YOGYAKARTA – Yayasan SHEEP Indonesia (YSI) successfully organized Climate Festival 2026 on 24 to 25 April 2026 at Taman Pintar Yogyakarta in commemoration of Earth Day. The festival served as a public education platform that brought together government representatives, academics, civil society organizations, community groups, students, and the general public to strengthen awareness and encourage collective action in addressing the climate crisis. Through a series of interactive and participatory activities, the festival highlighted climate justice while placing the protection of children's rights at the center of the discussion as a critical issue requiring the attention of all stakeholders.

"The climate crisis is no longer merely an environmental issue. It is a humanitarian challenge that directly affects the most vulnerable groups, especially children." This message became the central theme throughout Climate Festival 2026. Participants were encouraged to understand that climate change affects not only the environment but also children's health, education, protection, and the future of the next generation.

Building Public Awareness Through Educational Exhibitions and Interactive Activities

Throughout the two-day event, Climate Festival 2026 featured a wide range of educational booths showcasing information on climate change, disaster risk reduction, environmental management, renewable energy, and good practices developed by various organizations and community groups. Visitors also participated in educational games, creative activities, environmental campaigns, and exhibitions that introduced practical actions individuals can take in their daily lives to reduce the impacts of climate change.

In addition to the exhibitions, the festival presented cultural and artistic performances as an engaging medium for public communication. These creative performances effectively conveyed messages about environmental stewardship in ways that resonated with diverse audiences while encouraging active participation from people of all ages. Through an enjoyable and inclusive approach, the festival made climate change issues more accessible and easier for the public to understand.

Highlighting Children's Rights Protection Amid the Climate Crisis

One of the festival's key events was a talk show entitled "Children in the Midst of the Climate Crisis: Risks, Vulnerabilities, and the Responsibility to Protect." The discussion brought together representatives from government institutions, academia, civil society organizations, legal practitioners, and community groups to examine the impacts of climate change on children's lives.

The discussion emphasized that children are among the groups most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Speakers explored a range of risks faced by children, including growing threats to their health, disruptions to education during disasters, and increased exposure to violence, abuse, and exploitation in times of crisis. The session also highlighted the importance of integrating child protection into climate adaptation and mitigation policies to ensure that development efforts respond to the needs of those most affected.

Promoting Collaboration and Collective Action

Climate Festival 2026 served not only as a platform for sharing knowledge but also as a space where organizations, community groups, educational institutions, media representatives, and concerned citizens could connect and collaborate. The interactions fostered throughout the festival created new opportunities for partnerships in climate education, public awareness campaigns, community capacity strengthening, and locally driven initiatives to enhance resilience to climate change.

Discussions held during the festival reinforced the understanding that addressing the climate crisis requires cross-sector collaboration. Governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, community groups, and the wider public all have important roles to play in building responses that are more inclusive, participatory, and sustainable.

Building Hope for Future Generations

Climate Festival 2026 successfully created a learning space that helped participants understand the interconnectedness of climate change, disaster risk reduction, and the protection of children's rights. The festival provided opportunities for participants to learn, exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore good practices developed by governments, organizations, and communities in strengthening resilience.

Through Climate Festival 2026, Yayasan SHEEP Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening climate literacy, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and encouraging active public participation in advancing climate justice. The festival marked an important milestone in expanding a shared movement that recognizes addressing the climate crisis as a collective responsibility. The partnerships established during the event are expected to grow into concrete actions that contribute to creating safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities for both present and future generations.