COY19 in Baku: Youth Leaders Drive Climate Action and Global Collaboration

A Vibrant Gathering of Young Changemakers in the Lead-Up to COP29

Baku, Azerbaijan— Over 400 youth delegates from 169 countries gathered in Baku from November 7-9, 2024, for the 19th Conference of Youth (COY19). Organized by YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in collaboration with the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization (NAMYO), COY19 precedes COP29, where the demands and insights of young people will inform global climate policy. Endorsed by the COP29 presidency, United Nations Youth Office, United Nations Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC), and Presidency Youth Climate Champion (PYCC), this three-day conference emphasizes the urgent role of youth in climate solutions, advocating for sustainable development, green economy transitions, and cultural resilience. With over 7,512 registrants, this conference set the stage for meaningful youth contributions to be heard in the upcoming COP29.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres set an inspirational tone in his opening video address, saying, “You are on the frontlines speaking out for climate action and holding leaders to account. And you’re on the right side of history. You are demanding action now, not later. And I am on your side.”

Day 1 (Thursday, November 7th, 2024): Foundations for a Youth-Led Climate Movement at ADA University

COY19’s opening day was packed with energy, vision, and purpose. The Opening Ceremony introduced the Global Youth Statement (GYS), a powerful collaborative declaration reflecting the collective climate demands of youth globally. Addressing urgent calls for climate justice and equitable policy, the statement was shaped by youth perspectives from over 150 countries. As a foundation for discussions at COP29, this statement amplifies the voices of young people, urging leaders to take radical and inclusive actions to address climate challenges.

“The GYS reflects the hopes and concerns of our generation,” said Bhumi Sharma, and Peshang Hama Karim, a COY19 liaison, urged the youth to lead the charge against climate challenges with unity and determination.

Following their speech, the invited VIP guests also gave welcoming remarks:

1. Mr. Yalchin Rafiyev, Lead Negotiator at COP29, welcomed the youth to Baku and informed them that COP29 is keen to have youth at the heart of negotiations.
2. Ms. Nigar Arpadarai, High-Level Climate Champions for COP29, echoed that young people are the catalyst of change, and she will do her best to include youth in the global climate action agenda because their voices matter.
3. Mr. Fergus Ault, UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan, expressed gratitude to the youth who joined their voices in fighting for their future and planet.
4. Dr. Saja Abdullah, UNICEF Representative to Azerbaijan, called for child-focused climate policies at COY19 and beyond.
5. Nargiz Hajiyeva, Country Director, British Consul Azerbaijan, stressed that empowering youth is the key to unlocking a sustainable future.
6. Amy Pope, Director General of IOM, sent an inspirational video in which she congratulated the youth for organizing a youth-led event and emphasized the importance of having migration at the heart of solutions.

The Afternoon Plenary session, “From Taking Stock to Taking Action,” was led by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Focusing on strategies to achieve COP28 energy goals, speakers discussed strategies for scaling climate-resilient energy projects and aligning local-level actions with global objectives, identifying key roles for youth leadership in global energy policy.

The day continued with Concurrent Sessions, giving delegates the chance to explore specialized topics including grassroots movements, climate education, migration, and digital health solutions.?

The Junior Philanthropists Foundation led a session titled Youth Climate Powerhouses, urging grassroots movements on global policy. Speakers shared insights into coalition-building, encouraging youth to mobilize their communities to push for climate action at all levels. Furthermore, the Global Citizen Education Group led a session titled “Empowering the Next Generation: Youth Engagement in Sustainability Education” that underscored the role of climate literacy in empowering young people as leaders. Delegates enganged as well in session titled “The Path Forward for Local Conferences of Youth (LCOY): Community Building and Knowledge Exchange” that gathered LCOY 2024 organizers to discuss community engagement, share experiences, and strategize for future youth-led climate events. Local COY organizers shared insights on fostering community and youth-led initiatives for a sustainable future.?

