The 23rd edition of the Local Conference Of Youth (LCOY 23) marked a significant gathering of young minds and dedicated advocates committed to addressing the most urgent challenges of our era. The event revolved around the theme “ACCELERATING YOUTH-LED CLIMATE ACTIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.” This annual congregation brought together the passion and commitment of young leaders from diverse backgrounds to explore innovative solutions, exchange experiences, and contribute to the global conversation on sustainability. LCOY 23 provided a dynamic platform where the vibrancy of youth intersected with the pressing need for climate action, nurturing collaboration and sparking collective endeavors toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
The conference commenced with an opening address by Mr. Mohammed Gyimah, the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology. He emphasized the significance of the youth’s voices in addressing climate change, underscoring the adverse impacts that the younger generation would face if climate action were not taken urgently. He highlighted the presence of climate policies designed to aid in adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Renowned expert, Honorable Pius Adedzi, delivered an engaging keynote address on the role of youth in the realm of climate action. Subsequently, the LCOY team introduced the National Youth Climate Action Plan, outlining various initiatives aimed at empowering the youth to lead the charge against climate change.
A panel discussion on intergenerational dialogue provided a platform for young individuals to interact with elders. They deliberated on the limited opportunities for youth to contribute to the betterment of their country and discussed the involvement of youth in politics as a means to promote their initiatives and address societal issues. The importance of taking meaningful actions at the local level was emphasized, as such actions could gain recognition from higher authorities.
Another panel discussion focused on technical dialogue, where experts from various institutions discussed the blueprint for tackling climate change through youth-driven actions. They explored how existing structures in the country could be utilized to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 and identified opportunities such as attending conferences, learning proposal writing, and collaborating with established institutions.
The final panel discussion was a motivational session by experts from B.ISA (B.Inspired with Stories from Africa). They shared their life experiences and encouraged attendees to seek collaborations and partnerships with institutions and individuals that could enhance their capabilities.
The conference offered profound insights into sustainable practices and emerging trends, including a deeper understanding of climate resilience strategies. These insights have direct applications to ongoing projects, guiding the integration of environmentally conscious practices and improving project sustainability. The event also facilitated meaningful connections between experts, peers, and potential collaborators who share a commitment to sustainability.
While the conference posed challenges related to managing a tight schedule and prioritizing sessions, these issues were addressed through meticulous pre-planning, selecting sessions aligned with organizational priorities, and utilizing technology for session reminders. Overcoming these challenges highlighted the importance of adaptability and effective time management, ultimately enhancing the overall conference experience.
In light of insights gained during the conference, it is recommended that our organization incorporate sustainable practices into project methodologies. Establishing a dedicated platform for ongoing knowledge sharing among team members can harness the wealth of information acquired.
In summary, LCOY 23 was a transformative experience that yielded actionable insights and further strengthened the commitment of youth to climate action and sustainability.
