The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) USA, Fridays for Future, Care about Climate, and U.S. Climate Action Network (USCAN), in partnership with John Jay University, are hosting “Youth Engagement with the UN: Strategies for Local, National, and Global Impact” during New York Climate Week 2024, on September 26th from 7:00 – 9:00 pm ET.

Hosted by LCOY USA, Fridays for Future, Care about Climate, and USCAN, who boast a combined global network of over 500,000 actively engaged individuals, this event will unite an international community of young leaders for an engaging panel discussion and networking opportunity with prominent figures in UN youth advocacy. By highlighting grassroots efforts and the volunteer-driven nature of youth advocacy, we aim to educate and inspire young climate advocates about various pathways for participation in the UN climate process at the local, national, and international levels.

Taking place one week after LCOY USA, the country’s official UNFCCC-endorsed youth climate conference, this event is strategically timed so that organizers can present the National Youth Statement, which is crafted by delegates from around the country at LCOY and represents the key positions and priorities of U.S. youth ahead of COP29 this year. The event will end with a special announcement for a new initiative aimed at empowering advocates to implement the National Youth Statement.

This event will begin with a 45-minute session for networking and refreshments (vegan, light dinner provided by Le Botaniste), followed by a 1 hour interactive panel discussion with leading youth figures involved in UN climate processes at various levels. The detailed schedule is as follows:

7:00 – 7:45pm | Networking and refreshments (vegan)
7:45 – 7:55 | Introduction and presentation of National Youth Statement
7:55 – 8:30 | Roundtable discussion
7:30 – 8:45 | Q&A

Come early for a USCAN (U.S. Climate Action Network) event at the same location from 5:30-7:00pm ET!

Participants
Moderator: Ian Smith, LCOY USA co-organizer
Panelists:
Rachel Bowman Pittman: UNA-USA, Executive Director
Romie Niedermayer: YOUNGO, Global North focal point
Beniam Strzelecki: UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, member
Pooja Tilvawala: Youth Climate Collaborative, Founder; Delegate at COP26, COP27, COP28

Organizers:
LCOY USA
Care about Climate
Fridays for Friday
USCAN

Sponsors:
John Jay University