Additionally, Youth4Climate in a session titled “Unlocking Youth-Led Climate Breakthroughs: Scaling Solutions for a Resilient Future” ?showcased youth-led climate initiatives and provided strategies for scaling them to reach broader communities, inspiring delegates with real-world examples of impactful projects.? Finally, there was a Capacity Building session by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to address climate-related migration issues, offering delegates tools to advocate for migration policies that support climate resilience.

Iulia Ducca, Programme Officer-Climate Action IOM - UN Migration, informed the participants that "the climate crisis is a human issue, and IOM calls for collective action, with youth leading the way through their energy and innovative ideas to tackle climate challenges at their roots".

With the day’s events concluded, delegates left inspired by new ideas and friendships, ready to dive into Day 2.

Day 2: Empowering Youth and Exploring Climate Solutions

Day 2 kicked off with a “Getting to Know You” session, where delegates shared insights from Day 1 and forged deeper connections. The morning’s Panel on Climate Migration addressed one of the most pressing issues of our time. The Panel Discussion by the International Organization for Migration explored the intersection of climate change and migration, a critical issue affecting millions globally. Panelists emphasized the role of youth in advocating for policies that protect vulnerable communities and build climate-resilient societies.?

Later, the UNICEF introduced the Climate and Green Skills Poll, which surveyed delegates on the skills they felt were essential for a sustainable future, emphasizing the importance of skill development for young climate leaders. ?Discussions focused on capacity building and workforce development, with insights on how education and green skills can empower youth to become leaders in climate action.

The Opportunity Market ran throughout the afternoon, showcasing organizations like Corps Africa, The Buraaq Association, and IOM, each offering pathways for delegates to engage in climate-related initiatives and career development.

After lunch, participants joined various concurrent sessions that covered topics. The afternoon’s sessions featured an engaging workshop by the Climate Heritage Network Youth Forum on heritage preservation and climate resilience, examining how cultural knowledge can be integrated into climate solutions. Concurrently, People Achievement Consulting ran a workshop on fostering green job skills, highlighting how youth can prepare for careers in eco-friendly industries. The Isha Foundation’s Save Soil Movement led discussions on the critical role of soil health in ensuring food security and mitigating climate impacts, providing attendees with strategies for community-driven soil revitalization projects.

The day concluded with a plenary session celebrating the achievements of Local Conferences of Youth (LCOYs). YOUNGO representatives shared success stories from youth-led local initiatives around the world, demonstrating the potential of grassroots efforts in climate advocacy and community resilience.

In the breakouts, participants experienced the virtual reality of vulnerable communities and real stories across the world through VRs provided by IOM.

Day 3: Global Engagement and Cultural Night

The final day was organized at JW Marriott Absheron Baku. The final day centered on strategic global engagement and communication skills essential for climate advocacy. Representatives from the UNFCCC Secretariat led a session on navigating international climate frameworks, providing attendees with guidance on how youth can meaningfully participate in the UN climate processes. This was followed by a workshop by the British Council, which focused on effective communication for climate advocacy. Participants learned valuable techniques for crafting impactful messages, using storytelling to engage audiences, and building persuasive narratives for public and policymaker engagement.

“Empowering youth is key to unlocking a sustainable future,” said Nargiz Hajiyeva Country Director, British Council Azerbaijan. “—every young voice is a catalyst for change in the fight against climate change..”

Interactive Workshops on Digital Advocacy

The afternoon’s workshops included a session by YOUNGO’s Communications Unit on leveraging digital spaces to maximize climate advocacy. Participants explored how social media and digital tools could be used to educate, mobilize, and connect with broader communities. Another session, hosted by the Arab Youth Center, discussed key lessons from COP28 and other climate sessions, equipping youth leaders with insights for effective engagement in high-level climate forums.

Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony of COY19 provided a powerful end to three days of dedicated climate discussions, as delegates gathered in the Sharg Ballroom to celebrate their connections, reflect on shared experiences, and commit to advancing climate action.

