Ramallah, August 8, 2024 – The Arab Youth Green Voices Network successfully organized the Local Youth Conference on Climate Change (LCOY Palestine) on August 6-7, 2024, at Techno Park, Birzeit. This landmark event was spearheaded by members of the network in Palestine, under the leadership of its founder, Loay Al-Atrash, and in collaboration with numerous national and international institutions. The conference brought together over 300 participants, including environmental activists, academics, and policymakers from across Palestine, with the goal of amplifying Palestinian youth voices and fostering collaboration to develop tangible strategies for addressing climate change at the local level.
Held under the umbrella of YOUNGO, the official children and youth constituency of the UNFCCC, LCOY conferences are organized globally to capture the ideas and voices of youth, culminating in a set of policy recommendations that are presented at the COP climate summit.
The conference focused on the climate challenges facing Palestine, particularly the impacts of climate change on water and food security, as well as land degradation. Over the past two decades, environmental data has shown a marked increase in annual temperatures, signaling worsening climate and social crises. This is especially true in Gaza, which faces a compounding humanitarian and environmental crisis due to the ongoing Israeli blockade and prolonged war, which has led to widespread destruction and suffering.
Under the theme “Climate Justice: Climate Change in Gaza and the Path Towards Justice,” the conference spotlighted the disproportionate effects of climate change on Palestinians, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank. Discussions emphasized the environmental and social dimensions of these issues, highlighting the urgent need to support Palestinian youth in addressing these challenges and creating sustainable and innovative solutions.
The conference featured a diverse array of activities and interactive sessions, including over 17 discussion panels. Topics included analyzing Palestine’s environmental situation, exploring climate justice and its impact on Palestinians, and addressing climate challenges in water, energy, and agricultural sectors. Participants also discussed adaptation strategies, the role of technology, and the importance of entrepreneurship in promoting sustainability.
Women played a prominent role in the conference, with sessions dedicated to empowering Palestinian women in climate action and fostering their participation in decision-making processes related to climate change.
The Arab Youth Green Voices Network collaborated with a range of local and international partners to ensure the event’s success. Key partners included the Palestinian Environment Quality Authority (EQA), the Palestinian Energy and Natural Resources Authority (PENRA), the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), the Palestinian Environmental NGOs Network (PENGON), and the Palestinian Water Authority (PWWN). Academic and research organizations, such as the Applied Research Institute – Jerusalem (ARIJ) and Birzeit University, were also actively involved, alongside prominent environmental and developmental organizations like Nature of Palestine, Green Building, and the Green Life Association.
The conference was made possible through generous funding from several international and local entities. These included Oxfam, UNICEF, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Save the Children, and the Palestinian Farmers Union. Local support was also provided by the Bank of Palestine, ensuring the resources necessary to host the conference and its various activities.
The conference concluded with an inspiring session showcasing success stories of Palestinian youth who have led impactful environmental and entrepreneurial initiatives. The event underscored the importance of investing in youth leadership for climate action and called on local and international institutions to provide the necessary support to amplify their efforts.
LCOY Palestine represents a pioneering step in raising awareness among Palestinian youth about climate issues, positioning Palestine as a leader in regional and international efforts to achieve climate justice. This conference highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping a sustainable future and sent a powerful message to the global community about the importance of supporting and empowering them to drive meaningful change.
Notably, in 2024, the Arab Youth Green Voices Network supported local youth conferences in Yemen, Oman, and Lebanon. The network is also preparing for a regional online youth conference in October 2024, with representatives from countries such as Yemen, Iraq, Oman, Sudan, Syria, and Lebanon. This initiative aims to foster collaboration among Arab youth in addressing shared climate challenges and exchanging best practices to develop effective strategies for achieving climate justice.
