“We provide a space for networking, learning, teaching, and hopefully, changing the way the USA interacts with the climate crisis.”
What happens at LCOY USA?
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Capacity Building
A pillar of YOUNGO is providing young people with skills to tackle the climate crisis and expanding their capacity to understand and address all the intersecting issues that surround it. LCOY is no exception; during the Conference young people are provided with panels, side events, debates and discussion for open dialogue, where they can learn from each other and grow as advocates for themselves and their communities.
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Panels and Sessions
During the Conference, delegates can expect to participate in dialogue spaces where climate tracks are discussed, plenary panels with interactive opportunities to listen, ask questions and share positions and participate in partner-led side event sessions.
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Network
Connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations working towards the same cause is crucial for young people to achieve climate justice. Networking at LCOY can also allow youths to build relationships with potential partners, mentors, and sponsors who can help to amplify their message and support their work. We aim to provide a space for learning from the experiences and perspectives of other advocates, including those from different backgrounds and regions.
Why do we need an LCOY USA?
Young people, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented communities, deserve more opportunities to influence climate policy and shape our future. LCOY USA ensures young people are empowered and their voices are represented in decision making surrounding climate policy in the USA. The Conference also seeks to reduce fragmentation and increase coordination across the U.S. climate movement by bringing together youth representatives from organizations across the country.
Given its formal position in the UN’s multilateral climate process, LCOY USA has unique authority and credibility. The actionable demands that are developed through democratic and diverse exchange at LCOY carry significance that no individual environmental organization could re-create.
The Timeline
KEY
LCOY = Local Conference of Youth
NYS = National Youth Statement
COY = Conference of Youth
GYS = Global Youth Statement
COP29 = 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
