Azerbaijan Launches First Local Conference Of Youth Of United Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change

The First Local Conference of Youth (LCOY), organized under YOUNGO-the official youth constituency of the UNFCCC-has kicked off in Baku, Azerbaijan, with the two-day LCOY2025 Azerbaijan aiming to boost local youth-led climate action and provide input for international climate negotiations.

Over 150 young climate leaders, alongside representatives from state institutions, international organizations, and leading national experts, are participating in the event, The Caspian Post reports via local media.

The conference is organized by the EkoSfera Social-Ecology Center, a recognized authority in sustainability and youth education with observer status in the UNFCCC, membership in global environmental networks, and a National Operator role for both Green Key and Eco-Schools in Azerbaijan. LCOY2025 is held in partnership with Baku State University (BSU) and the Sea Breeze Resort, with media support from CBC (Caspian International Broadcasting Company).

The opening ceremony at BSU featured speeches from BSU Rector Elchin Babayev, UN Resident Coordinator Vladanka Andreeva, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29 Azerbaijan Nigar Arpadarai, Youth Climate Champion Leyla Hasanova, and EkoSfera Head Firuza Sultanzada. Sessions focused on integrating youth into the global climate movement and fostering actionable ideas.

The second day at Sea Breeze Resort will include the adoption of the Azerbaijani Youth Climate Declaration and a meeting with high-level officials, including Mukhtar Babayev, Representative of the President of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues; Indira Hajiyeva, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports; MP and Executive Vice-Rector of ADA University Fariz Ismayilzade; and Rafig Aslanov, Head of the State Control Service for Water Use and Protection.

Throughout the conference, participants will engage in discussions covering a broad spectrum of climate issues, designed to enhance both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. By providing a platform for youth voices, LCOY2025 strengthens global youth engagement in decision-making and advances the UN Sustainable Development Goals.