The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Nepal 2024, officially endorsed by YOUNGO- the official children and youth constituency of UNFCCC is set to take place on August 3rd and 4th 2024, in Kathmandu. This pivotal event will gather over 200 young leaders from across Nepal’s seven provinces, with a special emphasis on individuals from marginalized, indigenous, ethnic communities, persons with disabilities , children, women, climate vulnerable , socially victimized and so on . Under the theme: “From Local to Global: Youth for Climate Action in Nepal” LCOY Nepal 2024 aims to cultivate meaningful engagement and build the capacities of Nepalese children and youth in combating the climate crisis. As a national version of the International Conference of Youth (COY), LCOY Nepal feeds into the larger UN Climate Change Conference (COP). This connection ensures that the voices and perspectives of Nepali youth are represented on a global platform.
The event will spotlight following four key themes:
- Children and youth engagement in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):
Nationally determined contributions (NDC) are the part of Paris agreement and the achievements of its long-term goals. In short, NDCs are the climate action plan submitted by countries outlining their efforts to reduce national greenhouse gas emission and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Each country sets its own targets and strategies, which are updated every 5 years to reflect increased ambition and progress.
- Loss and damage:
At COP28, a significant step was taken towards addressing the climate crisis with the operation of loss and damage fund, an initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable nations in coping with impacts of climate change. It was first agreed upon at COP27 and formalized in COP28.
- Youth capacity building and networking :
LCOY 2024 enhances capacity and networking opportunities for youth engaged in climate action while fostering strengthened partnerships and support networks for sustained climate advocacy in Nepal. This initiative is designed to empower young climate leaders, providing them with the skills, resources, and connections needed to drive effective climate solutions and advocacy efforts within their communities.
- Indigenous and Local knowledge for climate resilience:
The knowledge that a community has accumulated through years of interacting with the environment is indigenous knowledge which is useful for the mitigation of climate change impacts in society. Empowerment of indigenous communities to continue advocating resilience using traditional knowledge is expected from LCOY 2024.
In the lead-up to the conference, a series of virtual sessions have been conducted to enhance participants’ understanding of these vital topics. These preparatory sessions ensured that attendees are well-equipped to contribute to discussions and activities during the main event. The highlight of LCOY Nepal 2024 is the creation of the National Children and Youth Declaration, a comprehensive document that will recommend crucial policies and actions from the perspective of children and youth on climate change. This declaration will contextualize global laws and policies to the unique challenges and opportunities in Nepal.
YASEN (Youth Action for Sustainable and Eco Nepal) and SWK (Sustainability Week Kathmandu) jointly organize the Local Conference of Youth, LCOY Nepal 2024 in partnership with UNICEF , FAO , NELIS NEPAL (Next Emerging Leaders Initiative for Sustainability Nepal) , World’s Youth for Climate Justice (WYCJ) , SHE CHANGES CLIMATE, I am the Gardener, Namaste Bagmati and many partners are still joining with us . Throughout the event, one can connect with like-minded individuals, engage in impactful discussions, and help find sustainable solutions for our planet.
न्यूजरेखा । १२ श्रावण २०८१, आईतवार १२:३६