Māori culture and environmental issues, climate justice, and Indigenous rights. These young leaders, raised through Māori education systems, share a strong sense of duty to care for the land.

As one delegate, Taane Aruka Te Aho from Waikato-Tainui, puts it, “Our role is to be like Te Kāhu Pōkere — guardians who seek knowledge and share it with our communities.”

Māori leadership in climate discussions is crucial. The call is clear: Indigenous voices must be part of the decision-making process to create effective solutions. As the delegates express, “Mātauranga Māori,” or Māori knowledge, is essential for resilience and food security in the face of climate change.

Recent studies show that Indigenous communities often bear the brunt of climate-related disasters. For example, a report by the United Nations highlights that these communities face increased flooding, pollution, and food shortages, threats that have intensified over time due to colonial practices.

The urgency of climate action is underscored by the increasing severity of storms and rising sea levels. The situation calls for immediate and fair solutions that recognize Indigenous sovereignty. As Māori leaders point out, true climate justice is tied to honoring agreements like Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which emphasizes the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Moreover, these young delegates are not alone. They stand in solidarity with other Pacific nations facing similar challenges. Their message is clear: protecting our oceans and environment is a shared global responsibility.

Engagement in climate discussions is growing. Social media has become a platform for Indigenous voices, with hashtags like #IndigenousInClimate advocating for recognition and inclusion. This reflects a broader trend where grassroots movements push for change from the ground up.

Participating in COP30 is not just an event for these rangatahi; it’s an opportunity to amplify their voices and fight for their communities. Their commitment to te taiao (the environment) and their shared heritage fuels their passion for climate justice.

For more information on climate justice and Indigenous rights, check out this report from the [United Nations](https://www.un.org/en/climatechange). This source provides additional context on how environmental issues impact Indigenous communities worldwide.

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