National
LCOY
Country-level youth conferences producing National Youth Statements
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REGIONAL IMPACT
Regional Action,Global Influence
Regional Conferences of Youth (RCOY) are YOUNGO-endorsed events that empower young climate leaders across continents to amplify diverse regional voices in global climate action.
5 Regions
Bringing together activists from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean, and MENA.
What is RCOY?
The Regional Conference of Youth, an annual, youth-led event endorsed by YOUNGO (the official youth constituency of the UNFCCC). These conferences gather young climate activists across specific regions (e.g., Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America) to develop regional policy statements, build capacity, and share climate solutions, with findings contributing to the Global Youth Statement.
Every year, the UNFCCC organizes the Conference of Parties, better known as COP. As a pre-cursor to COP, YOUNGO organizes the Conference of Youth (COY), a global event where the Global Youth Statement (GYS) is formalized and represents the demands of young people when presented at COP.
Before the COY, Regional COYs are held at an international level, connecting youth from multiple countries. RCOYs serve as an opportunity for young activists to network, capacity build, discuss the climate reality of their areas, and result in the drafting of the Regional Youth Statement on Climate (which feeds into the GYS).
What happens at RCOY?
Capacity Building
A pillar of YOUNGO is providing young people with skills to tackle the climate crisis and expanding their capacity to understand and address all the intersecting issues that surround it. During RCOY, young people will be provided with panels, side events, debates and discussion for open dialogue, where they can learn from each other and grow as advocates for themselves and their communities.
Panels and Sessions
During RCOY, delegates can expect to participate in dialogue spaces where climate tracks are discussed. Delegates also have the opportunity to listen and interact with plenary panels, as well as ask questions and share positions in partner-led side event sessions.
Network
For young people to achieve climate justice, it is crucial to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations working towards the same goals. Networking at RCOY can also allow youths to build relationships with potential partners, mentors, and sponsors who can help amplify their message and support their work. We aim to provide a space for learning from the experiences and perspectives of other advocates, including those from different backgrounds and regions.
ECOSYSTEM POSITION
Where does RCOY fit in the climate ecosystem?
RCOYs occupy the regional tier of a four-level youth climate ecosystem, connecting national-level LCOYs to the global COY and ultimately to COP negotiations.
Regionalyou are here
RCOY
Multi-country conferences producing Regional Youth Statements
Global
COY
Global Conference of Youth is producing a Global Youth Statement
Negotiations
COP
UN Climate Conference, where youth demands are delivered
Core purpose
RCOYs are designed to address the reality that many climate challenges, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, displacement, food insecurity, and energy transitions transcend national borders and require a coordinated regional youth response.
Regional solidarity
Build cross-border networks and shared ownership of regional climate priorities.
Policy input
Generate evidence-based regional recommendations for policymakers and negotiators.
Capacity building
Equip youth with climate policy knowledge, negotiation skills, and advocacy tools.
Global integration
Connect grassroots youth voices directly to UNFCCC processes and COP negotiations.
Who can participate?
RCOYs are open to any young person with an interest in climate action; no prior UN experience is needed. They are designed as accessible entry points to international climate processes.
- Youth climate activists
- Students and young professionals
- Researchers and academics
- Indigenous youth
- Youth-led organizations
- Community leaders
- Entrepreneurs and innovators
RCOYs actively work to reduce barriers to participation and ensure geographic, gender, and community diversity across all delegations.
Guiding principles
All RCOYs operate under the values of YOUNGO and the UNFCCC process.
Youth-led
Young people drive leadership, decision-making, and implementation at every stage.
Inclusivity
Participation must reflect regional diversity across gender, geography, and community.
Transparency
Processes, governance, and decisions are open and accountable to all participants.
Regional relevance
Programs address the actual realities and climate priorities of the region.
Accessibility
Deliberate efforts are made to lower barriers for underrepresented youth.
Integrity & safeguarding
All participants engage in safe, respectful, and ethical environments.
The RCOY process
Each RCOY follows a structured six-phase process from host selection to global integration.
- 1
Application & host selection
Regional organizations apply to host an RCOY. Selection considers youth-led structure, organizational capacity, inclusivity plans, and alignment with RCOY principles.
