How did we organize the first-ever LCOY in Nepal?
Nepal, one of the developing landlocked countries in South Asia. Nepal being a small country full of natural beauty contributes really less to carbon emission. Although according to data, Nepal is listed as the 4th most vulnerable country in the context of climate change. It has unique and interesting biodiversity due to its geographical positioning. The country faces problems due to changes in climatic patterns and natural disasters.
LCOY (Local Conference of Youth) an annual event that aims to bring together youth around the world to host a climate event in their respective regions/nations. The event usually a fusion of workshops, training, discussions, engagement, and speeches. LCOY aims to strengthen youth involvement in climate activism. Through LCOYs, local youths come together to make their voice heard on the international platform. The event provides a platform for like-minded people with similar climate action. It is an event under the umbrella of YOUNGO, the official youth constituency at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC). It is a space for youth to uplift climate action locally and creates an input into the international conferences. Furthermore, it represents a national version of the Conference of Youth(COY), which takes place before the Conference of Parties (COP).
LCOY was organized in Nepal for the first time by a youth-led NGO named CliMates Nepal in collaboration with the Youth Thinkers Society - Chitwan with the support of the Himalayan Climate Initiative. The conference was organized for two days via the online zoom platform. The primary target of LCOY Nepal, 2020 was to empower the youths, identify and solve their local issues affected by climate change. The first day of the conference concluded successfully with three renowned climate speakers of Nepal a d a workshop on En-Roads simulation. Likewise, the second day was focused on panel discussions and group discussions. The main focus of the conference was to identify local problems directly as well as indirectly, and to find practical solutions to those problems. The participation and support for the first LCOY Nepal were overwhelming. Each participant presented their problems and discussed the negotiation. Local solutions to the problems were identified which covered a wide range of issues like waste management, plastic pollution, and human-wildlife conflict management. With the help of experienced speakers and trainers inspiring us in the event, the discussion went out of the box and related to climate issues.
P.S. You need to receive a recommendation letter from YOUNGO to conduct an LCOY in your region.
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