Introduction of Conference of Youth( COY19)
COY19 is the 19th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Youth and which was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 7-9, 2024. COY is an event organized by YOUNGO, the Official Youth Constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and is one of the largest global youth climate conferences in the world. It takes place days before the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) at the same location. The conference aims to recognize the importance of youth in addressing climate change and mobilizing efforts to mitigate these impacts and develop innovative solutions to adapt to a changing climate.The conference centers on the transformative role of youth in global climate action, spotlighting three foundational themes ,Youth Leadership and Empowerment, Sustainable Development and Green Economy Transition, In Solidarity with a Green World, and Climate Justice and Cultural Resilience.
Dholakia Foundation at the Conference of Youth( COY 19)
At COY19, Dholakia Foundation’s women delegates united with young climate leaders to advocate for community-driven solutions.Through knowledge exchange, networking, and advocacy, the foundation aimed to:
● Elevate Foundation impact: Increase global visibility of foundation work through speaking engagements and social media.
● Empower young leaders: Equip a team with skills and resources to drive transformative climate action.
● Build Global Network: Establish strong connections with international organizations and youth activists.
Conference of Youth (COY19):Day one Overview
Day 1 of the conference began with a powerful address by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. He emphasized the urgent need for youth involvement in shaping global climate policy and called on young people to become leaders in the climate movement.A subsequent plenary session delved into the International Energy Agency’s insights on translating the ambitious energy goals set at COP28 into concrete actions. The session also highlighted the significance of sustainability education in empowering young people to drive climate solutions.
The Dholakia Foundation team actively participated in a key session focused on grassroots climate initiatives. Charu Mishra, COO of the Dholakia Foundation, shared the Foundation’s impactful river rejuvenation efforts in Gujarat, showcasing how collaboration with government bodies and local communities can lead to significant environmental benefits. The session also sparked a thought provoking dialogue on the role of privilege in advocacy, exploring how different levels of privilege can affect the reach of youth-led climate movements.
The day concluded with a series of networking activities providing participants with opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, forge new partnerships, and collaborate on future projects. These interactions built a sense of community and strengthened the global youth climate movement.
Day 2 of the conference sessions brought profound insights into global issues exacerbating climate change and affecting diverse populations.
The conference highlighted the critical issue of climate-induced migration. A session led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) stressed on how rising sea levels, extreme weather events and resource scarcity are forcing people to leave their homes. The IOM called for urgent action to address these challenges and mitigate the impacts of climate change on migration patterns.
UNICEF’s Christina Bacalso virtually interacted with participants, sharing youth perspectives on climate action. She stressed the importance of breaking language barriers and involving rural youth in global discussions. A key focus was on Climate and Green Skills, emphasizing the need to equip young people with the skills necessary to address climate change. Participants discussed the crucial role of education and training in building a sustainable future.
Inspired by the discussions and insights gained at COY19, the Dholakia Foundation team is committed to integrating these learnings into its ongoing initiatives. The Foundation will continue to prioritize youth engagement, promote sustainable practices, and collaborate with communities to address pressing environmental challenges. By leveraging the knowledge and connections established at the conference, the Dholakia Foundation aims to make a significant contribution to a more sustainable future.
Day 3 marked the culmination of discussions, networking, and action planning. The final day focused on consolidating the achievements of the conference and setting the stage for future climate action.
The Session highlight was the UNFCCC Secretariat who shed light on crucial initiatives like Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE )and the significance of COP29 and The British Council session that amplified and provided valuable insights into the role of youth in global climate governance. They also organized capacity-building workshops, where the Dholakia Foundation team actively participated to upskill and be empowered among young climate activists.
The Conference delved into panel discussion themed on Youth Power, Communication, and Digital Space highlighted the transformative potential of digital platforms in connecting people, amplifying messages, and spreading awareness. Charu Mishra, COO of the Dholakia Foundation, was a key panelist who emphasized the crucial role of digital platforms in spreading the core message of water conservation and ecosystem restoration. By leveraging digital tools, young activists can reach wider audiences, mobilize communities and accelerate climate action.
The conference ended with high-level officials speeches like from the COP29 President-Designate H.E. Mr. Mukhtar Babayev and Youth Climate Champion for COP29 Ms. Leyla Hasanova emphasized the crucial role of youth in shaping our future. Dr. Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, spoke about the importance of empowering youth voices in climate matters.
The Dholakia Foundation team showcased the organization’s commitment to environmental sustainability and social impact. Through their active participation, the team was able to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas and collaborate on initiatives to address climate change.
COY19 2024 was a transformative platform that gathered young climate advocates worldwide for an enriching and engaging experience that will accelerate their journey towards climate action.
