A four-day Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) India. 2024 took place in Mysuru, focusing on elevating youth involvement in climate action.

“Young people and children must be integral to the climate action efforts by governments and other stakeholders. Their voices and perspectives are essential in shaping climate resilience, meaningful action, and leadership in both policy and practice. Strengthening institutional capacity to plan, contextualize, and implement climate solutions alongside grassroots youth leaders and communities will significantly contribute to India’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goals and Nationally Determined Contributions.”

IYCN Members Achintya (left) &. Imran (Right) at LCOY 2024

This sentiment was one of the core messages in the National Youth and Children’s Statement, which was developed and presented by young people and children from various regions of India during the LCOY’s conclusion in Mysuru on Sunday, August 18.

LCOY are annual youth-driven conferences held under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), organized by young leaders around the globe. These events aim to foster local climate discussions, enhance youth leadership, and support grassroots climate initiatives worldwide.

The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) in India has a longstanding tradition of being hosted by various organizations. Notably, the Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN) and the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) co-hosted the first-ever LCOY in India in 2015 and 2016. Since then, IYCN has remained an active participant, co-host and collaborator in multiple LCOY events, continually engaging youth in climate action across the nation.

Achintya, co-lead of Youth4COP and regional coordinator, IYCN, participated in this year’s LCOY and expressed the hope of bringing these learnings to over 250 Youth4COP participants. Imran, a member of IYCN and delegate of SB60 from IYCN, also took part, along with several other members of IYCN. Their involvement underscores the commitment of young leaders to driving climate action at both local and global levels.

National Youth and Children’s Statement of LCOY 2024 will enhance IYCN’s ability to mobilize and inspire more youth to join the climate movement, aligning with the organization’s mission to build a sustainable and resilient future. By leveraging the momentum generated at LCOY India 2024, IYCN will continue to expand its reach, influence, and impact, ensuring that young people remain at the forefront of climate action in India and beyond