First Local Conference of Youth Guyana 2025 a Success
- unites Over 100 Youth for Climate Action
Georgetown, Guyana – July 17, 2025: The first-ever Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Guyana 2025 was held with resounding success, bringing together over 100 young leaders from across the country for a powerful, one-day climate empowerment forum at the Regency Suites Hotel in Georgetown.
The landmark event was hosted by the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) and the Caribbean Youth Climate Council (CYCC), in partnership with UNICEF Guyana, and with generous support from the Government of Canada.
Under the theme “Youth, Inclusivity and Climate Action: Shaping Guyana’s Sustainable Future”, LCOY Guyana 2025 served as a dynamic platform for youth to engage in panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking sessions centered on climate justice, sustainable development, and the critical inclusion of youth in national and global climate policymaking.
“It was an incredible honour to be part of the historic LCOY Guyana 2025. I felt truly privileged to listen to all the seasoned speakers—they left me inspired to create change and reminded me of the importance of my voice as a youth,” said Semeerah Tularam, Sixth Form Student at Marian Academy.
LCOY Guyana 2025 is a nationally organized youth conference affiliated with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) through the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) network. Meticulously planned and executed by young people, for young people, the event emphasized youth agency in shaping climate dialogue and influencing decision-making locally, regionally, and internationally.
Participants explored critical issues through thematic areas including Climate Change Justice and Awareness, Balancing Economic Growth with Environmental Sustainability, The Role of Children, Youth & Adolescents in Climate Action and Food Security and Climate Resilience among other areas.
These sessions aimed to deepen understanding of Guyana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), promote inclusive solutions to climate impacts, and shape a collective action plan for youth involvement in national and regional climate processes.
“Being part of LCOY 2025 was an uplifting and empowering experience. It truly felt like youth from all walks of life were given the space to learn, share, and lead in the fight against the climate crisis. Contributing meaningfully to the conversation and knowing our ideas will join those of young people around the world was deeply fulfilling,” shared Jasmine Crawford, Policy Forum Guyana Volunteer and Region 10 youth representative.
Guyana, with its low-lying coastline and vast ecosystems, remains highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including sea level rise, flooding, and extreme weather. Yet, as the event showcased, Guyanese youth are rising to meet the challenge with innovation and resilience.
“The youth of Guyana are charting a bold path forward. This inaugural LCOY has proven that when youth are given the tools, space, and voice, they lead with vision and purpose,” said Kristie Duff, LCOY Guyana Coordinator.
UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI) identifies Guyana as a high-risk country for climate and environmental shocks, underscoring the urgency of youth-led action. From grassroots tree-planting to policy advocacy, Guyanese youth are already shaping a climate-conscious future.
“I thought the conference was really well-paced and informative,” remarked Gabriel Gilkes, a participant. “I got to learn about climate change from a diverse set of individuals. It was actually fun! As someone who usually finds in-person conversations boring, I was surprised by how engaging this was, especially for a topic I’m not very familiar with.”
Jewell Crosse, Youth and Adolescent Officer at UNICEF Guyana, also praised the initiative, “At UNICEF, we see the climate crisis as a child rights crisis. Platforms like LCOY Guyana are not just events, they are launchpads for real, youth-led climate solutions. Youth voices must not just be heard; they must shape the agenda” Crosse said.
LCOY Guyana 2025 is also a steppingstone to larger platforms, such as the Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY) and COP30, and aligns with UNICEF’s Green Rising movement, empowering young people to drive environmental action in their communities.
Looking ahead, organizers are committed to Implementing a collective youth climate action plan, Engaging underrepresented youth, including Indigenous, rural, and marginalized voices and Expanding access to climate education and green job training.
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