The KSA Local Conference of Youth (KSA LCOY18) concluded its second conference in Saudi Arabia with great success. Hosted by the Saudi Youth Climate Network in partnership with Pristine NGO and Global Shapers Riyadh Hub and proudly sponsored by EDF Saudi and UNDP, the event took place on the 21st of October at the United Nations House in Riyadh. It brought together passionate young climate advocates and experts to inspire intergenerational dialogues, debates, and actionable solutions that promote climate literacy, adoption of green skills, and expediting the implementation of Saudi Arabia’s green goals.
KSA LCOY18 is part of a global youth initiative, officially recognized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), YOUNGO. This event, is here for its second edition in Saudi Arabia, sought to unify, empower, and engage youth, climate advocates, and subject-matter experts to take action. The conference served as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy within the youth climate movement.
The conference featured speeches from leaders of EDF, UNDP, UNICEF, and IsDB, addressing critical topics such as innovative low-carbon technologies in Saudi Arabia, youth inclusion in sustainable development as a pillar of Vision 2030, and comprehensive social, environmental, and economic development efforts in Muslim-majority countries.
An engaging panel discussion explored how different stakeholders can collectively mobilize youth in Saudi Arabia as key players in the Kingdom’s green transition and spearhead target implementation. Different panelists shared their insights and expertise, providing a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in the transition to a greener future.
The event concluded with an interactive Global Youth Statement session, where the primary objective was to gather inputs from the audience. Youth participants presented valuable insights and demands, which are now being compiled into a comprehensive policy document. This document will echo the voices of Saudi Arabian youth and will be submitted to the Middle East and North Africa Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY) in Oman in November, followed by the Global Conference of Youth (GCOY) in the UAE at the end of November. This initiative represents a significant step toward youth involvement in the official youth policy paper for the COP28 climate negotiations, the supreme decision-making body of the Climate Change Convention.
Hassan Qadi, Vice Curator of Global Shapers Jeddah Hub, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Global Shapers Jeddah Hub is thrilled to be part of KSA LCOY18. As a community-led project, we are dedicated to supporting initiatives like the Saudi Youth Climate Network to reach a maximum number of beneficiaries and create meaningful and sustainable change. We believe that our efforts align with Saudi Arabia Vision 2030’s focus on environmental sustainability and community development, as we strive to make a significant contribution to the Kingdom’s transformation journey.”
Hanan Alnuwaiser, Founder of the Saudi Youth Climate Network, emphasized the impact of KSA LCOY18, saying, “KSA LCOY18 granted a platform for young climate advocates and leaders in Saudi Arabia to share ideas, engage in different discussions, and drive tangible and actionable climate policy recommendations. Witnessing the immense potential of our youth in addressing climate challenges is inspiring and exciting – our future will be in good hands.”
The Saudi Youth Climate Network helps unite, equip, and train youth in Saudi Arabia with the skills, resources, and opportunities to lead sustainable change. Their vision is to mobilize talent in the Kingdom and establish an inclusive space that empowers the youth of Saudi Arabia to be at the forefront of the climate movement. KSA LCOY18 has set the stage for the youth of Saudi Arabia to be the driving force in achieving the nation’s green goals and addressing climate challenges.
