Christian Harpe
One of the most powerful moments of UNEA-7 was realizing how much work happens beyond
the microphone. Long days turned into late nights, with negotiations often stretching past
midnight. In those moments, I saw the true weight of environmental decision-making, the
urgency, the fatigue, and the responsibility carried by those in the room. As a youth delegate, it
became clear that being present matters just as much as being heard.
Speaking on a panel centred on Indigenous knowledge and leadership was a turning point.
Sharing space with Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants from around the world
reinforced that sustainable solutions already exist when we are willing to listen to rights holders
and youth. For Canadians, UNEA-7 is a reminder that global environmental decisions are
inseparable from local realities, and that young people have a responsibility to help shape what
comes next
