Net Zero Damages: From Net-Zero Emissions to Protecting Well-Being, Development and Ecosystems

The POP Movement is joining the XVI National Congress on Climate Change Research, organized by the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) and CIIEMAD-IPN, bringing together academic institutions, researchers, students, and international partners around the theme “Net Zero Damages”. The Congress will take place from 19–23 October 2026 in Mexico City.

The Congress moves beyond the focus on reducing emissions alone, highlighting the importance of protecting human and ecosystem well-being, development, and resilience. Its central framework brings together four interconnected areas: mitigation, adaptation, compensation, and co-benefits, reflecting different dimensions of responding to climate change and addressing its impacts.

POP Movement: Bringing Youth Voices to the Congress

As part of its participation, the POP Movement will host a Panel Discussion featuring young people working with POP from different countries and backgrounds. The panel will provide a platform for youth to share their experiences, values, perspectives, and journeys in climate action and advocacy, bringing lived experiences and youth leadership into the wider climate research dialogue.

The panel will highlight how young people are engaging with climate change not only through awareness, but also through advocacy, community engagement, leadership, and practical action.

YouthCAN: Climate Action Now

The POP Movement will also host a dedicated session introducing YouthCAN – Climate Action Now and highlighting its activities and opportunities for youth participation.

The session will showcase how YouthCAN creates spaces for young people to learn, collaborate, build capacities, and take meaningful action on climate and sustainability issues. It will also provide participants with an opportunity to learn from ongoing youth-led activities and explore avenues for becoming more actively engaged in climate action.

Through these two POP-led sessions, the Congress will provide a meaningful platform for connecting climate research with youth experience, advocacy, capacity building, and action.

A Shared International Platform

The Congress brings together a broad network of institutions, including IPN, CIIEMAD-IPN, Abu Dhabi University, POP Movement, ICM, REMA, and other academic and research institutions, reflecting the international and interdisciplinary nature of the event.

For the POP Movement, participation in the Congress strengthens its collaboration with IPN while creating another opportunity to place young people and youth-led climate action within important academic and research conversations.

19–23 October 2026 | Mexico City, Mexico