Open applicationRegional representationCapacity assessment
- 2
Onboarding & alignment
Selected organizers receive support from the RCOY Working Group, including orientation sessions, governance guidance, and coordination with YOUNGO and other regional processes.
OrientationPolicy alignmentWorking Group support
- 3
Planning & preparation
Organizers develop regional partnerships, participant recruitment strategies, program design, and capacity-building activities. Outreach spans multiple countries in the region.
Team formationMulti-country outreachProgram design
- 4
Conference implementation
The RCOY event brings together participants for a rich program of climate policy learning, dialogue, and co-creation.
Negotiation simulationsWorkshops & trainingsExpert panelsPolicy draftingNetworking
- 5
Regional policy output development
Participants collectively draft the Regional Youth Statement (RYS), producing evidence-based policy recommendations that reflect the region's shared climate priorities.
Regional Youth StatementPolicy recommendationsAction plans
- 6
Integration into global processes
RCOY outputs feed directly into the Global Youth Statement (GYS), the Conference of Youth (COY), and UNFCCC engagement, amplifying regional voices at COP and beyond.
Global Youth StatementCOYCOP advocacyUNFCCC engagement
2026 RCOY liaisons
RCOY liaisons are the primary points of contact between regional organizing teams and the global YOUNGO ecosystem. Reach out to your regional liaison for guidance, questions, or partnership inquiries.
Note: 2026 liaison information will be updated as appointments are confirmed. Contact the RCOY Working Group via YOUNGO channels in the meantime.
AFAfrica Region
Liaison — TBC
Contact via YOUNGO channels
APAsia-Pacific Region
Liaison — TBC
Contact via YOUNGO channels
EUEurope Region
Liaison — TBC
Contact via YOUNGO channels
LALatin America & Caribbean
Liaison — TBC
Contact via YOUNGO channels
MEMiddle East & North Africa
Liaison — TBC
Contact via YOUNGO channels
NANorth America Region
Liaison — TBC
Contact via YOUNGO channels
Key outputs
PRIMARY OUTPUT
Regional Youth Statement (RYS)
A youth-authored policy document capturing the region's shared climate priorities, challenges, and demands. Submitted to COY and integrated into the Global Youth Statement.
POLICY
Policy recommendations
Evidence-based, actionable recommendations directed at national governments, regional bodies, and international climate institutions, developed by and for youth of the region.
NETWORKS
Regional partnerships
New and strengthened relationships between youth organizations, institutions, and networks across the region, extending well beyond the conference itself.
CAPACITY
Capacity development
Enhanced knowledge of climate policy, UNFCCC processes, negotiation skills, and advocacy, giving participants the tools to engage meaningfully at all levels.
Governance & roles
RCOY organizing team
Responsible for planning, delivering, and managing the regional conference from start to finish.
RCOY working group
Provides oversight, process guidance, quality assurance, and coordination support across all RCOYs globally.
YOUNGO
Ensures alignment with youth participation principles, UNFCCC processes, and the broader global climate youth ecosystem.
Participants
Co-create policy outputs, contribute to regional dialogues, and carry RCOY outcomes into their national and regional advocacy.
List of RCOYs
RCOY 2024
Africa
- The Moroccan Youth Negotiators Council
- The African Youth Initiative for Climate Change
- African ID FGSES-UM6P
- International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences Morocco
Asia Pacific
- Global Youth Climate Connect Sri Lanka
- Green Economy Youth Organization Indonesia
- Climate Youth Japan
- Breathe Mongolia – Clean Air Coalition
- Green Dot Climate Mongolia
- Asian Environmental Youth Network Singapore
- Climate Entertainment & Govardhan App India
- SEEPAD Foundation India
- Indian Youth for Society
- Earth Safety Valve India
- Global Shapers Community Kochi Hub
- Skynok Pakistan
- Climate Forward Pakistan
- YouthNet Bangladesh
- Waste to Hope Bangladesh
- UN1FY Nepal
- Climate Reality Project Philippines
- Green Alliance Kyrgyzstan
Central Asia
- Unison Group
Europe
- Climates Austria
Latin America
- COP das Baixadas
- Engajamundo
- Youth4COP30
- Climalab
- SOA Latinoamerica
- Jóvenes por el Clima
- Global Youth Coalition LAC
Middle East
- Jordan Green Building Council
North America
- The Green Leadership Trust
- The Black Oak Collective
Southern Africa
- United Nations Youth Association Of Zambia
- Centre for Climate Change Action and Advocacy Zambia
- Youth Projects Development Platform
- COP Youth Task Force Zambia
- Environment Savers of Zambia Young Emerging Farmers Initiative
- Agents of Change Foundation
- All for Climate Action Zimbabwe
- Youth 4CAN Namibia
- Tingathe
- Youth Organization Malawi
- Hlumisa
RCOY 2023
Africa
- Green Africa Youth Organisation
- African Youth Initiative on Climate Change
- African Youth Climate Assembly
Asia Pacific
- Kelab Belia Prihatin Malaysia
- Malaysian Youth Delegation
- UNIFY Inc.