Minister Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President-Designate, opened the ceremony by acknowledging the essential role young people play in addressing climate change. He highlighted how youth can shape a green future and commended them for their commitment to climate solutions.

COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev echoed the importance of youth advocacy, emphasizing, “Children are among those most impacted by the climate crisis, but young people can also be some of the most powerful voices for climate action. We must deliver to them a world they can thrive in.”

Following Minister Babayev, Leyla Hasanova, the COP29 Presidency Youth Climate Champion, reflected on Azerbaijan’s role as a bridge between diverse cultures and climate issues. “The details of your GYS will make it much easier for us to get serious consideration of your proposals from among the parties.”.

Dr. Felipe Paullier, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, expressed his admiration for the delegates' energy and commitment.?

“It has been incredible to witness and hear from you how you have come together not only to share stories and solutions but to create a vision for a sustainable and just future”.

?He emphasized the necessity of empowering young people as active participants in climate decision-making processes, recognizing them as “present changemakers.”

Nigar Baghirli, Head of NAMYO Secretariat, praised the diversity within the youth climate movement and encouraged delegates to continue their advocacy efforts, recognizing that global collaboration is key to combating climate change effectively.

Closing the ceremony, Joy Mlambo recognized the dedication that went into the GYS and urged delegates to use this document as a foundation for impactful discussions at COP29.

GYS Handover

As a momentous highlight of the closing ceremony, the GYS was officially presented to the COP29 Presidency. Crafted by YOUNGO’s Policy Team, this document encapsulates the voices, priorities, and climate ambitions of young people from around the world. With contributions from Local Conferences of Youth (LCOYs), Regional Conferences of Youth (RCOYs), targeted surveys, and collaborative hackathons, the GYS represents the insights and recommendations of over 700,000 youth from 150 countries.

The handover of the GYS symbolizes a unified call for urgent climate action and equitable policies, reflecting youth commitment to actively shape a sustainable and resilient future. Through this comprehensive statement, young climate advocates have laid out critical recommendations on climate finance, adaptation, and social equity that they hope will influence discussions and decisions at COP29.

This handover not only marks a significant milestone for youth engagement within the UNFCCC but also serves as a reminder of the impact that collective youth voices can have on global climate policy. The GYS will now serve as a guiding document for the COP29 proceedings, empowering youth voices to be heard at the highest levels of climate decision-making.

Cultural Night

The conference ended with an unforgettable Cultural Night, celebrating Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage. Delegates enjoyed traditional music, dance, and cuisine—a reminder of the shared humanity behind the climate movement.

COY19 Takeaways: Youth on the Frontlines of Climate Justice

COY19’s legacy is the GYS—a declaration calling for radical action on climate finance, NDC inclusion, and green economic policies. Through capacity-building sessions, networking, and hands-on workshops, COY19 equipped youth advocates with the skills, partnerships, and tools they need to drive change at both local and global levels. The conference spotlighted the importance of solidarity, bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds to commit to a resilient, equitable future.

MODERATORS EXPRESSED GRATITUDE AND PRIDE IN THE PARTICIPANTS’ DEDICATION.

The YOUNGO Focal Points thanked all participants and wished them success at COP29 and beyond as they continue advocating for their rights.

For updates and information on how to stay involved, follow COY19 on social media. These young leaders will continue their work, carrying the insights from Baku to the global stage at COP29 and beyond.

The closing speeches from COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev and other influential figures solidified the importance of youth leadership in shaping climate policies. Babayev reminded delegates, “Only two days from COP29, let us keep our efforts high and stand in solidarity for a green world.”

Stay Connected with COY19

COY19’s impact will continue as delegates carry their insights forward into COP29 and beyond. To follow their journey, stay connected on social media:

Social Media Links: Instagram | X | Facebook

Hashtags: #COY19 #YouthClimateAction

COY19 has united youth from all corners of the globe, demonstrating that a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future is achievable when youth voices lead the charge.