Empowering Children and Youth in a Multilevel Governance Perspective: Climate Action and the Role of Education in Building Sustainable Societies.

Climate change constitutes a profound global crisis, disproportionately affecting nearly one billion children due to their unique physical, developmental, and social vulnerabilities. The changing climate poses serious threats to children’s health, safety and overall wellbeing. Addressing the climate crisis through the lens of children’s rights requires coordinated action across all levels of governance. Multilevel Governance (MLG) provides a valuable framework for aligning responses across local, national, and international actors, promoting coherence, inclusivity, and context-sensitive solutions. Integrating children’s rights into climate governance enhances both the legitimacy and effectiveness of climate action. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) emerges as a transformative approach, fostering critical thinking, civic engagement, and resilience among young people. It equips them with the tools to understand complex environmental challenges and advocate for their rights. A comparative analysis of Germany’s and Uganda’s approach to ESD reveals that while national priorities and resources differ, successful outcomes depend on strategies that are inclusive, participatory, and responsive to local needs. Structural barriers persist, but opportunities exist to strengthen governance systems, financing frameworks, and legal protections. Integrating MLG and ESD within a child-rights framework offers a powerful pathway to more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable climate governance – one that protects children today while empowering them to shape tomorrow.