- Asian Youth Empowerment for COP
- Asian Environmental Youth Network
Caribbean
- YME Bahamas
Eastern Europe
- Wschod Initiative Foundation
Latin America
- Eco House
- Pacto X El Clima Colombia
- Sustentabilidad Sin Fronteras
- Uno.Cinco
- Climalab
Middle East and North Africa
- Youthinkgreen Egypt
- Act Sustainable
- Basmatna Gheer
North America
- TEAL Climate
Pacific SIDS
- The Climate Initiative
- Micronesian Climate Change Alliance
- Pew
South Africa
- Southern African Youth Forum
- Southern Africa Trust
- Reyna Trust
- Center for Environmental Justice Zambia
- Tanzania Climate Hub
- Namibian Youth on Renewable Energy
- Youth For Tax Justice Network
- Africa Youth Commission on AfCFTA
- Open Space ZW
RCOY 2022
Caribbean
- Young Marine Explorers (The Bahamas)
Latin America
- Sustentabilidad Sin Fronteras
- Eco House
- Uno.Cinco
- La Ruta del Clima
- Red de Juventudes de Cambio Climático de Costa Rica
Middle East and North Africa
- ACT Sustainable
The Road to Impact
How local consultations become global policy. 750,000+ voices are gathered through LCOY consultations, alongside 10,000+ direct participants across COY and RCOYs each year.
LCOY
Local Conference of Youth: Youth gather nationally in 115+ countries to discuss climate issues, build capacity, and produce a National Youth Statement (NYS).
RCOY
Regional Conference: National outputs are consolidated at continental level — Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, LAC, MENA — into Regional Youth Statements.
GYS (Drafting)
Drafting runs in parallel: LCOY and RCOY outputs feed working groups and editorial teams to build the Global Youth Statement before and during COY.
COY
Global Conference of Youth: Delegates convene to review, refine, and finalise the GYS alongside capacity building and advocacy coordination.
A Global Network of
Engagement
YOUNGO coordinates over 115 LCOYs and multiple RCOYs annually, ensuring that no region is left out of the global climate decision-making process. From small island states to the largest economies, youth voices are systematically collected, consolidated, and delivered to world leaders.
- 5 Continental RCOYs (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, LAC, MENA)
- 115+ LCOYs in 2024 — the largest youth climate mobilization
- Official YOUNGO Endorsement under the UNFCCC
Applications open
RCOY is back — and the wait is over!
After a whole year break, the Regional Conference of Youth is live again.
RCOYs are organized under YOUNGO, the official children and youth constituency to the UNFCCC. They bring youth from across a region together to share experiences, learn, and exchange ideas on climate action.
How is an RCOY region defined?
An RCOY covers a defined geographic area with multiple countries that share political, geographic, or socio-economic ties. The final scope is approved through YOUNGO's consensus-based decision-making process.
Minimum requirements to be recognized as an RCOY
To qualify, a conference must:
- Be youth-led and youth-driven
- Include multiple countries within the region
- Produce a Regional Youth Statement
- Coordinate with relevant LCOYs
- Follow YOUNGO's Conflict of Interest standards
- Submit all required reporting
Think your organization can lead this year's RCOY?
Fill out the form and apply to host RCOY in your region:
For enquiries, email:
Deadline: 12 June, 23:59 UTC