Our Participation in the Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change (LCOY 2024)

The fourth edition of the Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change (LCOY) was held in Amman in October 2024, bringing together 200 young people interested and active in climate action from across Jordan. It was organized and led by young people themselves, under the patronage of the Ministry of Youth and the Ministry of Environment, in partnership with UNICEF, and Generations for Peace, Al Hussein Technical University. LCOY 2024 took place thanks to the support of Bank al Etihad and the Korea International Cooperation Agency.

Our Participation in the Conference

The conference was an unforgettable experience, filled with inspiration and knowledge. It provided unique opportunities, not only to learn, but to network and explore innovative ideas and solutions through which we as young people can contribute to addressing climate change - an issue that is increasingly preoccupying the world.

Deeper Awareness of Climate Issues in Jordan

As Jordanian citizens, we are aware of the environmental challenges we face, including water scarcity, rising temperatures and desertification. However, the conference opened our eyes to the deeper dimensions of these problems and the ways in which climate change affects people's lives whether socially or economically.

The conference’s many interactive sessions, led by local experts and young people, covered a wide array of topics, such as examining the intersections of climate change with security and peace, public health and water security, environmental policies, the Declaration of Youth, Children, and Climate Action, and the green economy.

We now feel more confident in our understanding of the local issues - an understanding essential to inform our future climate action.

Workshops: Practical Learning and Real-World Solutions

The workshops were an opportunity to engage in detailed discussions on possible solutions, and each participant selected the workshop that best matches his or her interests.  For example, some of us who are agricultural engineering students participated in a workshop on water resource management using modern technology, and the discussion revolved around how artificial intelligence and innovative technology can contribute to improving water use efficiency in agriculture.

On full display were the creative minds and positive energies of our young peers, and we enjoyed many memorable interactions.

Green Entrepreneurial Projects: Realistic Change Starts with Youth

One of the conference’s highlights was showcasing pioneering projects led by Jordanian youth to address local climate challenges over the past years – whether related to smart agriculture, solar energy, or recycling. Seeing how young people have already indeed achieved real change, in many instances utilizing modest resources, has inspired us. We now look forward to working on our own initiatives in the coming months as Youth Climate Leaders with the Sawn programme which is concerned with youth climate action.

Interacting With Decision Makers: Youth Voices Heard

LCOY was attended by prominent figures including HRH Princess Dana Firas, Minister of Youth Eng. Yazan Al-Shdaifat, Minister of Environment Dr. Muawiyah Radaideh, and UNICEF Representative to Jordan Mr.Philippe Duamelle, and they presented their visions on the crucial role of youth in confronting climate change.

The conference succeeded in creating dialogue between different generations, decision-makers and civil society. We were engaged in direct dialogue with ministers and international officials on the challenges of implementing environmental projects and the importance of involving youth in policymaking. Our delegations felt the officials' sincere interest and willingness to cooperate, which strengthened our belief in the possibility of turning our ideas into concrete projects.

The policy paper that emerged from the conference was one of its most notable achievements. This paper is unique in that it was developed by youth and presented to decision-makers with the aim of adopting more comprehensive and sustainable policies to address the effects of climate change. The paper included recommendations calling for supporting innovations in the field of clean energy, adopting new agricultural policies that preserve natural resources, and enhancing environmental education in schools and universities.

Towards Global Participation

LCOY helped us realize the importance of connecting with global efforts to achieve sustainable goals and utilize the global movement pursuing a more sustainable future. The conference paved the way for the participation of young climate leaders in international platforms such as the Conference of the Parties (COP29) in November 2024 in Azerbaijan.

Youth Responsibilities for a Better Future

The conference was a turning point in our understanding of our role as youth, and one step on the long road to addressing climate challenges. We realized that we were not just a target audience, but potential leaders of change. We return from the conference feeling proud and grateful to be part of this generation that is seriously striving to meet the challenges of the present and the future, including climate challenges.