As Somalia continues to face the devastating impacts of climate change, LCOY Somalia 2026 (Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change) is providing a national platform for children and young people to help shape the country’s climate future. This year’s program places a strong emphasis on advancing youth participation in implementing Somalia’s climate ambitions, particularly the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and other national climate priorities through youth-led adaptation, mitigation, innovation, climate finance, and inclusive climate governance.
Officially endorsed by YOUNGO, the official Children and Youth Constituency of the UNFCCC, LCOY Somalia 2026 is jointly organized by the Green Media Initiative (GMI), Puntland Sustainable Agri livestock Network (PUSAN), and the Agent for Peace & Climate Resilient Development (APCRD).
Why LCOY Somalia Matters
With more than 75% of Somalia’s population under the age of 35, young people are among those most affected by climate change, yet they remain one of the country’s greatest resources for driving climate solutions. LCOY Somalia creates an inclusive platform where youth can build climate knowledge, strengthen leadership, influence national climate policies, connect with decision-makers, and transform their ideas into practical solutions for their communities.
The programme also helps strengthen youth participation in climate governance by ensuring that the perspectives of Somali youth are reflected in national policies and international climate negotiations. Through capacity building, dialogue, and partnerships, LCOY equips young people with the knowledge, networks, and opportunities to become leaders in climate adaptation, mitigation, green innovation, climate communication, and sustainable development.
Preparations Already Underway
Preparations for LCOY Somalia 2026 are already gaining momentum across the country.
More than 100 young people participated in the program’s first national introductory webinar, while around 35 university students joined the first Pre-LCOY Youth Consultation Workshop at Banadir University, discussing Somalia’s climate priorities and the role of youth in delivering climate solutions.
LCOY Somalia has also launched the nationwide consultation for the Somalia National Youth Climate Statement (NYS) 2026, with more than 200 young people already contributing their ideas, experiences, and recommendations. The Statement will represent the collective voice of Somali youth and children and inform national climate discussions while feeding into regional and global youth climate processes.
Access NYS 2026 Youth Consultation Form: LCOY Somalia 2026 National Youth Climate Consultation | Wadatashiga Qaran ee Dhallinyarada Soomaaliyeed ee Isbeddelka Cimilada 2026 – Google Forms
Join LCOY Somalia WhatsApp Community (Only Under 35) : https://chat.whatsapp.com/KFTWUrslfo18eg9K0kCyu6
The organizing team is also engaging with RCOY Africa, which will take place in Accra, Ghana, and RCOY MENA, scheduled in Muscat, Oman, to ensure Somalia’s National Youth Climate Statement aligns with the shared priorities of young people across Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa, while strengthening collaboration with fellow LCOY organizers.
The National LCOY Conference, planned for late September 2026, will bring together youth organizations and individuals, government institutions, academia, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to strengthen partnerships and accelerate youth-led climate action ahead of COY21 and COP31.
What is LCOY?
The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) is the official national youth climate conference recognized by YOUNGO under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Held annually, and happening in 112 countries in 2026, LCOYs empower children and young people to strengthen climate knowledge, develop leadership, influence climate policy, and contribute to national and global climate action.
A key outcome of every LCOY is the National Youth Climate Statement, developed through nationwide consultations. These statements feed into the Regional Conferences of Youth (RCOYs), the Conference of Youth (COY21), and ultimately the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), ensuring that youth voices contribute directly to international climate decision-making.
More than a conference, LCOY Somalia is a national youth movement that empowers children and young people to become climate leaders, strengthens collaboration across sectors, and supports the implementation of Somalia’s climate ambitions through locally led, youth-driven action.
🎥 Watch highlights from our latest LCOY Somalia Youth Consultation, where young people share climate solutions and recommendations for the Government that will help shape the Somalia National Youth Climate Statement 2026.
