Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) are events by YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change (UNFCCC). They are local events with a ‘regional-national’ focus that empower youth to participate in climate action and the decision making processes.
LCOY provides a space for capacity building and to learn more about the global climate policy processes and cross-cutting topics including education, sustainability and restoration. It is an example of what meaningful youth participation looks like when the space is open and accessible to people from all around India.
The theme for the LCOY India, 2022 is Youth for Adaptation and Loss and Damage. The recent COP-26 climate summit in Glasgow saw remarkable progress being made on Global Goals on Adaptation (GGA), Article 7 of Paris Agreement, by the launch of the two-year Glasgow–Sharm el-Sheikh work programme. This highlights the need for countries and communities to develop the adaptation solutions and steer conversation around Loss and Damage to respond to the already emerging impacts of climate change, as well as prepare for the future risks.
The policy recommendations, outcomes and suggestions of LCOY are presented in the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY). The COY takes place right before the annual UN Climate Change Conference, also known as Conference of the Parties (COP), in the same host country as the COP. COY serves as a space for capacity building and policy training, in order to prepare young people for their participation at COP. COP 27 was originally expected to take place from 8-20 November 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, COP 26 was rescheduled from November 2020 to November 2021. As a result, COP 27 will take place from 7-18 November 2022. The dates for the COY 2022 are yet to be announced.
This year, the LCOY India is jointly being hosted by the Center for Environment Education (CEE), Enact Earth Foundation and Brahma Kumaris.
CEE has an observer constituency under the UNFCCC and has been a key stakeholder for the Action for Climate Empowerment. CEE has been part of the ACE dialogues during the intersessional and has made representations at the various COPs since 2014. With partners, CEE has also organized events on sustainable lifestyles, climate action and behavior change education. CEE has previously organized the local COY for South Asian countries during the year 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 with an aim to enhance youth's understanding on climate change and sustainable development, empowering them to contribute towards climate action locally, nationally and internationally, providing them a platform to share their experiences with like minded peers, and giving them a space to let their voices be heard.
Enact Earth Foundation is a S.8 Not for Profit founded in 2021 aimed at creating a climate literate society through dissemination of knowledge among the common people about various contemporary issues existing around them and at the global level. Despite many important advances, there continues to be a significant gap between the articulation of issues that climate change poses on many facets of our lives. ENACT is determined to help develop better understanding and use research in science, economics and law as a tool to find solutions. Ultimately, it aims at supporting to build a sustainable world for all living beings.
The Brahma Kumaris have also previously organized LCOYs in 2019 and 2020. Brahma Kumaris is a spiritual organization dedicated towards sharing ancient wisdom of Rajyogi meditation that ensures higher order of universal values in individuals and the society collectively. With over 8000 meditation centers worldwide, it's one of the largest women- led spiritual movements. Brahma Kumaris is an NGO observer organization to many UN bodies including UNEP, UNFCCC, UNCBD and UNCCD. One of the key areas of action is highlighting Inner consciousness and its impact on Environmental awareness and actions leading to sustainable lifestyle practices. .
This year's venue: Brahma Kumaris, Prabhu Sharanam near MHA Gujarat circle, College Road Nadiad, 387001.
Who can participate in LCOY?
Youth aged between 18 to 35 years can participate in the LCOY.
Do we need to be facilitators to participate in LCOY?
No, being a facilitator is optional (as given a choice in registration form), hence you can be present as a participant of the event only.
Do we need to share ‘Stories of actions’ to participate in LCOY?
No, sharing your ‘Stories of actions’ is not mandatory.
Will I get a certificate to participate in LCOY?
Yes, the participants will be provided with e-certificates for their participation on all the three days.
Who do I connect with for doubts regarding LCOY?
For any queries, please feel free to contact us on the email: [email protected]
Established as a Centre of Excellence of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India.
