Niël Terblanché
Hopes are high that the collective effort of Namibia’s youth will lead to tangible solutions for the nation’s climate-related challenges, ensuring that future generations inherit a more sustainable and resilient environment.
In this regard the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Namibia 2024 kicked off in Windhoek this week, bringing together 50 youth delegates from all 14 regions of Namibia to find sustainable solutions for the country’s climate challenges.
Presented under the theme “Youth at the Forefront: Driving National Climate Solutions,” the conference is focused on key climate issues such as adaptation, mitigation, and a just transition to renewable energy.
The event runs in tandem with global climate solution efforts while leading up to The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC, more commonly known as COP29.
COP29 is the 29th United Nations Climate Change conference and will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 11 to 22 November.
The youth-led conference provides a crucial platform for young Namibians to play a central role in shaping the national climate agenda.
Discussions at the conference aim to generate innovative strategies to address the impacts of climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure a fair and equitable transition to renewable energy, all while promoting sustainable development and the creation of green jobs.
Key activities at LCOY Namibia 2024 include expert panels and workshops led by climate scientists, energy experts, and policymakers.
Youth delegates have been actively participating in discussions on how Namibia can build climate resilience and implement effective climate action strategies.
The insights gathered at the conference will inform the creation of a National Youth Statement on climate action, which will be presented at COP29, ensuring that the voices of Namibian youth are heard at the global level.
“This conference provides a critical platform for Namibian youth to shape the national climate agenda,” the LCOY Namibia Organizing Committee said in a statement.
The committee stressed the importance of focusing on inclusive and sustainable climate solutions, with a particular focus on adaptation and climate justice.
The event also aims to strengthen collaboration among youth-led climate organizations and encourage investment in green start-ups and climate justice initiatives.
The event has support from various international and local partners, including the European Union Delegation to Namibia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Key Namibian organizations such as the Namibia Youth Renewable Energy (NAYORE) and Wakapinya Environmental Education have also lent their support to ensure the success of the conference.
LCOY Namibia 2024 is part of a broader effort to increase youth participation in climate-related decision-making processes at both local and international levels.
The objectives of the conference include raising awareness about Namibia’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), promoting youth-led climate action, and facilitating discussions around climate justice in the Namibian context.
Youth involvement in green finance and entrepreneurship is also a key focus of the event, with opportunities being created for young Namibians to access funding for environmental projects.
The committee said in its statement that by encouraging the growth of green start-ups, the conference hopes to create more employment opportunities for the country’s youth, further driving Namibia towards a sustainable future.
