Kathmandu, August 6, 2024 (Ashish Lamichhane) – The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Nepal 2024, endorsed by YOUNGO, the official children and youth constituency of UNFCCC, successfully took place on August 3rd and 4th, 2024, in Kathmandu. This significant event gathered over 200 young leaders from across Nepal’s seven provinces, emphasizing participation from marginalized, indigenous, ethnic communities, persons with disabilities, children, women, and climate-vulnerable and socially victimized groups.

Under the theme “From Local to Global: Youth for Climate Action in Nepal,” LCOY Nepal 2024 aimed to foster 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), ensuring that the voices and perspectives of Nepali youth are represented on a global platform.

The event spotlighted four key themes:

1. **Children and Youth Engagement in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):** Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) are part of the Paris Agreement and the achievements of its long-term goals. In short, NDCs are the climate action plans submitted by countries outlining their efforts to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Each country sets its own targets and strategies, which are updated every five years to reflect increased ambition and progress.

2. **Loss and Damage:** At COP28, a significant step was taken towards addressing the climate crisis with the operation of the Loss and Damage Fund, an initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable nations in coping with the impacts of climate change. It was first agreed upon at COP27 and formalized in COP28.

3. **Youth Capacity Building and Networking:** LCOY 2024 enhanced 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 was 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.

4. **Indigenous and Local Knowledge for Climate Resilience:** Indigenous knowledge, accumulated through years of interaction with the environment, is valuable for mitigating climate change impacts. LCOY 2024 aimed to empower indigenous communities to continue advocating resilience using traditional knowledge.

In the lead-up to the conference, a series of virtual sessions enhanced participants’ understanding of these vital topics. These preparatory sessions ensured that attendees were well-equipped to contribute to discussions and activities during the main event. The highlight of LCOY Nepal 2024 was the creation of the National Children and Youth Declaration, a comprehensive document recommending crucial policies and actions from the perspective of children and youth on climate change. This declaration contextualized 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 organized 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 other partners.

The event marked a significant milestone in Nepal’s climate action journey, reflecting the collective power and potential of its youth.

*By Ashish Lamichane, Climate Journalist*

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