Allora's Sally Higgins selected as Climate Youth Champion for COP31
Story: Caitlin Harrison - People N Places Magazine | Published: June 2026
Allora local Sally Higgins will take the voice of regional Queensland to the world stage after being selected as the Climate Youth Champion for COP31.
Raised in the close-knit farming community of Allora on the Darling Downs, Sally said growing up surrounded by agriculture and the natural environment shaped both her values and her understanding of climate challenges. Witnessing the impacts of droughts, floods, and changing seasons firsthand inspired her passion for climate action and youth advocacy.
Sally believes regional communities bring an important perspective to global climate discussions, particularly regarding practical solutions and implementation.
“Setting policy isn’t the hardest part — implementing it is,” she said. “That only works when solutions are practical, locally driven, and backed by the communities living it every day.”
As Climate Youth Champion, Sally hopes to help shift the focus of COP31 toward meaningful action that delivers tangible outcomes for communities, particularly in regional Australia. She is also passionate about creating opportunities for young people from around the world to have their voices heard and their ideas supported.
She said young people are already contributing real solutions to climate issues and should be trusted and invested in accordingly.
Sally credits much of her confidence to recognising the value of her own lived experience and understanding that coming from a small rural town does not make her voice any less important.
Looking ahead, she hopes her work encourages more young Australians, especially those from regional areas, to back themselves, get involved in their communities, and realise the impact they can have.
The Southern Downs community congratulates Sally on her selection and wishes her every success as she represents regional youth on the global stage at COP31.
