A group of young Australians are hoping to reach agreement at UN climate talks later this year.

Sashenka Lakshmanasingha, together with 14 other young Australians, has been selected to represent Australian youth at the UN climate change conference (COP17) in South Africa this December.

They will meet with world leaders and other young representatives to work on a strong climate agreement.

The conference is especially important as Australia is expected to put a price on carbon just before the talks begin.

“Australia is finally catching up to the rest of the world in investing in renewable energy and putting a price on pollution. I’m optimistic that at Durban this will show the rest of the world that countries can work together on climate action,” Ms Lakshmanasingha said.

Ellen Sandell, National Director of Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC), said Ms Lakshmanasingha was selected to be on the team due to her passion for climate action, and leadership within her local community.

The 19-year-old personally witnessed the tsunami that hit Sri Lanka in 2004, after which she became interested in the issue of climate change and joined the AYCC.

This year, the youth delegates of Australia will also be supporting three Pacific Island representatives to attend COP17.

Mark Boe Adin (Vanuatu), Tarateiti Timiti (Kiribati) and Vincent Isia (Solomon Islands) come from communities who are most affected by climate change.

Their presence at COP17 is significant as it reflects the urgent call by vulnerable nations to take action on the issue.

It will also give insight to the help they need, in the most efficient way possible.

The AYCC will hold a community dinner and fundraisers to help send these three youth delegates to Durban.

Find out more about AYCC’s work on the International Youth Climate Movement here.

To help support the Pacific Island youth delegates click here and attend this event.