ACCRA, Ghana – The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Ghana 2024, a key precursor to the upcoming global Conference of Parties (COP29), took place on September 13th at the University of Ghana Business School in Accra. Organized by the United Youth Initiative for Africa (UNIYIA), the conference was supported by YOTA through funding from the Ford Foundation, as part of the Africa Youth Partnership for Climate Action which aims to empower young Africans to drive climate change solutions. This one-day hybrid event brought together 490 in-person and 198 virtual participants, showcasing a wholesome representation from all of Ghana’s 16 regions.
LCOY Ghana 2024 Delegates
The central focus of the conference was amplifying youth voices for climate action, with the primary goal of co-creating Ghana’s 4th National Youth Climate Statement for submission to the COP29 Presidency. The event featured in-depth discussions on critical themes such as loss and damage, biodiversity conservation, climate finance accessibility, and renewable energy adoption.
Panel Discussion
Key figures, including Tom Norring, Ambassador of Denmark to Ghana, delivered notable addresses. Norring’s keynote highlighted the indispensable role of youth in shaping global climate policies. Representatives from the British High Commission, UNDP, and UNICEF also delivered solidarity messages, underlining the importance of youth-led climate advocacy.
Tom Norring, Ambassador of Denmark to Ghana
The event was structured around plenary sessions that covered topics like Youth Engagement in Climate Action, Outcomes of COP28, and Strategies for Promoting a Circular Economy. Breakout sessions allowed participants to explore issues such as Climate-Induced Migration, Gender Equity in Climate Change, and Green Job Creation. A significant outcome of the day was the launch of a proposed draft bill for tethered caps legislation in Ghana, presented by Ms. Eugenia Yayra Agbley, showcasing the proactive approach of Ghanaian youth in shaping policy.
Break-out Session
LCOY Ghana 2024 set the foundation for continued youth involvement in national and global climate action and marked a critical step toward submitting the finalized National Youth Climate Statement by September 27th, 2024, ensuring that youth perspectives remain central to Ghana’s climate commitments at COP29.
LCOY Ghana 2024 Delegates
